my new rescue OTTB *UPDATE* Clinic report with pics!

[tbmorgan]

:DThis morning, I went to look at a possible "project" horse for resale, and this is what I found when I got there: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=164936&id=1185624268&saved#/album.php?aid=164936&id=1185624268
Needless to say, he's home with me now! I submitted his tattoo number to the Jockey Club and found out his name is Cabett, and he's a 6 yr. old gelding. His pedigree is here: http://www.pedigreequery.com/cabett
His damline is not well known to me...anyone have any insight? He's an incredibly sweet boy and I think with enough TLC he'll be just fine in a few months! How anyone can do this to a horse is just beyond me....

Katja

[Reds-n-Greys]

Sorry, no help on his breeding...just a Bless you for taking him home. He will certainly repay you.

[Quinn]

Sorry, I know nothing of his dam line at all but I echo Reds-n-Greys. Bless you for taking him. Yes, he most definitely is a rescue.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[LittleblackMorgan]

Good for you. Your boy looks about 75lbs less than my mare when I got her, topped off with rain rot supreme, 3 shoes and absesses up the whazoo.

Mine has Waquoit in her...I got lucky. Trying to breed her (well, next year....):D

[hunt_jumpfl]

I don't recognize a ton, but I love Full Pocket. I had a grandson of his by Fighting Fit that was a great adult amateur hunter. He was built long but well balanced and had just a wonderful sweet personality. He was a cute hunter type mover and jumper with a very rhythmic canter.

Good luck with your new boy - it looks like he was lucky to find you. He is going to be quite the looker when he gains his weight back.

[ryansgirl]

I don't recognize those lines but i've never been good at that stuff!

I'm just glad you were able to take him home - he looks like he needs someone to love him and spoil him - like others have said... he'll repay you in no time at all :sadsmile:. Congrats :).

[up-at-5]

Wow.. he's in rough shape! Thank you for saving him....make sure you post pics as he progresses!!

[Vitriolic]

Here is a little more info: http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/fc_display.cgi?userfile=P2413810071564

He was born in LA Jan 5, 2003. Poor guy just raced in 2007, earned $15K altogether and no one saw fit to feed him! For some reason, brisnet has him as a filly?! All the best with him and bless you for taking him. He looks so kind.

[TKR]

Good for you, Katja! You should report whoever neglected him -- they should not get away with starving a horse. I testified in a court case about some a few years ago and the judge was pretty hard on the owner. I couldn't see the photo (maybe glad of that)! As far as the damline -- Full Pocket x Olden Times is one of the last sirelines still ongoing to some degree, to Man 'o War. FP's damsire was a favorite for the Ky Derby (Calumet horse) the year that Northern Dancer won and a good sire. Lt. Stevens was a good sire (damsire of Alysheba) by a son of Nasrullah. Good looking horse. Bold Hemp/Indian Hemp are good lines to Bold Ruler. Rough 'N Tumble is o/o a Bulldog mare and is the broodmare sire of In Reality (the other sireline to Man 'o War). Court Martial was the broodmare sire of Lyphard and a good sire in his own right -- French bred, I believe. Of course, Roman is also an excellent sportsline, so I'd say you did ok! Good luck!
PennyG

[Thomas_1]

Good grief which scumbag starved the poor animal to that extent?

I sincerely hope they're being prosecuted for cruelty and neglect.

Shameful!!!!

[springer]

He looks like he will be gorgeous when he gains some weight. I'd like to shoot the
A$$h@!# myself that did this to him.

[sblake]

Bless you for taking him home. He does look like he'll be beautiful when he gets some weight on him.

[tucktaway]

Good for you! Good luck!

[showponies]

His bottom line has very good "old" hunter breeding. My mom had a book from the 60's and 70' that kept track of thbd lines for jumping( Back in the day when a great jumping hores must be a thoroughbred!) He is VERY well bred....Great find, good luck with him!!!!!

[khailee]

Wow. It's disgusting how people let their horses get to this point...

[JCIbarra]

Poor guy! Good luck with him!

[tbmorgan]

Wow, thanks everyone! I've learned something new today...always studying those TB bloodlines and trying to further educate myself!
Nickel, as I've decided to call him for his barn name, is a total sweetie pie. I gave him a medicated bath for his skin funk and he ate up the attention. He nickers at me and follows me, always standing in the corner of his paddock nearest to where I'm working. I'm already quite attached to the boy!

This weekend is the anniversary of my dear Fire's death. I've been blue for weeks leading up to this. Then along comes this horsie, a Raise A Native grandbaby just like my Fire, and his birthday is the day after mine...this horse came into my life for a reason. He needs me and I need him. My other two boys, Amos and Moxie, are being very kind to their new brother...they nicker at him and visit with him at the fenceline. He's too weak to be turned out with anyone yet, but they are trying to make friends! All in all, how can I be unhappy when I see Nickel fighting so hard with bright eyes and pricked ears, and see my wonderful two boys welcoming him home? I know we're facing a long road ahead of us, but I'm looking forward to it!

Katja

p.s. I got Nickel through a second party, but I'm working hard on tracking down the individual who got him in this sorry condition! Hanging's too good for that "person!" Actually, I like the term scumbag, as Thomas said!

[Thomas_1]

Don't forget to get a load of photos and an independent veterinary report on the horse's condition in readiness for a prosecution if that proves possible.

Though my personal preference is to put the scumbag in a small room and withdraw all food and water for a month !

[foxhavenfarm]

Good for you! I bet he will be a really nice looking boy with some groceries and muscle tone. Good luck with him!

[tbmorgan]

Yes, Thomas, I already have tons of pictures (doing that anyway for my Nickel journal that I'm keeping of his progress) and vet visit is scheduled. He needs the vet anyway, to check teeth, fix his leg boo-boo (nothing major, just needs skin flap cut off of a cut heel bulb) and anything else the boy needs. I'm trying to find out the name/location of the individual that got him in this state...I already have an attorney lined up to help me when I do! I'm not letting this one slide.

On a positive note, Nickel is bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. He's enjoying his 2nd breakfast right now (eating 6 small meals a day) and in a little while, he's getting the Beauty Spa treatment with skin care and mane pulling, plus carrots! I am already so in love with this horse!

Katja

[imapepper]

I can't see the pictures because I refuse to get a facebook account ;)

I am so glad you found him. I took one that was not in nearly as bad of shape as your boy sounds but she definately needed groceries and was either badly handled or handled so little that she cringed everytime someone raised a hand.

Same mare is now a pocket pony that is seriously spoiled and has payed me back a millon times over for taking her. She is the first horse that I have ever owned that I could care less what she is able to do. Her job is just to be cute ;) I am sure Nickel is with you for a reason and you must post pictures as he improves where everyone can see ;) Good luck with him! And I hope that you find the scumbag who starved him and report him :mad: I think there is a special place in hell for people who abuse animals....or at least I hope there is.

[jengersnap]

I never thought I'd see what I saw in those photos of a horse that was initially being assessed as a project. That's not a project, that's a PROJECT. Poor poor baby, what a kind face he has. Thank you for taking him.

Non-FB'ers should be able to see this:

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs193.snc1/6490_1124554312474_1185624268_30361662_7902142_n.j pg

[tbmorgan]

Thanks, Jenjersnap. I just made a Nickel album on Flickr for those who can't access FB...I'll be keeping a photo journal of sorts, so we can all see his progress!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/sets/72157621918562635/

The Nickel is doing quite well, actually. He now hollers at me when he sees me coming and follows me along the fenceline wherever I go on my little farm. He is handling his many little meals very well, so it won't be long before I can increase the quantity of food he gets per meal by a little bit. When I got home from work tonight, I found a "present" of two big, beautiful bales of alfalfa that had been left by a friend...Nickel has already touched many hearts! I know I've already completely fallen in love with him.

Katja

[lovemyoldguy]

I was just looking again at the photos of Nickel, and his condition is truly shocking. :mad: Nonexistent neck is right! I hope that whoever did this to him is made to PAY. Big time. This makes me so mad.

Thank you so much for rescuing him - he has such a kind eye. He's going to be absolutely gorgeous with some groceries and love!

[tbmorgan]

Ok, I wanted to let you guys know that Nickel is still doing great, one month later! I've had the vet out to draw blood and do a fecal, and no surprises there: he was severely anemic and had a high parasite load, so we've adressed both of those issues. His liver enzymes were slightly elevated, but his kidney function is great, and the liver will hopefully have straightened itself out by the next time we do bloodwork. He's gained quite a bit of weight, and has energy now...in fact, he's quite a spunky guy! It does my heart good to see him bucking and rip-snorting around in his paddock.

Here are pics my friend took of Nickel and me today, on our one month "anniversary."
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/album.php?aid=167869&id=1185624268&ref=nf

I'll keep you all posted on his progress!

Thanks for your ongoing support! It means alot.

Katja

[airbourne1]

I'm just thankful that there are people in the world like you.....

Great job, and I look forward to seeing more updates.

[Summit Springs Farm]

Awesome!! He is so cute, keep up the good work, I can see why you are attached!:)

[Merle]

Wow, he looks so much better! He's looking gorgeous!

[Quinn]

What a beautiful difference. Shows what some food, attention and LOVE can do for an animal. Thank you for making my day a little brighter.

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[trubandloki]

Can you put the update photos in your flickr account so those of us who can not get on facebook can see them?

[trakmom]

He's really filling in well. You're doing a remarkable job, and you should be commended for taking Nickel in, but I think you are both gaining from this. Have you tried giving him some Senior feed as a late night snack. It's easy to digest and adds some more calories.

[tbmorgan]

Ok, i've uploaded the pics to my flickr account. It's the set marked "Nickel 09-13" and here's the link to get you started:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/3919949589/

Trakmom, I totally agree on the Senior! LOL He's already getting that, 3x day! That's what I've had him on from the start!

Thanks, everyone, for your comments and support!

Katja

[Molly's Mom]

Nurses know a male patient is going to live when they start to complain about the food. I'm so pleased Mr. Nickel has the energy
and personality to fuss about the braiding.....he is getting back to being the guy he is meant to be. How lucky he is to have you and you to have him....God bless you both!!!!!
By the way how do nurses know a female patient will live??? ....they ask for their lipstick...lOl
Again,best wishes to you..you inspire us all!!!

[kealea31]

Wow! You have done an amazing job with him in a month. He is lucky to have you :)

[rachaelS]

He looks great after just a month! Keep up the good work!

[stolensilver]

What a transformation! I can't believe how much weight he's gained in just a month. Well done both of you. :)

Have you made any progress in finding out who starved him before you got him? I hope they get taken to court for animal cruelty.

[tbmorgan]

Unfortunately, I've had no luck in tracking down the culprit who got him in that state...honestly, I think it's more like a whole series of culprits! I think he got passed from horsetrader to horsetrader after he left the track, and wound up in a downward spiral that just got worse and worse until I got wind of him. Anyway, he's doing great now and at the rate he's putting on the pounds, I have a sneaky feeling he's going to end up being an easy keeper by the time it's all said and done!:winkgrin:

Katja

[JB]

Wow, what a HUGE difference!! What a sweet boy he looks to be - he knows he's home :D

[MrWinston]

What an amazing transformation in such a short time. He is going to be a very handsome dude when he's gained the weight and muscle tone. GREAT JOB!

[SleepyFox]

What an amazing transformation! Good work! :)

I'm familiar with his sire, Ima Hell Raiser. He stood at Traders Rest Farm in Louisiana and I believe is buried there. Your guy looks a lot like a typical Ima Hell Raiser. He sired a lot of greys and they tend to be solid horses with good bone.

Unfortunately, his damsire is escaping me, although I am sure I've seen his name around.

Nice old lines up close!

[tbmorgan]

Today was such a pretty day, so I tucked my camera in my pocket and went out to give Nickel his first little workout! He is getting his teeth floated tomorrow, so since his teeth are still really sharp, I just longed him with a halter today. He was a superstar! He even longed perfectly to the right, including getting his right lead canter, which is a toughie for alot of OTTB's! Anyway, I was longeing and photographing simultaneously, which was quite interesting, so some of my pics are a bit crooked...sorry!

Here he is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4054352213/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4054352537/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4055094202/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4055093876/

He's such an incredibly sweet horse, and tries so hard to please! He was really having fun today. I just adore this wonderful boy!

Katja

[tBHj]

He looks like a very sweet boy. Good for you. Someday I would like to provide a home for a poor saint like him.

[stolensilver]

What a transformation! He looks so happy. There's a special place in Heaven for people like you. :)

[JB]

Look at the trot on that pretty boy! Way to go Nickel! Way to go tbmorgan! :D

[Quinn]

You have done a beautiful job with this sweet lad. Well earned kudos to you!

http://community.webshots.com/user/ballyduff

[Sugarbrook]

Great job!!! What a difference 2 1/2 months can make.

[AppJumpr08]

He looks fantastic!
What a sweet lovely boy.

Very well done!!

[SOTB]

Wow! He looks so much better! Good work. What a sweet boy.

[witherbee]

He's wonderful! Bless you for saving him.

[Jessi P]

Well done, saving this fellow. I have to admit, when I read the title I grumbled to myself "oh, another person buying an ottb thinking they are rescuing one..." well you sure as heck DID rescue this boy. God bless you, woman. Thank you so much for saving this poor fellow, he was so emaciated, poor boy. I sent you a PM with his APR info (his brothers and... brothers, no fillies from the dam except- ironically, Cabett himself is listed as a filly).

[EquusMagnificus]

Great job! Funny what a difference FEEDING them can do... :winkgrin:

[tbmorgan]

I just posted a couple of videos of the Nickel on youtube. The first is of him longeing about a week and a half ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6U27GGjDuk

I also tracked down one of his races, "back in the day" before he fell upon hard times. Fun to watch!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRWwuTSXYDA

I cannot tell you how wonderful this horse is! I have just started riding him (day before yesterday) and he could not have been more perfect if he tried! When I got off, I had to stand there for a minute and hug his neck and cry...

Katja

[Piatt Farms]

What a fantastic job you have done bringing him back to life. He's stunning! Rescue's seem to have a special appreciation for those who have helped them mend. Keep the pictures coming, I love seeing him progress!

[Jessi P]

Wow.

Just.... WOW.

You rock, girlfriend!! What a beautiful boy he is, with some meat on his bones. :yes::winkgrin::yes::winkgrin:

Well done! Keep up the great work. :yes::D:yes:

[grayarabpony]

He looks wonderful!! :D

[rockfordbuckeye]

Keep the updates coming! I'm totally attached :)

[Vitriolic]

I just noticed that this thread was going before the equibase lifetime charts became free.

http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7569775&registry=T

He started his life at Churchill Downs with Calvin Borel up. And he'll be seven on January 5. Give him a carrot and a pat for me please. :)

[tbmorgan]

Hey,

Just wanted to share with everyone that I took the Nickel to his first Dressage clinic with my regular trainer last weekend! He was a star...handled the new environment well and tried his heart out for me! We spent the first part of the clinic doing a pretty fair imitation of a giraffe (boy, can he ever get his head UP THERE lol) but on day 2, things really "clicked" for him and he has a good understanding of what "connection" means now! He was just absolutely lovely, and I'm so proud of my sweet, beautiful boy!
Here are some pics that I captured from video (we were having camera malfunction issues.)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4493762477/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4493762363/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4494402404/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rivendellsportmorgans/4493762301/

Katja

[cottagefarm]

He looks awesome. Such a sweet face . Congrats :)

[pony grandma]

Your progress report is AMAZING! Thanks for the update.

He looks so sweet and kind hearted -- just like you!! Two special souls who found each other.

[Coppers mom]

Awwww!! Handsome Mayun!! :D

I'm so glad he's coming along so well for you, you've done such a great job with him!