Every year I’m caught off guard and amazed at how fast time passes. I remember being a kid and sometimes days just crawling by, but now it’s always a blur!
If you’d like to check out last year’s post: 10 Years of Stampede!
In love with this photo!
Like last year, Stampede seems to be celebrating by being lame, except this year with two bad legs…
Broken pony central
He went lame on the left front Sunday after putting on a display of his majestic trot abilities for another horse while on the lunge on Saturday. Same mostly undiagnosed issue we’ve been struggling with this year although I do notice he was lame in this foot a year ago as well which is interesting. Either way x-rays only showed a slight imbalance which was corrected (although he was due for a trim and reset which was done Tuesday) and we added pads a couple of cycles ago. He had been sound on that foot since the imbalance fix til Sunday. Anyways the second leg in question, the left rear shown above, is due to my testing of a different product for his leg crusts. Thankfully I just spot tested because it left the area angry, red, and swollen! Yikes! So Stamp could no longer walk Wednesday night when I went to take him out of his stall for a walk. Washed his leg, covered it in goo, and wrapped everything up. He stayed in yesterday since he didn’t want to walk out of his stall, but looked better last night. Still not walk around like a normal horse level but better. Hoping he feels up to going outside today because it’s going to be 70 (high was 40 yesterday) and then it’s supposed to rain for days after today.
Love him always
So I guess Stampede’s big news for this anniversary is that he is RETIRED! I planned to retire him when he came home but he made it clear that continuing to try to keep him sound and his back comfortable just wasn’t worth it or safe for either of us. He doesn’t need to trip and fall with me and he certainly doesn’t owe me anything at this point.
The beast smiling after a good round 🙂
So here’s to a new chapter with the big beast who has taught me so much in these last 11 years. Sometimes things don’t go as planned but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the ride. Looking forward to seeing this mammoth TB grazing in my backyard in a few months.
His own kind of legend
Enjoy your retirement stump! Looking forward to what the next few months has in store for you!!
I think once Stamp sees the grass at home he will be the happiest horse ever. Definitely a lot going on this year!
Awwwwe!! I am sure he will enjoy every min 🙂 And yahoo for doing it at your house soon!!
Right now he is most excited for his mom time and hand walks (well when he isn’t broken, lol) and I’m sure he will be so excited when he sees all the grass at home!
Happy Retirement, big fella!
Thanks!
Ahh, such a deserving present for the big man <3 Hope he feels better soon!!
He seems quite happy with the change and looks so good (when he’s not limping, lol). I’m hoping he is feeling better today since I didn’t receive a “your horse can’t walk” text this morning!
aww, happy retirement, Stampede! he’s gonna be the best looking lawn ornament ever!! 😀
Thanks, he is one handsome lawn ornament!
Sad he’s had so many issues for you, but I know he’s given you a lot more than just lameness problems! It’s great to see horses well cared for and retired by their owners versus passed along down the line. You’re a good horse mom 🙂
Thanks, I’m definitely sad to give up riding him but looking forward to seeing his handsome face in my backyard every day. I’m so grateful that I have the option to provide forever homes for my horses.
Such a bummer you had to make it official, but it’s so great you’re in a place now that he gets to come home and live with you!
I’m definitely sad to officially retire him but looking forward to having him and P in the backyard.
Aww, I absolutely appreciate the tone of this and how you’re approaching his retirement. It’s the best gift you can give the big guy! I hope when the time comes, I can emulate you!
Congrats, Stampede!
Thanks, I’ve tried to keep a good attitude about it and I’m so glad I can bring him and P home. Nothing better than two handsome ponies in the backyard!
Its so nice that both P and Stamps will be at your home soon enjoying their golden years together!
I’m looking forward to having them home!
Happy retirement Stamp! Unfortunately I’ve gone through those same front feet issues and hoping I don’t have to retire my guy this year
If it weren’t for his back I’d probably investigate the foot issue further since it’s not very bad but it’s just too many issues added up. He’s clearly happier not being a riding horse which means he was definitely not comfortable under saddle and I made the right choice so I’m feeling good about it.