Scottie's 32nd Birthday & Owniversary

[Scotston]

Omg it has come up so quickly!

Although he isnt really 32 until 1st january, we dont know his actual birthday, so i thought *** it, he can have it on his owniversary day It was actually yesterday, 11th, but with everything with Bluie i've not had chance..

It has been such a long, hard but rewarding time with him.

For those who dont know, i've known him over 10 years now, but only owned him for 2. He arrived with 2 teeth grown into the spaces in his jaw locking it together, an infection, very underweight and malabsorption. His teeth got sorted but he wouldnt pick up no matter what he was fed or what i did, the first vet i had out, wrote his problems off as "just old age" and arthritis [internal digestive problems caused by arthritis? yeah right!!] I declined her strange advice [to her disgust] and looked for other options [to this day im also still glad i never took her 'advice' He still steadily went downhill until he couldnt even manage to walk down to the field. The second vet i had out was brilliant and gave him a small chance. He took bloods and did other tests, but we agreed that the way he was going, if he didnt improve at all within the week, it would be best to have him put to sleep.

But anyway.. thats such a long story. Put it simply, we finally found a few things he was able to digest, and along with other things, he slowly turned the corner.

6 months later he came back into work after putting on all the weight and more that he'd lost, and competed at two little shows [and proved to everyone on the horrid livery yard that he wasnt some old useless animal]

My poor boys had to endure another year at the livery yard, before we moved. He has actually developed a personality now which is SUCH a big change in him, and he's also much more settled. He is only paddock sound, and will never be in work again. He has several missing teeth now, is costing me around £200 a month in feed and supplements to keep him going and healthy, but you know what? It doesnt matter. He's my special boy, he's here to stay, and i'd lay down everything to make sure he's happy. He taught me so much and we had so much fun together all those years ago, it's the least i can do.

He's currently in [that i know of] atleast 7 of the free mags at your local tackshop So have a look!




The months getting better..





He decided one day in the arena to take himself over one of the set up jumps, not just once, he kept going around and around and around, i eventually had to go grab him and take him out
He then slowly came back into work, and with a few bronks, he seemed to have that old spark creeping back in. Couple of months later, i nervously let my rider take him into a class.. expecting him to refuse to do anything, he came in 3rd in the 75cm class, knocking a pole in the jump off, he was faster than all but 1 horse

The shows






Once in the 75cm class, he knew the course, and took himself around - just like old days!!



















I decided if he was going to go downhill again in the winter, after a good summer, then id have him put to sleep in the autumn. The clever boy marched his way into autumn with his head held high!

Cutting forward again, 1st march 09. We moved!























His way of throwing himself on the floor..

[Scotston]

Short version :D:D

[EmilyGrace]

Wow! Lots of pics! He's a gorgeous old boy! Happy birthday Scottie!

[expressmailtome]

Happy birthday! I like his coats!

Matt

[SallyQZ]

Gorgeous pics, beautiful horse!

I'm envious of his wardrobe!

[LovelySydney]

Wow that is such a difference from when you first got him to now - bless your heart for getting him back into good health, he looks so great. All your horses are beautiful!!