Well, it's Monday, time for a first week Tommy update.
We are taking life slow over here.....Don't want to hurt anyone, especially me.....I'm WAY out of shape...... -)
After observing Tommy's eating patterns for a week, I can guess why he had gotten thin...He takes forever to eat. His feedings consist of a can of Equine Sr., a flake of bermuda and a flake of alfalfa at 6:00am and 5:00pm. He stretches the hay to last 5 - 6 hours. He must have been turned out with others for awhile...They got it first. He has gained this week already...He looks great. Tommy does not like to be bothered while he is eating his grain...Quite an attitude thing... :-) Looks like the old owners did try to take good care of him. I think they even took the time to have him "spiffed" up to try to sell him, including having his teeth done, pulling his mane, feet aren't too bad...I'd bet they did not quite know who they were selling too...Must mean they were just STUPID.
He got a clean bill from the vet...no old injuries...everything checks out. Now, the fun stuff. We have been taking walks along the trail every evening. Figured I would get us both loosened up before the "big ride" day. I have noticed that he is quite "light footed" as he strides along the paths. He loves to do the jiggy-jog thing that TB's do....especially the racers...With the chewing the bit thing (even with just a halter on) with his head cocked.....Just like the racers.....
Mike and I walked him up to the Equestrian center to turn him out on Friday eve. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ANIMAL!!! I have not seen such an effortless extended trot and canter in a very long time....His feet barely touch the ground. Wow is all I can say. He loved visiting the other horses up there...Now he knows were all his "neighbors" live on the way up there too, he has talked to them all. He knows now that he is not "alone" for the time being.
OK, so he horseperson came out in me...I had to get on him Sat. morning. Phew! Mind of his own and ready to go....can feel it in the reins. We wound up in the bushes because we were arguing quietly that he WAS going down the path to the trail...I was just about ready to win and a jogger