My First Horse!

Name: Shelby
Height: 16 hh
Age: 32
Color: fleabitten
Breed: Standardbred

On October 5, 2002, I was looking around for horses that were for sale. Well, in the Shelby Shopper, it said there was a mare for sale. So my husband said to call, and I did. Well, the guy gave me her info and where he lived. So we went down there to look at her. At first, I thought well no wonder she's $500..she's so skinny!! But they told us she recently had a colt, and lost some weight. Well, I liked her, and it was a good deal, so we decided to get her.

On the first vet visit, it turns out she's not 15, but 30! So that was a shocker. I decided I still wanted her though.

She's gained a little weight, but I think she's just not going to get nice and plump. Her age is a big factor, and her teeth aren't in very good condition. She seems very happy and healthy, and she's very spoiled!! I have tried lots of things to get her to gain weight, so don't think I'm starving her! She gets fed a senior feed, hay/pasture 24/7, dewormed regularly, regular vet checks, regular farrier visits, and treats upon treats!

Like my hubby says, she's just a big pet for me! I think Shelby is the perfect first horse. I've never been around horses, the only other times were when I took riding lessons and my friend's horses. So I had no experience at all! She has taught me so much, she's just wonderful! She's got a great personality, she's very easy going, sweet, and gentle. She just adores me, as I do her!

But sadly, it was Shelby's time to go. She was with us exactly three years and one day. I was coming back from work, and my hubby called and said she was down - laying out in the rain. That's not like her. I couldn't get her up, so I called the vet. We tried several times in vain to get her up, but she was just too weak. It was time to let her go. I did feel good, though, knowing that her last years might have been the best she ever had. Knowing that I gave her the best home I could, with plenty of love, treats, and scratches.