Tesoro's update

[MustangsInNC]

He's simply amazing, what else is there to say! LOL. Seriously. I've been riding him everywhere.

We went to our first show in April, and we only entered a halter class. But I kept him there most of the day, walking around, getting used to the super scary loudspeaker, riding in the practice ring. He did excellent.

We went on our first overnight camping trip at the end of April. He was awesome. We rode for hours, trotting, cantering, even a little galloping in there too, and crossing rivers, and jumping trees. He handled it all like a pro. He even stood tied to the horse trailer overnight without incident. And best of all, he never broke a sweat! I did think he was going to lay down on me in the river, lol. He was splashing and dunking his head all the way up to his eyes. It was soooo funny. And he had super manners, even with girls in heat around him.

He got his first "girlfriend" last month. My father-in-law loves him, and he has a paint mare he wanted a baby out of to keep and raise. So we pastured him with her for a month. I can't guarantee we will have a baby next year, but he sure gave it a good try, lol. Oh, and she definately taught him some manners! That will be his only foal for a while if she caught. I'm going to ride and show him before I decide if I will breed him any more or not.

Ok- Let me find pics to show!

Tesoro at the show



Tesoro's girlfriend


Tesoro dancing for his girlfriend
(bad pic quality, taken with cell phone from far away!)


Tesoro freegrazing at the campsite

[lindad]

Wow, he has come a long way! He looks great. What a wonderful horse! Congratulations, on a 2nd place and all that he can do. One thing concerns me, though. He had a difficult start, is only 2 years old and you are "riding him everywhere...for hours".
I have a neighbor who had a well developed 2 year old that she rode and even though she is only 5' tall, 105 lbs, she damaged his legs under the stress, and he had to be put down as a 4 year old he was so lame. We tied to warn her that it was too much for a 2 year old, but she thought she knew better. Another neighbor was given a lovely horse who was worked as a two year old because he was not sound and at 6 he is arthritic and his knees are the size of canalopes, and can only let the little kids walk him in the ring. I won't ride a youngster before they are 3 years old, and then not hard.
This boy is your soul mate, and I would hate for you to not be able to enjoy him for many years to come.
Linda D

[stlkigers]

I believe that T was rounded up as a yearling in 2008.....So that should make him 3 now or about that....I know my colt was about a year younger than him and is a coming 2 year old....We will get on him(only off an on, a couple steps) and not do any riding until 2010 summer....

Amanda, glad that T is still doing so well....I remember the emotion surrounding his adoption and how skinny he was and his stifle issues....Glad to see the "butterfly" emerge from the cocoon! He's gorgeous!

Angela

[MustangsInNC]

Angela, you are right. He is 3 years old this summer. And my vet was the one that recommended riding. He told me that riding up and down hills would strengthen his stifles, and it totally did. I haven't seen any stifle issues in months. I understand everyone's caution on riding young horses, and truly appreciate the warnings, but I'm working closely with my vet and blacksmith all the way on this. I wouldn't be riding him this much if my vet told me to wait. And he had very upright hind feet, and my blacksmith is gradually lowering his heels. I'm getting ready to do a "photo shoot" for Tesoro. I have 2 photographers that want to take pics of him. I just need to find someone with a pretty green grassy paddock with a pretty wooden fence that I can turn him loose to run in for nice pics. My pasture is eaten down and my fence is ugly, lol. Not photogenic.

[fantasykiger]

I am so glad to hear you guys are doing so well and getting along fabulously and under the care of your vet and farrier for his rehabilition. ;D Sure sounds like you two were meant to be. I love he pics' you shared, looking forward to baby pics next spring. Got my fingers crossed for your father-in-laws mare.