In memory of November Rain

[Pokey]

[QUOTE=Instant Karma;3796623]
I don’t get this post. What about being ridden in the schooling jumpers at Wellington did the horse not deserve? If he was being well maintained, and well ridden, how is that detrimental to the horse? Regardless of whether or not he jumped around in the Olympics. There are a lot of horses that were GP jumpers and more that now earn their keep in the lower jumpers or the medals. As long as they are treated right and are happy, why not keep them working?

One horse that comes to mind is The General. He is upwards of 20 now, and did the GP jumpers with Michael Matz (possibly the Olympics too, I am not 100%). Anyway, after a successful career in that, he is now doing the Big Eq, qualifying and being very competitive. He is happy and healthy and looks to LOVE his job. No one grumbles about him, I’m sure! If all horses could look so terrific!

I can’t think of many people who would grumble “that horse doesn’t deserve that” unless there was some blatant wrong doing going on, like poor riding, unsoundess or mistreatment.[/QUOTE]

Well, I must admit - I wasn’t a horrifying rider, but I wasn’t a peach either. I’m not sure why they commented - I only know I felt bad when they said it and figured it must have been something about my riding him. He was in good health and weight - he had the body of a tank (but he did bow a tendon later in the circuit).

I’d ridden the horse in some medal classes as well - and he was such a blast to ride. I’d been quite the chicken hearted rider when it came to big jumps (which to me then, was everything), and riding that horse…I thought I could jump a house on him.

So I agree obviously, then when the old pro’s can’t do what they were known for, they still have a good life teaching the rest of us to ride.

I do hope someone here can take in this horse (whoever he may be). I find it deeply saddening that horses are so easily discarded and left in questionable circumstances. If I had the means, I think I would try and get him. I don’t - so if a drop in the bucket towards bail money helps him to get to where he needs to be, send me a PM.

[War_Admiral]

if a drop in the bucket towards bail money helps him to get to where he needs to be, send me a PM.

Seconded! :yes:

[msrobin]

[QUOTE=Instant Karma;3797435]
I’m preeeeeeetty sure it is:)[/QUOTE]

I cannot find a photo of The General with or without Michael Matz, do you have one? I cannot remember what he looked like.

[spoiledsweet]

So I agree obviously, then when the old pro’s can’t do what they were known for, they still have a good life teaching the rest of us to ride.

I think this is particularly true of successful show horses who are used to a great deal of attention and adulation. They still enjoy being part of the action and having their few minutes in the spotlight, even if they are jumping smaller jumps or showing a beginner the ropes in the crossrail division. It’s still a horse show to them.

[Instant_Karma]

[QUOTE=msrobin;3798718]
I cannot find a photo of The General with or without Michael Matz, do you have one? I cannot remember what he looked like.[/QUOTE]

I will look, but I can tell you, if we are talking about the same horse, and I am 99.99999% certain that we are, that he is a big, handsome, bay gelding and I can’t remember any white.

Actually, I just found a pic, I believe this is him: http://www.vt-summerfestival.com/admin/image_upload/1218070742web_small.jpg

And Pokey, I understand what you mean that we should be loyal to our guys when they have achieved so much for us. My post didn’t come off the right way, I didn’t mean to insinuate that you were doing anything wrong. Speaking generally, I can’t imagine anyone saying “that horse doesn’t deserve that” to a former GP jumper that is now performing at a lower level, looking happy and healthy.

[Addison]

This old guy may have a new home soon if everything works out. This is great news as I just read a different thread (in Horse Care) about a horse in much worse shape in CO that someone was trying to help and he just “disappeared”.

[Tazer]

Still Working On It

I spoke with the sellers, they seemed nice and have been doing things for the chap.

We’re trying to get the issue of a negative coggins squared away, so he is clear for shipping. A special trip with a very nice vet (luv ya lady) who told me about Dundee here on this forum (trouble maker, LOL), may be in order so we can make this happen.

I promise to keep you all posted.

[Tif_Ann]

[QUOTE=spoiledsweet;3799110]
I think this is particularly true of successful show horses who are used to a great deal of attention and adulation. They still enjoy being part of the action and having their few minutes in the spotlight, even if they are jumping smaller jumps or showing a beginner the ropes in the crossrail division. It’s still a horse show to them. :)[/QUOTE]

Absolutely agreed - as I was reading this thread all I can think of is my TB. He’s 24 now, and was an ex-eventer. You’ll have to forgive me, as I’m not a jumper (learning), but his original trainer told us he was shown SJ the “level below Grand Prix” and as an eventer he was very successful in the Indiana circuit and that “people who’ve been around a while would remember the big gray with the scar on his right shoulder.” He was sold at 8 to a family with a 17 year old girl, to be her college jumper … but said girl promptly got into paint horses and so he became the 12 year old daughter’s Pony Club horse. He did well for her all through school, and was either sold to another family with kids or they retired him to the rescue organization I got him from.

I’ve had him two years, and he cost me $400. He’s brilliant. The FEI level trainer that comes to our barn has nothing but praise for him and says Rocky has “forgotten more about jumping than the trainer knows.” And that Rocky could teach a master class about stadium jumping. He’s very well respected and loved by the people in our area that recognize his ability and talent - from trainers to other jumpers to one of the vets who competes nationally. Instead of comments about it “not being fair to that horse” we get comments about how his girl is blessed to have the chance to ride a horse of his talent.

He may be 24, and maybe it’s not fair for a horse of his talent to be jumping 2’ to 2’6" courses in shows … but Rocky can’t retire. Showing and being ridden are all he knows, and how he feels needed. He recently came up lame and x-rays revealed not only ringbone but also a chipped fetlock that was many years old - probably never diagnosed. As the vet said “This horse is such a good horse and loves his job so much he will not complain about pain, he will suck it up, until it’s unbearable. Let him tell you what he can do.”

When Rocky retires, we will lose him - he gets depressed very quickly if he isn’t ridden. This is his last year with his 14 year old girl … last year jumping in small shows. He will move down AGAIN, unless the ringbone progresses rapidly (at which point we will euthanize rather than make him live a life of pain), and we’ll be looking for a 10-11 year old girl who wants to learn to ride and maybe go over some small cross rails with him.

These jumpers - especially high level ones - don’t WANT to stop jumping. It’s our job to move them down the levels gracefully without them feeling that they are not able to do the job. All they know is their job, and they deserve the pampering that comes with it.

[theoldgreymare]

[QUOTE=Tif_Ann;3800745]
It’s our job to move them down the levels gracefully without them feeling that they are not able to do the job. All they know is their job, and they deserve the pampering that comes with it.[/QUOTE]

Very well said, Tif_Ann!

Anyway…if whoever gets him needs help with bail money, vetting or shipping, please PM me. I’d be happy to help along with the other’s who volunteered. He reminds me very much of a former GP horse I have here who is a NZ TB. “Our” guy is very fortunate to have owners who can retire him to the life he deserves. Nice to see that Dundee will be getting the same!

[Molly99]

[QUOTE=Instant Karma;3797435]
I’m preeeeeeetty sure it is:)[/QUOTE]
I am not 100% sure either way, but can tell you that “The General” eq horse is a 1988 model (21 this year) and Michael’s “The General” won a big grand prix in 1994 (which would make this horse 5 at the time). While that is not impossible, it is unlikely. Also, the eq horse in a KWPN and most of Michael’s mounts were TB’s (Judgement excluded). That is not to say it isn’t the same horse, but the age make me question it.

[Coreene]

I’m in for some $$ if you guys need it. Let me know.

[msrobin]

[QUOTE=Molly99;3802166]
I am not 100% sure either way, but can tell you that “The General” eq horse is a 1988 model (21 this year) and Michael’s “The General” won a big grand prix in 1994 (which would make this horse 5 at the time). While that is not impossible, it is unlikely. Also, the eq horse in a KWPN and most of Michael’s mounts were TB’s (Judgement excluded). That is not to say it isn’t the same horse, but the age make me question it.[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing unless the horses age is wrong to through people off of his real identity.

[Instant_Karma]

[QUOTE=Molly99;3802166]
I am not 100% sure either way, but can tell you that “The General” eq horse is a 1988 model (21 this year) and Michael’s “The General” won a big grand prix in 1994 (which would make this horse 5 at the time). While that is not impossible, it is unlikely. Also, the eq horse in a KWPN and most of Michael’s mounts were TB’s (Judgement excluded). That is not to say it isn’t the same horse, but the age make me question it.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm… I dunno, that’s definately stretching it LOL! I guess I will just have to ask should I ever have another opportunity!

[BAC]

@Molly99;3802166

Also, the eq horse in a KWPN and most of Michael’s mounts were TB’s (Judgement excluded).

Heisman was German bred and MM rode other warmbloods too.

[Addison]

Michael Matz also rode Rolls Royce, a Westphalian stallion, (sire of Rocher) who stood at Iron Spring Farm until he was repatriated to Germany sometime in the 1990s.

[Moderator_1]

A reminder that we don’t allow links to/specifics about horses for sale on the BB, regardless of who’s listing them. We appreciate the desire to spread the word about horses who could use a leg up, but at this time, that’s the policy.

As it looks like the fellow in the OP has found a home with a COTHer, it’s a moot point in this situation, so we’ll let the thread play out so everyone engaged can get related updates.

We’re removed links to other horses from the thread.

We continue to reevaluate our policies on a continual basis to serve the both the needs and desires of the forums, and the Chronicle, and we welcome your input via PM at any time.

Thanks!
Mod 1

[Addison]

Thank you Moderator1, for taking the time to evaluate this “sale ad” and for recognizing the intent of the post.

[diKecnadnuS]

It could be totally possible. I don’t know much about dressage at all, but a prix saint george (I’m sure I butchered that spelling) horse was put on turn out board at a rinky dink farm, the owner stopped showing up, stopped paying bills, and changed their address and phone numbers–essentially just ditching the horse. The horse hated being turned out, and luckily the barn manager there had a kind enough heart to pay for joint supplements and stall board for the horse. If it hadn’t been for the barn manager shelling out her own money for this sweet old boy then the owner of the farm would’ve acquired ownership (for the unpaid bills) and sent the horse to auction. So yes, it could happen.

This case does seem a bit sketchy, however.

[War_Admiral]

[QUOTE=Addison;3803415]
Thank you Moderator1, for taking the time to evaluate this “sale ad” and for recognizing the intent of the post.[/QUOTE]

Seconded!!!

[Tazer]

Yobbo Dux (formerly Dundee)

That’s his new name! (meaning, top redneck in Australian, or so the internet says…)

Today the vet and I took a long road trip to the boondocks of PA to see him. What we found was a smaller (16H) and older (mid 20s) gelding, that had personality and pizzazz. This boy has been somewhere and he’s done something in his life… and he KNOWS he’s special. He did have freezebrands on his shoulders, however the winter coats made it difficult to interpret.

Coggins, bloodwork and some shots were done, and we left him with a toasty blue blanket. He has a new mom (me) and once the coggins results are in, we can finalize transportation (thank you Addison).

Thank you everyone for helping or following this thread, and thank you to the moderator for leaving it up.

It’s been an adventure, and it’s only the beginning