What a Difference a Year Makes

This time last year, Roze and I, made a journey 12 hours west to Purdue University for her to have surgery on her right hock. It's hard to believe that it has only been one year.

Looking back there was a lot of uncertainty at how good the outcome would be. At best we were hoping she'd be comfortable being ridden and at least be more comfortable getting around day to day. There were a lot of possible complications, this was only the third time this type of surgery was being performed so that in and of itself left a lot of questions, and of course anytime you put a horse under general anesthesia there are great risks of complications.

After a tense week at the University's hospital, Roze pulled through with flying colors and we safely returned home. We had to wait a long six months for Roze to fully recover to see if the surgery would allow her to be ridden and compete again.

Roze's hock post surgery

Despite a set back in December when Roze buggered up her left hock and needed stitches, she is back in full work and ready to compete. We'll be at a schooling show this weekend and Mason Dixon is scheduled for the end of April.

I will be forever grateful to Dr. Adams at Purdue and Dr. Juzwiack at Manor Equine for giving Roze another shot at competing. We're hoping Roze will earn her Legion of Honor this year and whatever the outcome is, it's great to have my show horse back!

Our plans are to breed Roze next spring and we'll show her as long as she's willing and able. We're excited to see what Roze will produce as she's the quintessential show horse. Stay tuned for the next chapter....

Video from this month's riding lesson:





We've still got lots to perfect, but we're getting there.