SLC welcomed Dutch to the herd in late August of 2024. He is a Rocky Mountain horse, which is a relatively new breed developed in the late 19th century in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. Dutch displays the breeds preferred coloring of chocolate with a flaxen mane and he is naturally “gaited”, meaning he has a smooth-to-ride, intermediate speed, four-beat gait.
Before coming to SLC, Dutch was well-trained and used for pleasure and trail riding, however, the circumstances on how he came to SLC were difficult. At only 13 years old, he was very overweight with regional adiposity cresty neck, fat pones at tail head and metabolic reaction to excessive caloric intake. He was presented to Dr. Robert Ball of Bracken Equine clinic in San Antonio, Texas, in August 2024 with Grade 3 lameness of left front and shortened stride on right hind. Dutch also exhibited painful reaction to digital pressure of the annular ligament on both front legs, non- weight bearing. Dr. Ball’s recommendation was to severely restrict his diet for weight loss and to ultrasound each leg to see if there were a traumatic injury responsible for the inflammation and fluid retention in and around the annular ligament. His owner could not control Dutch’s caloric intake due to the situation at the stable and was unable to cover the expense of the medical treatment requirements. The owner surrendered Dutch to Dr. Ball, who in turn called the Executive Director of The Saddle Light Center and explained Dutch’s situation. He spoke very highly of Dutch’s temperament and disposition and how respectful he was of people and their space in spite of the pain during standing, walking and examinations. Our Executive director agreed to visit Dutch at Dr. Ball’s clinic and decided to bring Dutch to our stable. An appointment for ultrasound of both legs and X-ray of Sesamoid bones was scheduled. The results showed no evidence of traumatic injury of either annular ligaments, sesamoid bones or the deep flexor tendon. Dr. Ball stated that Dutch needed a highly restricted diet with coastal hay 3 times/day, small amount of Alfalfa hay primarily for digestion and protein and a trace vitamin and mineral product. He would need time to lose weight to reduce the inflammation and would need space restriction to minimize his movement.
Dutch has been with us for 2 months and he has lost 110 lbs., is in great shape, walks without lameness, and stands restful without pain. He is accepting his new routine of walking from his 40’ x 40’ pen into the barn for socialization and meals with the rest of the herd, stands quietly in his stall while volunteers groom him and pick his feet. He will be the perfect therapy horse: calm demeanor, attentive and inquisitive attitude, very social disposition with a great personality and temperament. We are your Guardian! He knew there was a great job opportunity waiting for him. Learn more about Saddle Light Center
here .
