Toro's
Story
Toronado,
a seven-year-old Standardbred, came to us in late March 2004. His tendons had
been fired at some point in his career and he was three-legged lame after a
stint at Pocono Downs.
According
to his former owner, he had so much heart he would keep racing despite being
injured. That lead to his wearing out the cartilage in his left front fetlock
joint. He received two rounds of hyaluronic acid injected into the joints. Each
injection served to slightly extend his racing career. When that remedy no
longer worked he was injected with silicone.
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Here you can see that the silicone left him with a
permanently enlarged joint. No one has been able to predict if there will be
any long-term detrimental affects from the silicone. |
The
silicone cushioned his joints, further extending his racing career. He received
two of these treatments and was dosed with Bute (an NSAID), as needed. When it
was determined that he could no longer race, he came to Seven Springs to be a
pasture companion.
He
settled in very nicely and, despite being very lame, he managed to romp around
the pasture and enjoy himself. Our vet xrayed the joint to see what we were
dealing with. His diagnosis: "Bute for life." The xrays showed
significant ossifications around both the fetlock and knee. With no expectation
of soundness, our goal was to make him comfortable.
In
the beginning we administered White Willow Bark to help with the inflammation
and discomfort. His front hooves had very long heels. It almost looked like he
was walking around on tuna cans. Over a period of weeks the heels were brought
down to achieve ground parallel coffin bones. Between the 24/7 turnout and
improved hoof angles he became more comfortable and no longer needed White
Willow Bark.
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Before and after pics of the
"tuna can" heel.
This
was the status quo for several months until we added a customized regimen of
supplements. They helped him detox from whatever drugs or chemicals he received
on the track and supported his digestion as well as soothing Bute-induced
ulcers. By October he had put on a bit of weight, his topline was improved and
his coat was glistening.
Next
we added a therapeutic dose of a joint supplement. We still had no expectations
of soundness but wanted to give him every chance to heal as much as possible.
Incredibly, by February 2005 he was walking soundly in pasture part of the
time.
Delighted
with his progress, we decided it was time for his first backing (ride). It
lasted all of ten minutes but we were thrilled. Standardbreds have a reputation
for being easy to train to saddle and Toro certainly proved it to us. Carrying
a rider made him gimpy so we held off on further riding at that point.
Through
the summer of 2005 he became increasingly sound at the walk. We were able to
reduce the joint formula to a maintenance dose as he continued to improve.
August
2005 he was moving well enough to carry a rider. When some young, novice riders
came for a visit, Toro was put into service along with Flash. What a day that
was! He enjoyed himself immensely and progressed from leadline to beginner
lessons. One of the adventurous kids even snuck in a short lope. From the five
year old to the sixteen year old he carried them all, moving well and acting as
if he were a seasoned lesson horse.
Toro
is one incredible boy and we are so blessed to have him. He's become the herd
leader and revels in that role, yet he's sweet and affectionate with humans.
He's taken responsibility for exercising Little Jasmyn
and can be seen chasing her around the pasture at least once a day. The extra
movement has undoubtedly contributed to his healing.
At
this point we believe he might actually be totally sound one day. Meanwhile
he's ready for light trail riding and the occasional lesson. Because Toro
responded so well to the supplements we've been experimenting with the human
version. Our results have been equally
impressive.
October
2005
Toro
is trotting soundly in
pasture!! He has been zipping around, neck arched, looking so proud and happy.
Zing went the strings of my heart!
View
video clips of Toro before and after.
Update
Ñ Summer 2008 Ñ Great horse looking for a great home.
Toro
is doing so well and really wants to work. If youÕre looking for a sweet,
intelligent horse for trail riding, 4-H or low-level dressage, check him out.
He has much to offer.
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Patiently sharing himself with rank novice riders, which he does well in smaller areas like the round pen. On the right also pictured, Flash and his young rider.
He
needs an intermediate or better rider as he likes to go, and easily transitions
to canter. We've worked with him a bit on stopping and standing and he's doing
great. He's smart and sensitive and learns quickly. Someone's dream horse in
the making. The young ladies in the picture above right are huge fans of Toro.
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