Last November

[MustangsInNC]

This time last year I was worrying myself over getting another
Mustang or not. Could I afford it, could I build a new pen, could I
make the trip to go pick up one if I happened to win the internet
bid.

I have wanted a Kiger Mustang ever since I found out what one was. I
was heartbroken that I thought I would never get one because I live
on the east coast, and the adoption happens waaaaay out west. So you
can imagine my excitement when I found out that my favorite colt from
the 07 adoption catalog was going to be on the internet adoption!

In November, I stayed glued to the computer on the last day of the
internet adoption to watch the bids. I had built my pen, gotten my
approval from BLM, and was bidding on my colt. His price kept
climbing and climbing... finally past the amount I had decided I
could afford. I sat watching in dismay. As the final seconds ticked
down, I decided that if I let $50 come between me and my dream, then
I didn't need a horse anyway. So with just 3 seconds remaining I
placed my final bid.

And I won!

After 3 Long months of waiting for BLM to get my colt shipped to the
east coat, and an 8 hour drive to Lexington, Virginia, I finally saw
him. He was amazing. Skinny, shaggy, and pitiful looking, but
amazing! I was absolutely in love from the first moment I laid eyes
on him.

Talk about meant to be.... My colt was adopted in Oregon, but
returned because he had an umbilical hernia. Then once he was in a
small holding pen in VA, we discovered he has locking stifles. BLM
Reduced his adoption fee to the $125 since he had "health problems".
So my financial worries were eased. So I began the 8 hour drive home
with my scruffy pitiful looking pony.

A few days and I could pet him and catch him without a rope. A few
more days and I was brushing him. Two weeks and he was leading like a
pro. 3 Weeks he was wearing a saddle pad. In less than 2 months he
was saddled. Now he's loose in the pasture with another gelding.
Every day when I go to feed he comes up to me and lets me love all
over him. Kinda hurts when he tries to "scratch" my back while I'm
scratching him though, lol.

Now here I sit, thinking that last November really doesn't seem like
that long ago. My colt has been christened Kiger Tesoro de me
Corazon, which means Kiger Treasure of my Heart. And he truly is that. To
anyone thinking of adopting... follow your heart. You'll know when
you've found the one.


First day


A few months later


Last month


Yesterday

[dara]

LOVE that last photo! he looks great good job. he has come along way since day one
Thats neat how the money stuff worked out for you it was obviouly ment to be !

[stormyranch]

I love your story and the pictures are sooo cool!

[fantasykiger]

A wonderful story and very handsome boy Your Tersoro turned out to be. Pretty amazing it has been sense you fist laid eyes on him, what a transformation sense day one.

[nrly]

wow he is wonderful, didn't the stifle problem become not a problem? and I know about treasures, Stormy is my treasure..Loved the story and the pictures, and I remember when you got him, the years has passed so fast,and he looks so good...
nola

[Michelle Clarke]

Thank you for sharing something that means so much to you with all of us. What a great comparison of the photos - shows how much love and care you have put into that horse and how wonderfully he is responding!

[MustangsInNC]

His stifles are still an ocassional problem. He'll take one or two stiff steps then just walk on just fine. I figure if he's still having problems in the spring, then I'll discuss surgery with my vet. I hear it's a simple procedure with a fast healing time. I want him to be totally sound before I start saddle training him next summer. He's worth it to me to have the surgery done too.

[nrly]

I do understand that... keep us posted
nola

[DianneC]

I've heard the new technique is to do little vertical cuts instead cutting clear across the tendon. The vertical cuts leave tissue still attached at both ends but the scarring shortens the tendon and accomplishes the purpose of tightening it. It was in one of the horse magazines, I think Horse Illustrated or Horse Journal within the last two years.
I was there when he was turned back. The bidder had only a few minutes to decide and no opportunity to see him again. The hernia was not in any of the information or at the auction, just in the papers she was to sign. So he was truly meant to be your horse. He looks like he's growing fast and filling out nicely.

[angelsdream]

WOW Amanda! Great job on Tesoro. He looks wonderful. Thanks for sharing the great story.

[lindad]

Amanda,
Grrreat Job! What a joy to see Tesoro blooming again! Not everyone would have taken the chance. Congratulaions and thank you! The reward must be so sweet to see him healthy again. My daughter's first Kiger was in that condition when she bought her for a good amount of money and she was traumatized as well. She really only trusts Lisa to this day. Their bond was immediate. Miley was sick, injured, skin and bones, tiny, filthy beyond comprehension and she still impressed us. Miley is why I got back into horses at this late stage of my life.
I'll look forward to watching his continued progress.
Linda D