Bruno, six years-old today-the picture of health

Six years ago today, Bruno was born to be a race horse in New York state. Various adventures associated with a crack in his hoof have led him off the race track, to a big Houston hunter jumper barn with Sherre Sims, to our trainer Dev and finally to us.  He came to us the first of November, 2012. I believe he has been at least a little lame for over two years if not longer while the infection simmered in his hoof.  He certainly did not have four hooves without defects for quite some time-but except for a small space at the bottom of his hoof, he does today.

A little over four months ago, Bruno underwent surgery at Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital to remove infection from his coffin bone and his hoof.  Until this week, over 120 days, he has remained on stall rest.  You have heard the horrible stories of flooding rainwater, brilliant escapes and endless days.  Today is a day for celebration and putting those issues behind us.

We got the okay for Bruno to get turned out of his stall for short periods.  He has been thrilled to charge up and down the small paddock, bucking, kicking and being a horse.  In recognition of his birthday, we decided today he could venture a little further out and visit the big, sandy arena. 

I got the camera, opened the gate and waited for fireworks.  Bruno was more interested in rolling in the warm sand, eating any stray grass and just sauntering around than he was in acting like a rodeo horse.  But not at any time was there even a hint of lameness.  I have to admit, if my shoulder/arm was not in a sling, I would have saddled up this boy today and taken a ride.  Just a little walk, just a celebration of the goodness of life.  Fortunately (probably) good sense prevailed, and I let Bruno stay unridden for a few more weeks.

I will just let the pictures tell the story today. 

Getting his flowing trot back

A little attitude? He is not cutting his mane until his first ride.

And in the end, what better way to celebrate your birthday than a roll in the sand?

Happy birthday, big guy, and to many, many more!