I was wondering where to start this story, and how should I write it. I think, the simplest way might be the best here.
Since early childhood I had a big heart for animals. Always tried to help those in need. Always followed "adopt, don't shop" rule. Hence we have at home one cat struggling with granuloma and several allergies and another, completely blind. Both rescues. According to the above, choice of an ex race horse was super easy for me. I always loved Thoroughbreds so why not gave one a new, better life.
I met Echo in June 2022 and straight away I knew he will go home with me.
French Thoroughbred. Born in 2014 in France. Sold on auction in Ireland. Trained in Wales. Race in whole UK. He went through a lot. Sustained injuries. Finally he was passed to Racehorse Rehoming centre where I found him.
When he came, he was already after two tendon injuries and a weak, unbalanced dude, who lacked literally any topline muscles. He didn't know or understand how to be just a horse or even what a polo mint is.
We spent months doing just strengthening exercises, having physiotherapies, building our bond and trying to convince him that there is no more racing in his life so he can relax now.
He was doing great, always there to please, always very willing. He is super quick learner and very intelligent boy so he loved his basic schooling once we got there.
Unfortunately this year, around June-July something changed. Echo became more sensitive, more anxious and stressed. It came to the point where we couldn't work on anything anymore as he was telling me very clearly that he just can't do it.
Vet came out. We did xrays. Diagnosis - severe kissing spine.
In a few days Echo will receive his first dose of cortisone injections and we will start our rehab battle. I already gave him my heart and soul so right now I'll do everything I can to help him become strong horse and live long and pain-free life.
And this is where my heart breaks a bit as unfortunately appropriate rehabilitation program is very expensive. It's way more than our insurer would pay even if they will accept our case. Therfore I am asking all the horse, especially exrace horse lovers to support our case if you can. I would not ask for help two years or even a year ago but the cost of living crisis and other circumstances forced me to do it as my horse is my heart. He is a part of my soul and I won't gave up on him.
At the moment our plan is to go through injection and rehab way. If needed we will have to repeat the whole process. And if that won't work I'll consider spine surgery for him.
Please, please support my little Echo if you can. Every £1 matter.