A gorgeous gray graces the pastures of KY
The Exceller Fund contacted CANTER about an "old warrior" who was
racing near the bottom level. This classy horse once competed at high
levels at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park and Del Mar. On April 14, 2005,
he was vanned off the track at Santa Anita. About a month later he was
racing at Mountaineer, and by 2007 he was at Beulah Park in $3.5K
claiming races.
In March 2007, CANTER raised money, with donations from The
Exceller Fund and other individuals, to buy this (at the time) 11 year old gelding
and provide a dignified retirement. After a month of rest and relaxing,
a vet exam revealed that "Opie's" left front fetlock had little
cartiledge, and it was unknown if he would be ridable or even remotely sound. The vet
described the joint to be "like a bald tire." After some initial
injections, Opie does well in the pasture, but CANTER was not set up to
take on a long-term rehabilitation. The Exceller Fund welcomed Opie to
our program, and he is currently being fostered in Kentucky.
UPDATE: June 2007 - Eye Pea Oh has been having a tough time
adjusting to life after the track. His foster was not happy with his
condition and she felt he was going through a withdrawal. On June 23,
2007, Eye Pea Oh coliced and needed surgery. Thankfully, our foster
has a very good relationship with Hagyard Equine Clinic nearby. Eye Pea
Oh was rushed over for surgery, and in the best of possible outcomes,
he did not need to have any sections of his intestines removed.
The day after surgery, he appears to be doing well and is
currently turned out in a small paddock. He will remain at the clinic
for observation for the next couple of days. Keep your prayers coming
for "Opie". And a huge THANK YOU goes out to Dr. Jorge H. Gomez and his
intern Dr. Thomas O'Brien of Hagyard's Equine Center - Surgery for
their donation of time and minimal cost that made this possible. And a
huge thanks goes to Julie Householder, our foster in Kentucky whose
relationship with Hagyard Equine made this possible.