Another New Horse - It's Bo!

[Heinz_57]

No expectations here! He is free to be whatever he is capable of being, and I’ll be pleased with that. I’ve got 2 other able-bodied horses (including a youngster that I need to start next fall), so I don’t really need him to be anything, but I would be thrilled if he turned out to at least be husband-safe for weekend hacks. If I keep collecting horses that only I can ride, DH is going to stage an intervention

I would be over the moon if he wants to gallop around and jump things someday. Even small things. I no longer own a jump saddle (how did THAT even happen?!) and I don’t have any jumps, but given enough time and money…

[Spudsmyguy]

Is he quarter horse or appendix? If he’s a quarter horse, he moves a lot better than I expected. Most of the ones with a very stocky body (like his) move with a mostly up and down motion in the hind end. I don’t see that here.

[Heinz_57]

Coggins says QH, but that doesn’t really mean anything. I would lean towards appendix. The only thing that confuses me about him, appearance-wise, is that he has four white, striped feet but no socks. Maybe he’s App/TB? Just a freaky QH? Something else entirely? It’s too bad the breed testing currently available for horses isn’t accurate.

[hoopoe]

Appy no spot x makes sense. Perhaps you can see better when he sheds out. Will say I had QH which was a lively mover and have certainly seen QH in the FEI dressage. Some of those crosses can be very good movers and jumpers.

I wonder if he is a good candidate for driving??? I mean is it time to try learning something new? you can make use of all that acreage

[Heinz_57]

I don’t know the first thing about driving Most of the acreage will be fenced for pastures, but I left a hacking lane around the edges and between the pastures. I plan to build some XC jumps that can sit off to the sides for hopping over (or going around).

Clearly he’s got some stock-type blood with those hindquarters, but beyond that it’s all a mystery! The huge strided power-gallop makes me believe there is definitely some TB in there, though.

[Heinz_57]

Guess who ate some alfalfa pellets (in a separate tub) with his lunch today We might be entering a new phase where he’s a little tiny bit less picky…

[Rackonteur]

Yay!

[findeight]

Finally had time to watch the video. Moves nice, willingly, forward and SOUND from what I can tell here. Tracks up into the front hoof print at the trot, might get a little more with work. Strikes me a working QH type (or spotless App with 95% QH lineage).

Just speculating but will be watching to learn what dentist pegs his age at. No signs of the typical creakiness usually evident in 20+ year old horses. IME that starts to show up around 20, especially in horses with a history of steady work. Interesting.

One thought on the blanket attitude…if he was working in a typical ranch, stock or rodeo type job? They dont need no stinking blankets maybe he was not blanketed much (or at all) and rather go without? Tolerating it once its on because its what you want and he’s a good soul?

[Heinz_57]

He seemed familiar with blankets when I first put one on him but yes, not many people blanket around here unless they are show horses. Whether he likes it or not, he’s going to have to wear one if he insists on standing out in the open during heavy rain/thunderstorms

@findeight

No signs of the typical creakiness usually evident in 20+ year old horses. IME that starts to show up around 20, especially in horses with a history of steady work. Interesting.

This is what throws me off, too.

Poor BoBo is feeling punky today, I gave him the second round of vaccinations yesterday and it’s caused a slight fever. His appetite is low and he was unusually clingy when I went out to check on him, so I stayed a while and he dozed in the sun. I put Elmo out with him so he has someone with him for support, at least. Next time he’s due for vaxx we will try a different brand.

[JBCool]

Oh, boo. Feel better soon, Bo!

[2bayboys]

I have one like that and he gets a dose of bute the day before, day of, and day after vaccinations.

[starsandsun]

I have one who doesn’t get vaccinated unless the titer shows he’s at risk …

[Libby2563]

@2bayboys

I have one like that and he gets a dose of bute the day before, day of, and day after vaccinations.

Similarly, my old man gets Banamine the day of and that has stopped the reactions. I also don’t give more than two vaccines in a day, and then I’ll wait a week or two before the next set.

[eightpondfarm]

Alfalfa will be very good for his tummy! and will put a nice shine on his coat.
He really looks great!!! You’ve done a fantastic job!
And he’s one.lucky.guy.!!!

[findeight]

OP, when he feels better, can we see him lunge to the right? We handle them from the left from birth so the vast majority are more flexible to the left. Like to see and compare…just the movement, not agility on a seldom practiced right circle.

May have been some time since he was on a regular vaccination schedule, if ever. Hope he bounces back quickly.

[Heinz_57]

I just happen to have some video to the right…

20230123_1255139671~2

He is slightly more free to the left, yes. Agility demonstration towards the end, where he says NOPE I’M GOING LEFT NOW . He tends to prefer the right lead most times but as he’s gaining strength it becomes less of an issue. His hoof angles are still pretty wonky (flat & low) too.

[findeight]

Thanks for the quick reply

Hes a little freer to the left, doesn’t track up behind as far to the right but see nothing to even hint at a yellow flag. He moves pretty even both ways and, in the shape and recent history he came with? He’s a tough guy, typical working QH constitution. They simply are not as hard on themselves as other types either.

That nice, level way of going is probably going to be a comfy ride…and he seems to have a very level headed attitude. As he gets healthier and more in shape, you might get a bit of attitude so don’t be too surprised. But if it amounts to anything serious, I’d be really surprised based on what hes doing in these videos.

[JBCool]

@Heinz_57

Agility demonstration towards the end, where he says NOPE I’M GOING LEFT NOW

Ooh, lil’ sassy! Maybe he just wanted to throw cutting horse stuff out there as a job suggestion? JK

[2bayboys]

@Heinz_57

I just happen to have some video to the right…

20230123_1255139671~2

He is slightly more free to the left, yes. Agility demonstration towards the end, where he says NOPE I’M GOING LEFT NOW . He tends to prefer the right lead most times but as he’s gaining strength it becomes less of an issue. His hoof angles are still pretty wonky (flat & low) too.

[pony_grandma]

Agree w Findeight. Nice level movement, he doesn’t pound, it’s not stabby sore. Free in his shoulders. Has a cadence. Great potential. Glad to see you beginning the work idea and muscle. A lot of potential!