Introducing "Dakota"
"Dakota" is a Standardbred Gelding who we believe has spent most his life in harness racing. When he did not prove fast enough, his owners dumped him in a paddock and left him to fend for himself. As the photos shows, Dakota has seen little food during this time and is quiet far down in condition, his hooves are in desperate need of some TLC from our farrier and he has already received the first batch of his much needed
worming treatment.
worming treatment.
More information about Dakota's past. At this point in time, we are uncertain whether Dakoda was ever broken to saddle.
To date, we have discovered a very gentle, calm and affectionate horse in Dakota. He has a beautiful, no fuss, nature and is very willing to try anything that is asked of him.
To date, we have discovered a very gentle, calm and affectionate horse in Dakota. He has a beautiful, no fuss, nature and is very willing to try anything that is asked of him.
Take A Look At Me Now - 15 February, 2008
It's hard to believe it's the same horse, but we assure our readers that this is "Dakota" today.
As we were limited for space when Dakota was surrendered to us, he has been cared for by one of our associates, "Trish" until now. Trish runs the Woodend "Pets Haven" which is the local Dog and Cats shelter. Although Trish generally has her hands full with her own rescues, she has some great horse paddocks and is happy to look after the horses that come in until we can make room for them in our own paddocks. She has certainly done a terrific job looking after Dakota for the last few months and he is fit and ready to begin his assessment.
As we were limited for space when Dakota was surrendered to us, he has been cared for by one of our associates, "Trish" until now. Trish runs the Woodend "Pets Haven" which is the local Dog and Cats shelter. Although Trish generally has her hands full with her own rescues, she has some great horse paddocks and is happy to look after the horses that come in until we can make room for them in our own paddocks. She has certainly done a terrific job looking after Dakota for the last few months and he is fit and ready to begin his assessment.
Dakota Gets A Visit From Our Equine Dentist
"Smile" - said Shannon Lee when he came out to see Dakota and the other horses for a dental check up.
To the left is a picture of Dakota's front teeth, which Shannon said is a typical example of a horse who has obvious wear and tear on all his front teeth from 'cribbing', 'wind sucking' or 'wire running' in his earlier years. These bad habits are unfortunately fairly common in horses that are boxed for long hours or don't have any grazing in the yards which is often the situation for race horses.
Shannon finds some very sharp edges on Dakota's back molars and starts working on smoothing them out. His teeth have not been attended to for some time but are still in an overall good condition.
To the left is a picture of Dakota's front teeth, which Shannon said is a typical example of a horse who has obvious wear and tear on all his front teeth from 'cribbing', 'wind sucking' or 'wire running' in his earlier years. These bad habits are unfortunately fairly common in horses that are boxed for long hours or don't have any grazing in the yards which is often the situation for race horses.
Shannon finds some very sharp edges on Dakota's back molars and starts working on smoothing them out. His teeth have not been attended to for some time but are still in an overall good condition.
Dakota Begins His Education And Finds A Home
We know that Dakota has been a racing horse in harness during his younger days, but to our knowledge, he has never been worked under saddle. To re-educate a harness horse to become a pleasure horse under saddle takes patience, courage and a whole lot of knowledge.
It was time to bring in the expert...and so we would like to introduce our very own horse whisperer from Spring Hill, "Charlie" to our readers.
Charlie has been working with horses for many years and is the kind of horseman you read about in books. He is quiet and gentle with the horses with an eye for detail that allows him to read the horse's every movement.
Charlie begins working with Dakota in the round-yard. Although Dakota is 'at liberty', Charlie keeps contact with him and makes sure that Dakota's focus is on him at all times.
It was time to bring in the expert...and so we would like to introduce our very own horse whisperer from Spring Hill, "Charlie" to our readers.
Charlie has been working with horses for many years and is the kind of horseman you read about in books. He is quiet and gentle with the horses with an eye for detail that allows him to read the horse's every movement.
Charlie begins working with Dakota in the round-yard. Although Dakota is 'at liberty', Charlie keeps contact with him and makes sure that Dakota's focus is on him at all times.
The driving reins are a good way to determine how well the horse has been 'mouthed' and will give a general idea of how the horse might behave once he is under saddle. Dakota is not worried by the long driving reins and turns willingly to the left and to the right for Charlie when asked.
It's not long before Charlie and Dakota have established a partnership on the ground and Charlie thinks Dakota is ready for a rider.
Dakota looks a little confused at first, but then strides out with confidence
By the time our training session has come to completion for the day, Charlie and Dakota had developed such a bond that neither of them were willing to seperate.....and with that, Dakota found his permanent home !
