A Summer of Thoroughbreds. Colby: One Month Later

 

Colby: July 6, 2013

In June, I shared the story of Colby, a 4-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (click here to see intake photos and read about him) in the care of Helping Hearts Equine Rescue. My “summer of Thoroughbreds” has been so busy that I am just now finding time to share updated photos of Colby, taken on July 6.

Colby: May 25, 2013

What a difference a month makes!

Colby: July 6, 2013
Colby: May 25, 2013
Colby: July 6, 2013

As Colby get the nutrition he needs, he gains weight and muscle and his coat blooms. Gone are the long winter guard hairs, abscessed feet, and patchy coat. His rainrot and skin issues are under control with the help of medicated baths and daily grooming. He is fed supplements to help him maintain a healthy coat and hooves and support his young joints during his rehabilitation.

Colby: July 6, 2013

After Colby completed his quarantine, he was turned out with some equine friends. He is handled daily and receives training in hand, but his training under saddle will not begin until he is fully rehabilitated. In the meantime, he was quite happy to show off for me during a quick photo session.

Colby: July 6, 2013
Colby: July 6, 2013

He even showed off his potential when he cut across the arena and did an impromptu jump over the arena gate.

Colby: July 6, 2013

Colby looks great in July, but just wait until you see how he looks now. Stay tuned for more updates on this spirited youngster.

If you’re interested in donating to the rescue for Colby’s care, you can send a Paypal donation to hheartsequine@optonline.net, or visit the HHER website for other donation options. HHER is a 501(c)(3) charity, and horses like Colby are nursed back to health through the generosity of donations and the commitment of dedicated volunteers.

Please check back for new photos and updates about Colby, as well as other Thoroughbreds I meet this summer.
 

 

 

 

 

From the TDN Blog: Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog, Week 8… I got to RIDE HER!

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog- Week 8... I RODE HER!

Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog, Part 9: I got to RIDE HER! It was a blast. Photos of her jumping and photos of me riding in this week’s update: http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/thewifedoesntknow-training-blog-week-8.html

From the TDN Blog: Thewifedoesntknow Training Blog, Part 6

Part 6 in Thewifedoesntknow’s training blog- trotting a “course” of trot poles, turn on the forehand, a short video clip, and much more! Link here:

http://thetdnblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/thewifedoesntknow-training-blog-week-5.html

Thewifedoesntknow: Training Blog, Part 6

Spotlight: Hickory Ridge Farm

Drinker of the Wind

On November 1, I did a portrait session at Hickory Ridge Farm, a friendly and well-run farm in Allentown, New Jersey. The first impression that I had when I arrived at the farm was how much I liked the atmosphere; friendly people and happy horses. The barn is large but not crowded- there are lots of places on the property to ride, as well as thousands of acres of trails in nearby Assunpink Wildlife Preserve.

It was my biggest photo session to date. I started with Lakota and Shiloh, an Appaloosa gelding and Quarter Horse mare. Both were deeply bonded with their owner and had wonderful personalities. Plus, I have a big soft spot for Appaloosas ;^)

Autumn Portrait

Next were Buck and Tuck, the Golden Boys…

Buck and Tucker

The next horses were the handsome Arabians Cairo and Captain. I have not had the chance to photograph too many Arabians so it was a lot of fun to work with these guys.

Cairo

Cairo

Captain

Captain

There was such a great variety of horses, from spritely youngsters to beautiful horses in their 20s; disciplines ranging from trails to dressage to western pleasure.

Ginger

Majestic

Echo

Hickory Ridge Farm

Hickory Ridge Farm

Knight

Dandy

Alley Kat

I Prefer Pre-Sliced Carrot Sticks

And Schnauzers!

Danielle and Gabrielle

Click here or go to my website to view the rest of the photos.

Enjoying One Last Bit of Daylight Savings