Jack's Journey

Hi everyone,

For those who know me, I NEVER ask for help... Unfortunately, Jack and I really need your help now! Jack and I started our partnership 2 years ago. What started out as a lease turned into a purchase. I fell in love with his quirky personality and knew he would be the one to help me reach my dream of my Gold medal. I couldn't give him back! I earned my Bronze on him in 2018 with goals of Silver in 2019. August 13th of 2018 he injured himself in turnout. His right front suspensory ligament was irritated and inflamed. An old splint was thought to be the culprit, so he went under the knife in September of 2018 to remove most of his splint bone. Jack stayed on stall rest until February 2019, then finally graduated to tiny paddock, gradually increasing his time spent outside. He did not handle stall rest well. It took 40 tabs of trazadone a day PLUS ace for his daily handwalking sessions to keep his feet on the ground and prevent him from bucking in his stall. We had several setbacks from September-May, with him forming adhesions and then breaking them down. Then he kicked me in January, sending me to the hospital with a collapsed lung, which didn't help anything! My wonderful vet was coming every 2-3 weeks to check him and ultrasound. Jack got the kings treatment, with multiple shockwave sessions, PEMF from my amazing sponsor Libby Head, cold laser, daily icing and his IceVibe boot, handwalking, tack walking, etc. He was finally cleared for full work in June, almost a year later! He felt wonderful and I finally had my dance partner back! Then of course, he coliced mid June, with a 3 day colic and then a relapse a week later. Gas colic with a pelvic impaction. We changed his turnout and nutrition program and so far it seems to be working! I thought we were in the clear finally, and then last Sunday, he came out of the paddock 3/5 lame rf again. Ultrasound was the best its looked all year and nerve blocks were unsuccessful to find the location. An MRI was suggested to determine exactly what is going on. Results of the MRI will determine whether another surgery will help him, or if we are out of options. At only 9 years old, I know retirement is not an option for him. He LOVES to work and needs a job. Jack is very opinionated and knows he has me wrapped around his hoof. At the end of the day though, as much as I love him, his quality of life and happiness is my number one priority and I can't see him suffer again. I am asking for help as I have drained all available funds for his medical expenses, treatments, and vet visits from August to now, and wasn't expecting to have to basically start completely over... It's been a rough year, to say the least, with the loss of my farm/boarding business, my hospital stay, and truck breaking down,etc. My horse ALWAYS comes first, no matter what life throws at me, and I want to do whatever I can to help him.

We are the perfect match for each other, and as quirky and naughty as he is, I love him to death. I know he will help my dream of riding a Grand Prix test come true and I am confident I will never have a horse like him again. He is not your typical dressage mount, being half Friesian and half Arabian, but Jack is the type of horse that can go trail ride on the buckle one day and then go in the show ring like a fire breathing dragon the next. He keeps life interesting and I couldn't imagine life without him...

I feel horrible asking for help, when I know there a lot of other families and causes out there that deserve the support more than I do. But I promised him I would do everything I could, and I can't let my dancing partner down. Please consider donating to his medical fund, every $1 helps!!! Raised funds will go toward his MRI at the University of Georgia Vet Hospital, fuel to get there and back, possible surgery, and any vet care needed when we get home. His MRI is scheduled for July 30th.

If you are hesitant about donating but need an equine service (lessons, training rides, body clipping) or are looking for a new saddle (I am the NC/SC Representative for Takt Saddlery) please reach out! I will gladly work for the financial help!

Jack and I thank you!