Horse Moments with Meaning – Troy’s Healing Journey from Equine Piroplasmosis ~ Troy Joy

Horse Moments with Meaning – Troy’s Healing Journey from Equine Piroplasmosis

A Sudden Episode and a Difficult Diagnosis

A while ago our rescue horse Troy experienced a difficult episode—he was eating very little and appeared apathetic. After thorough blood tests, we discovered he has equine piroplasmosis, a chronic horse disease caused by a parasite that continuously attacks his red blood cells. This diagnosis helped explain many of Troy’s challenges, including why he struggles with horse topline building and has weak hindquarters. It also clarified why some days he seems calm while on others he suffers from intense horse nervousness and anxiety.

Troy not feeling like himself

Past Injuries and Their Impact

Living with this chronic illness requires a gentle approach to his care and recovery. Troy’s healing journey is a clear example of rescue horse recovery, where understanding the full picture—including his past as a rescue horse, his horse injury, and emotional wounds—is essential. He has an old injury to his right foot, with overstretched tendons that were never properly treated, contributing further to his physical discomfort and horse anxiety.

Mindful Training and Gentle Handling

This looks fun, but Alfi just wanted to be a bit grazy with Troy

Because of these combined factors, Troy doesn’t respond well to typical training methods. Instead, he needs mindful horse training and gentle horse handling that respect his unique needs. Pushing him or repeating stressful situations can worsen his anxiety and hinder his horse rehabilitation. For instance, riding alone now causes Troy significant stress and can trigger episodes, so I only take him out when Alfi accompanies him, which provides a sense of safety and comfort.

The Healing Power of Slow Living

Our approach embraces slow living with horses—we often walk slowly or graze quietly together. To some, it might seem like we don’t do much, but this gentle movement and time to graze are deeply healing. Grazing allows Troy to engage in natural behaviors that support his physical and mental health. It helps regulate his nervous system, reduces stress, and aids digestion, which is crucial for a horse recovering from trauma, illness, and injury. These calm moments help his brain process stimuli safely, reinforcing trust and emotional balance.

Focusing on Quality of Life

Ultimately, my focus is on horse quality of life, ensuring Troy can be a horse in the fullest sense, free from unnecessary pressure. This path of healing and connection teaches me patience, presence, and acceptance. Though I miss riding as much as before, I trust that by honoring Troy’s pace and needs, our bond will grow stronger—and we will go out riding again in the future however that will look like. For now we are exactly were we are meant to be.