He and I needed a good start together in a new environment 

In my blog Saving Troy you can read who our paths crossed and how we welcomed Troy in our family.

Going for a simple walk together and just be in each others presence

I kept Troy 3 weeks at the stable where I bought him, to start to get to know each other in an environment that was familiar to him. The first weeks I didn’t ride him. I lunged him in the round pen or I would just take him for a walk so he could get familiar with my voice, my body language and my vibe. And I could get familiar with him, how he reacts and responds and what his energy level is like. And every day I took my time brushing him. I could tell he loved the attention and all the TLC he was getting. He knew very soon that I was coming every morning and he was already waiting for my car to arrive. When I arrived, he greeted me by shaking his head up and down and saying ‘hi’ by making a typical horse sound. And till this day he still does that every morning when he sees me.

Moving and arriving in a new environment

After 2 weeks I went on a ride with him and other horses and it went very well. But when I wanted to go alone with him, he was very insecure and would go in reverse every time.

I knew that he and I needed a good start together in a new environment where he would start to create new and good experiences. So I moved him to the stables where I had my first ride with my daughter. 

The people who work there are very friendly and it felt good from the start. The area is also beautiful. It’s surrounded by nature, orange fields and a beautiful turquoise lake.

When we arrived we first put him in the school so he could take in this new environment with all its scents and noises. Then we brought him to his paddock. He is a big guy, so I’m very happy that he is in a paddock where he has enough space to move around instead of in a stable. He was okay with everything, but I had to stay in his sight. As long as I was there he was okay. 

After a few hours I brushed him and I saddled him like it was any other day. And we went out, just Troy, me and my husband to explore the area. And from that day on Troy and I go out riding together several times a week. 

When I left the first day Troy was a bit tired of all the new experiences and he was okay when I left, I think because he already knew I would be there the next day.

Always an enjoyable route at the lake

Troy started to heal

All taped in after his physiotherapy session

Troy started to heal. He gained weight, muscles and confidence. But this is a long process and after more than two years the process is still ongoing. Troy also has an old injury on his right foot which has never been treated. His ligaments were overstretched and he was limping and got used to walking lame, which isn’t a good thing. With the help of a very knowledgeable osteopath and a very knowledgeable farrier who specializes in podiatry, his way of walking improved a lot, and there is now so much more movement through his foot, leg and back.

On days we don’t go out riding we go for a walk for some grazing. In the part of Spain where we live there are no meadows with a lot of grass, but there are some spots and bushes where Troy always finds something tasty to chew on. 

There are also days that Troy is very playful and I can wind him up a little. Then he goes a bit crazy, jumps around, farts and kicks and is just enjoying himself. That gives me a lot of joy and laughter.