A note from the DOR

Hello, it is me the DOR aka Syndi. I would like to thank everyone who reads this blog, it is so fun to share Jack's adventures training me with all of you.
In my life with horses I have encountered some wonderful and caring people. I would like to tell you about one of them. You have read about our 'ubber farrier' in Jack's posts. But there is more to this man than Jack has shared. His dedication to his caft is nothing short of amazing. He truly loves helping horses by taking good care of their feet. He also knows there are times when there is nothing that can be done and a horse needs to be let go.
I thought we had reached that point with Harley and our farrier knew that. He has worked with Harley for the past year and brought him from a horse that could hardly walk to a horse that walks the legs off of trotting horses, who trots and lopes (even though it isn't pretty), who bucks and enjoys life. We had reached the point where even though Harley was better, he was never going to fully recover. I talked about it with the farrier and he understood the decision and wished there was more he could do. Luckily for me and Harley this man did more than wish. He decided to do more research, to see what he could change with his trims to help Harley-he went looking for hope. He studied DVDs, read more material and has come up with a new plan. We should know after three trims if it is going to work or not. I am thrilled that Harley has another chance to get healthy, he is one of the nicest horses I have been around. There are not many individuals who take what they do so personally, who are willing to spend their own time to search out a miracle. The process of rehabbing a horse takes a good team. I am fortunate to have one: a great vet, a great person who manages the facility where I keep my horses, the 'support crew', and the 'ubber farrier.'
The pity of the situation is that he is crippled due to humans. The AQHA promotes small hooves, horses are broke to ride to young, used in high impact activities to soon and too much, and they don't receive proper farrier care. I encourage people to wait to ride their horses until they are at least three, make sure they have proper hoof care the moment they are born, and limit the hammering/high impact activities that you subject your horse to.
Here is a picture of Harley Darling, he is a lovely boy. Please send your good thoughts that the new approach the farrier is taking will work, thank you.
Here is a big thank you to our 'ubber farrier', no matter how this turns out you are the BEST!
Have a good day, hug your horses, and always tell them they are the most wonderful horse you know and how much you love them. Also remeber to let the people who support your love of horses how special they are.