|
Here it is, guys! A thread for my Rouxletto! AKA Roux. AKA Bear.
I got Roux in middle school. I was 12 and he was 5. We both had to have a sense of humor about learning together.
We worked very hard to scoot our way up the levels, starting at Training Level!
His arrival meant that my old chestnut OTTB, Devon, could enjoy a happy retirement. :)
It wasn't always easy!
But one day we won our first championship in 4th level!
The very next day, we won reserve champion for Prix St Georges!
That upcoming season, I completed a declaration to put me in the running for the North American Young Rider Championship (NAYRC) team and got a spot as a member on the Region 3 (Southeast USA) team. In the middle of the summer we packed up and went on a trip to the Kentucky Horse Park for the championship.
I GOT TO RIDE IN THE ROLEX STADIUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After NAYRC we set our sights on the I-1 championship later in the year.
Roux was unstoppable!
We won the championship. :) I did not know it, but that would be both our last championship ride and our last competition together.
We had been schooling the Grand Prix with hopes of competing in the U25 Brentina Cup, but shortly before the competition season started he was diagnosed with narcolepsy at UF CVM after extensive testing. He had shown symptoms of it throughout his life, but he had popped splints on both front legs, was getting cast in his stall, and pulled a hind suspensory. He was immediately retired and our focuses turned toward keeping him alive and healthy.
Roux spent nearly 2 years on rest and was supposed to never be ridden again.
We took him to a rehab center for swimming therapy so that he could regain his strength.
Now he is sound and happy again!
He's even rideable, despite all odds, and VERY happy to go under saddle again!
At 18 years old, he's as handsome as ever.
There's no better view!
And I'm happy we're still together.
|
Samantha - see page to know who to contact directly!
