Abused TWH Performance mare?

Question

I am about to buy a Tennessee Walker mare who is nearly 17 hands, 6 years old and an amazing horse. She has been through serious neglect with the owner before the man I am buying her from, and extreme abuse in the form or soring and other various devices in the name of performance showing. My farrier is coming the day we get her delivered to my farm to remove her shoes, and my vet to have her legs checked probably the day after to make sure everything is alright. Anyone have any tips on how to make the transition from pads to flat-shod easier? She's been through the whole gambit of "aids" (chemicals, chains and otherwise) on her legs, should I do anything to them once I get my hands on her to make them hurt less while she heals? Or just wait? Anything else I should know that will help her?

This is really a versatility mare who was forced to go performance. I had to completely lie to these people to keep them from using kerosene right in front of me. Ugh.

Thanks all.

Answer 1

I think the first answer says it all.  I just want to add that at some point you need to report this trainer.  Maybe not right now because they will figure out who did it.  Wait until after another show and if they don't get caught with another horse sored at the show (you anonymously tip off the USDA inspector), you report this trainer to any animal protection agency in your area or tv crew.  Even if they have to go in undercover.

Answer 2

Why do people have to be so insanely cruel? I have nothing to offer for advice as the terms you are using are unknown to this little dressage rider. I'm glad though that you were able to rescue what sounds like a beautiful mare!

Good luck and Bless You!!! :)

Answer 3

people like this guy who do what it takes for a dam horse show realy p**s ME OFF!! these kind of idiots should not even be allowed to look at a horse let alone own or handle one. anyway your ferrier and vet would be the best to ask for advise for the transition, http://tonyonehorse.weebly.com

Answer 4

the transition to flat shod is not as hard as you'd think. just make sure she's kept on level ground until she learns where the ground is again (the first few steps she takes after the pads come off are going to be strange for her and she'll be "feeling" for the ground.. you'll understand when you see it) i'd keep her on level footing for at least a week before putting her on anything hilly or unlevel so she doesnt stumble and fall. far as her legs, just leave them alone! water actually makes some chemicals WORSE! croton oil is highly reactive with water and will burn to the bone when exposed to water. this is a fairly common soring agent so i wouldnt take the chance. also, don't wrap them as this will enhance any chemicals that may still be lingering. leave them open to air and clear of anything, ointment or otherwise unless specifically directed by a vet (like in the case of a wound infection or something of that nature). her legs will heal quickly once the chemicals are no longer being applied. HOWEVER, it's a STRONG possiblity her legs are going to be scarred. the hair may grow in white or lighter than her natural coat, and may also look wavy around her coronets. white spots (like polka dots) are also forms of chemical scars and often seen on the back legs and front shins of padded horses. now here's the part that you need to be aware of... in the future once her legs are healed if she has bi-lateral scarring (scars on both front feet) she CANNOT be shown per the USDA rulebook. if you take her to a show and the USDA inspectors show up and see or feel the scars YOU, the current owner as well as anyone riding her will get a ticket and be placed on suspension. it doesn't matter if you're the one that scarred her or not. a scarred horse is banned from being shown by the horse protection act and the USDA scar rule. i own and show tennessee walkers and often purchase and rework padded performance horses. when you start riding her she's going to pace... the pace is a desired gait in a performance horse because it means the "trainer" can use more chemicals on the horse before it will start reaching for a trot. a natural flat shod walking horse WILL NOT carry pads and take the chemicals, because the weight will make them trot. now, it's fairly easy to re-work the pace and make her do a true flat walk/running walk flat shod, but it's going to take time and you CANNOT push her for speed. you need to work on slow and easy (padded horses are made to go WIDE OPEN from the time you hit the saddle and a true walker cannot walk wide open.. it will start racking) you have to teach this mare you don't want her going wide open and that its ok to relax and slow down. once she understands slow and easy (could  take some time but once she "gets it" she'll be much happier to slow down and ease along) you can move up to a running walk, but once again don't push for major speed. the running walk on a flat shod horse isnt fast... you only need enough speed for the judge to tell a difference in gears from the flat walk to the running walk. email me for further suggestions at [e-mail]