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  Discussion on A Mickey Mouse horse
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Member:
paardex

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 6:38 pm:

Hi Guys,
Although I promised in apr/may to disappear and stay away from the horseworld, I obviously did not manage to do that.
So now Mickey has arrived on the property[every sloppy job Mike calls a Mickey Mouse job, don't know if that is a real saying over here but this horse is apparently a Mickey Mouse example of the species]
Mickey is probably in his twenties, hear say Arab and hear say retired showjumper and was in real need of a decent home when I bumped into him.
We got him home last monday condition a two to thin three, wobbly with stocked up hindlegs. No other horses around but next to our property live two young QH mares. Mickey couldn't care less for his lack of company, dewormed him[pyrantel to be on the safe side] treated scratches or greasy heal with antibiotic ointment and cortisone cream[clean legs now] and started feeding. He is now on about 5 pounds of soaked beetpulp alfalfa and ricebran with additional vit. complex E and C as per HA article. Plus about three flakes of Alfalfa and unlimited Bermuda. He is perking up considerably! So far so good, although I guess I will have to downsize food in the end even an oldie doesn't eat what my Holsteiners could stash away!Any comments or suggestions to complete his 'rehab'?
Funny is that I was already shopping for a companion[don't tell Mike] when we brought our three sheep home[from the ram, they had all three managed to escape having lambs]
Mickey is now in a two acre area with maremotel adjoining horses and the sheep as company and has totally fallen for the sheep. He follows them around nuzzles them keeps them away from the fences iaw tires them out thoroughly and doesn't want ANYTHING to do with the QH mares... [he was badly chewed up by younger/other horses when we got him here] So my guess is that for the moment a companion will not be really necessary?[weird a horse alone though but he seems very comfortable, sleeps flat out in the straw is as calm as can be as long as he is near the sheep..]
Now tell me: am I going to lunge or even ride him slowly or is completely retired a better choice? He is sound [will need the dentist in the near future] and as most of you will know I am a very undemanding 'rider' Who has experience with geriatrics and will tell me if his condition if pushed up by a little work will benefit him or not? He has done trailriding and taking care of children for the last few years but as far as I can see that must have been slow motion as he doesn't have ANY condition muscles or whatever did canter up the slope though when his sheep ran off without a problem[surprised me]
Thanks for reading and please don't tell me I am an addicted lunatic, I know!
Jos
Member:
cheryl

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 7:44 pm:

Sorry Jos - I just couldn't resist - you are most definitely a horse addict Which is a good thing as far as I am concerned. If he livens up after getting enough food for awhile and if he is sound - riding would probably be good for the both of you - And old horses can learn tricks - clicker training seems to be in order. Enjoy him - he will probably repay you 10 fold.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 8:34 pm:

Welcome back to the lunatic fringe Jos! I've missed you. Don't know what pushed you temporarily into sanity, but glad it was only temporary!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 8:49 pm:

Jos did I miss something??? I thought you had a QH mare. YES welcome back to the lunatics we missed you. I think riding the seniors is very good for them if they are up to it. I love the old horses they are so smart and patient. Good Luck with Micky and the sheep
Member:
gramsey1

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 9:51 pm:

I have a good friend that worked with race horses. One of the horses had a goat as a life mate. They even shared the stall. The horse was frantic if the goat was gone. Goat . . . Sheep . . whats the difference. A good mate is a good mate.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Sep 19, 2010 - 10:02 pm:

Hello jos,
Many Arabs in there twenties are ridable and it sounds like right now Mickey has a way to go to recover. Wait and make the decision after you see how strong he can get.
DrO
Member:
paardex

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2010 - 12:13 pm:

Thanks All, Dr O I will wait and see but boy does he recover fast! Really thought he was going to topple over when he came and now he follows the sheep up and down slopes![might be enough exercise!]
The QH went with Mikes daughter when they left in april which got me into temporary sanity.
Guy Mickey is so big perhaps he WAS a former arab racehorse and has missed a goat for years he obviously adores his new friends[they just tolerate him but hey they already were with three]
Will keep you posted on his progress and perhaps post a before and after pic if I finally manage to downsize pics again
Jos
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2010 - 12:19 pm:

Welcome back, Jos!

I think a "Mickey Mouse job" would be one done by amateurs, or at least it looks like that. Something similar to the "slam, bam, thank-you Ma'am job". Better to use it as a name for a horse than to have that sort of work done on your home or property. I like it though. Mickey Mouse is one of my favorite characters.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2010 - 4:16 pm:

I second what Dr.O says about using Mickey; I've known Arabs that were ridden well into their 30's. It's just a matter of how the old boy feels and he'll let you know. I do think he deserves a more dignified name, however. He looks like a lovely old gentleman of a horse.
Member:
sross

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2010 - 10:16 pm:

We just celebrated the 30th birthday of one of the Arabs where I board. Saw him under saddle last weekend and he was a beautiful mover! Staying active is definitely key to healthy aging. If he still wants to be ridden, then by all means! But if following the sheep around is enough for him, as long as he stays active, it's all good.
Member:
paardex

Posted on Monday, Sep 20, 2010 - 11:46 pm:

Well his real name is McBae, and yes he is a very well mannered gentleman, shares alfalfa with the ladies and even lets them eat the leaves. His bowl with soaked goodies and carrots however he defends!
My sadle by acident fits perfectly and he happily lets himself get groomed and sadled unles the sheep leave: then he suddenly jigs and jags
One week calm and food and a few friends and what a diference! I can't think of a more fun project!
Jos
Member:
lilo

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 10:16 am:

Jos - what a lucky horse to have been found by you!!

Have fun,
Lilo
Member:
theresab

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 10:51 am:

I rode my old Arab until he was 30 then he was officially retired to pasture pet and I took him for walks which he loved as well. He's a lucky guy to have found a good home.
Member:
cometrdr

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 4:53 pm:

Jos, My arab is 18 and runs rings around my 10 year old QH/TWH mix. he has easily 12 - 15 more years of action left in him from what i can see. He's a champion! in my eyes at least (I hear in the day he actually was a halter champ/stud but before my friendship and family with him)
I bet you bundles that you will be able to ride your new arab for at least 10 years! listen to him he will tell you when he's had enough and you will do well! Thanks for taking a beautiful soul in for a rescue. he will repay you in ways you have no idea!
Muffi & Midnite - the Malabar Arab...
Member:
dustee

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 22, 2010 - 4:09 pm:

One older horse that I had was excellent in manners, obviously wanted to work, but I started having second thoughts because he was so very stiff. Kept going for a couple of weeks with him, and he got totally wonderful. He had been sitting around and gotten very stiff. Once he became useful on a daily basis, he was sound, happy, and smooth. Best of luck!!
Member:
paardex

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2010 - 1:24 pm:

Thanks again, I keep trying to resize a pic but don't manage!
Mickey is not stiff ,very nice round topline when he trots and canters, I thought arabs all threw their head and tail in the air but then I only had a mare and I think it is possible that he is a bit angloarab. His 'croupe'[?] and tail inplant are definitely high and araby though.
He looks like a very comfortable horse but he is weak! First some flesh then walks around the country side[perhaps I will finally loose a few of the US pounds myself!] and then a bit of lungeing and a calm trailride if all goes well.
His manners WERE impeccable but are adjusting towards 'a spoilt brat'
WHY do all my animals do that within a week?
Jos
Member:
dres

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2010 - 7:27 pm:

Jos, I am betting all your pets become spoiled in a very fast pace . . .

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
Member:
paardex

Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 9:36 am:

Hi All, well Mickey has nicely gained weight still a haybelly and underweight but happy trotting around[even a buck and a rear from time to time!] and completely addicted to his sheepfamily[during our holiday in France Mickey and the petsitter were surprised with the birth of three tiny lambs]
So now I think it is time for teeth work a bit more food and walks and perhaps some lungeing.
Question: he had a too long coat[and lice] and now his coat is getting winterfurry. No other signs of Cushings[fatdeposit fi]. I plan on just good care and food for a while [blanketing] and wait a little bit with tests. Does that sound acceptable?
Jos
Member:
scooter

Posted on Friday, Oct 22, 2010 - 6:28 pm:

Sounds acceptable to me Jos, but what do I know!!!

Glad Micky is coming along, how bout a picture of him and his 3 little lambs
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 7:53 am:

More informative than lab tests are his vital signs jos. If they are normal, and his fecal floats are negative, I don't know what else you might test for. For more on this see HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » First Aid » Taking Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.
DrO
Member:
paardex

Posted on Saturday, Oct 23, 2010 - 10:09 am:

Thanks Dr O.I am ofcourse thinking of Cushings.
But at this moment his long coat could be start of a wintercoat I think and he does not show any other signs mentioned in your article. Have no experiece with Cusings though so just thought I'd ask.
Jos
Member:
paardex

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010 - 11:08 pm:

Finally a pic of Mickey and his sheep[I hope]
He really gained weight fabulously[although that perhaps is not obvious] and is a happy active horse.
He also is the filtiest dirtiest horse I have ever come across[well he is my first white ish horse] and his coat is still long and dry.
I think I perhaps should groom and be patient as he already has come such a long way?
Jos
Member:
mrose

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 12:23 am:

He looks like a normal white horse to me, Jos! It takes a lot of work for them to develop that nice pinkish hue. The only way you can keep a white one clean is to keep them totally covered up, bathe them at least once a week, and spray a lot of Show Sheen. Even then you'll be scrubbing on green or brown spots on a daily basis. What horses are miraculous; you can bathe them and have them spotless for their class; cover them with a sheet; tie them in their stall; and come back 5 mins. later to a dirty horse!

He looks very happy.
Member:
scooter

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 7:00 am:

Cute pic Jos! He looks good to me too. You certainly don't have to worry about grass founder anymore do you Your sheep and lambs are very cute too. I was attacked by some crazy baby lambs on my route a few mos. ago.
Member:
canter

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 7:13 am:

Welcome to white(ish) horse ownership, Jos. Loved the picture - the sheep are adorable.

Don't let anyone fool you that you can get a white horse clean by just currying and brushing - it doesn't work. There's only one remedy and thats a good bath (or two, or three...)

Sara is SO right - leave a clean, and truly white horse alone for one minute and they will be filthy the moment you turn your back. Can't count how many times I've arrived at a show with a pristine horse. I've schooled, fed and put her to bed covered, braided, deeply bedded and still clean. Come back the next morning and the barn help is standing by her stall laughing their butts off at my green horse who rolled so hard in the poop that it soaked through the sheets and sleezy and there is crap even behind her ears! And if she poops in the arena, she will jump over the pile, rather than step in it! Go figure.

Mickey looks wonderful. Enjoy!
Member:
ajudson1

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 8:03 am:

He looks great Jos!

You are all scarying me with the white horse horror stories; Cody is getting closer to white every year! I love his dapple grey look, and don't really notice if he gets that dirty or not but I bet if I wanted him to stay CLEAN he would NOT stay clean, lol!

Ah Fran, maybe she just had an itch?!? LOL!
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 9:43 am:

They all look so peaceful. I love to see different species together.I miss my sheep. You can always tell folks Mickey is an amazing new type of 'paint". The novelty is that her paint spots keep moving day to day!!!
Member:
lilo

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 11:46 am:

Jos - thanks for the picture. So peaceful, horse and his sheep grazing together.

I have a light-gray 1/2 Arab. At times she looks like an Appaloosa (dark spots all over), at times she is half brown, half white (only rolled on side into the dirt). Fortunately I am a trail rider. I make sure the saddle area and head are clean, sometimes go over the rest of her with a damp sponge (no baths in the winter) to give an illusion of clean, and off we go!

Lilo
Member:
paardex

Posted on Thursday, Nov 4, 2010 - 4:50 pm:

Ha I got the picture, should have remembered all your 'grays' Sara and their various stages of whitishness even with green pasture and regular grooming. I hadn't expected the pink part but the mud/dirt has a different color over here then in France and I ofcourse should have expected it after seeing how the house looks[inside Mike was smart enough to give it a pinkish color outside on purpose]
Think the show white won't give me any headaches both of us feel to old for that kind of foolishness, the trailwhite perhaps if I can either take his flock of sheep too or convince him that they will not immediately get killed without his supervision[hard and probably impossible]
I really like the paint part with moving spots he can even be a tricolor!
I decided to do without baths as much as possible as his coat still is very dry and after thoroughly reading the article on coats I decided that he A: needs more and longer good food[he agrees] and B: the sun probably has the same effect on his hair as it has on min. The dirt to can't help you will not believe it but my chickens need their legs vaselined every week to stay without sore scratchy legs! What do they put in the US soil??
Diane as for those lambs I cannot believe that you managed to get in trouble with 'killer lambs' I have been in loads of different types of lamb and sheep trouble but this is a new one!
And founder due to grass does not exist here but I still have a good chance with the alfalfa carrots ricebran beetpulp sweetfeed etc to end up in trouble
For the moment though Mickey is a perfectly happy 'guard horse' and he is sure that was his destiny in the first place[as opposed to showjumper or oh horror childrens mount!]
Isn't it weird he doesn't even LOOK at the neighbors mares, he probably has been beaten up in his last years so often[he was rather damaged when he arrived] that he now prefers sheep, hmm would he be happier if he had a goat too? Or an Alpaca....
Jos
Member:
kjbm

Posted on Friday, Nov 5, 2010 - 1:05 pm:


My white boy!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Friday, Nov 5, 2010 - 1:33 pm:

Hey, he's a twin to my mare Sahira. I went out to the barn this am and about died when I saw her! LOL There was clean sand in clean shavings....WHY??? LOL
Member:
lhenning

Posted on Monday, Nov 8, 2010 - 11:49 am:

Kris, ROFL!! I love the look on his face; "Dirt? What dirt??"
Member:
vickiann

Posted on Monday, Nov 8, 2010 - 12:09 pm:

Horses prefer to be dirty!
Member:
kjbm

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010 - 6:15 pm:

I was going to take a ride and this was what I found!
Member:
mrose

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2010 - 7:15 pm:

It's a ploy. When my horses look like that, by the time I get them clean enough to ride I'm either too tired to ride or there's no longer enough time!
Member:
paardex

Posted on Friday, Nov 26, 2010 - 9:13 pm:

Well today Mickey earned a double feeding of carrots[his favorite food]!
When I was outside he didn't appear in the corner of his 'pasture' to say hi. Two sheep with yelling lambs WERE there. Hmm No mickey no sheep number three who still had to lamb out. So I went searching calling Mickey. A worried nicker from behind a shrub answered me. Behind the shrub '73' was trying to give birth to a big lamb so a bit of help was appreciated. Mickey hang over my shoulder to keep an eye on things. When the lamb was out mum AND Mickey were licking!
I think I have never before had a horse that so found his carreer at my place!!
Jos
PS No bones visible anymore in Mickey just a high tail inplant but nicely filled in with fat/muscle!
PPS He is worried about leaving his sheep when on a trailride but enjoys the time of too!
Member:
gramsey1

Posted on Friday, Nov 26, 2010 - 9:32 pm:

Cool
Member:
hpyhaulr

Posted on Saturday, Nov 27, 2010 - 7:23 am:

that's a great Dr.Feelgood story. I LOVE it!
Good boy!
Member:
scooter

Posted on Saturday, Nov 27, 2010 - 7:42 am:

Glad to hear Mickey is doing well and earning his keep as the herd watchman
Member:
frances

Posted on Saturday, Nov 27, 2010 - 10:13 am:

That must have made a touching picture, Jos. What a great boy! I think I'm going to cry!
Member:
lilo

Posted on Saturday, Nov 27, 2010 - 12:21 pm:

Would it not have been great to get a photo of that, Jos. But the image will probably be in your memory forever. What an interesting story.
Lilo
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