Tio

Height: 15.3 hh (est)
Weight: 1200 lbs (est)
DOB: 2009
​Sex: Gelding
Color: Bay
Breed:  Quarter Horse
DNA: 1st Tennessee Walker,
2nd Quarter Horse,
​3rd Saddlebred
Adoption Fee:  Not available
Category:  In Memory

Tio's Story

Tio came to AAE after injury and chronic lameness, extensive diagnostics and rehab, and his owner was unable to continue his care. He had extensive soft tissue injuries and bony issues in his front pastern/fetlock area. He was on long term stall rest in hopes he'd become pasture sound. Tio had been a show horse his entire life, and he was accustomed to stall life, so confinement was not as difficult for him as it would be for a mustang or other highly active horse accustomed to pasture life. 

Tio slowly improved, and after nearly two years, it was beginning to look like he was overcoming his injuries.  He was comfortable and his issues were resolving.  As part of his rehab, he was moved into a larger paddock where he began to move freely and frolic like a horse.  He was happy and playful.  Sadly, shortly before our move to Pilot Hill, a small bump appeared in his knee joint on his opposite leg, and he had some intermittent mis-steps. Over time, the lil' bump grew, and he'd get very stiff.  He still wanted to move freely and play, but it became apparent that too much activity caused more discomfort, and lameness in the opposite leg set it.  We suspect he developed arthritis in the opposite knee after compensating on that leg for so long.

Needless to say, Tio's pasture was reduced to a pasture, then a paddock, and now the happy-go-lucky guy spends most of his days in his stall and small paddock. Arthritis has taken over his knee, and he's looking like a lil' ol' man as he ambles along, but don't let it fool ya'. He's really a happy guy, and he's still playful...and has his ol' awnry streak with his neighbors. He's really a sweet guy that's still got a zest for life and a spicy personality that keeps everyone on their toes. He's gets some really good lovin' from his volunteer friends, and as challenged as he is, he has an incredibly healing heart.
 
Tio is current with hoof and dental care, vaccines and deworming, and he has a microchip in place.