Ben

Second Chance's Ben

Biography

Ben had a very rough start to his working life. His story is one of tragedy and woe. A promising young horse with a world of potential, ruined by the time he was 5 years old.

This Andalusian x Arabian gelding was bred to perform. He is registered and has the looks and conformation to excel as a jumper or dressage horse, he could have done anything.

This is his story as told to us by the person who asked us to help him; after being sold from his breeder, he was owned by an experienced lady who raised him from the age of weaning until he was 3 and was then forced to sell him due to a severe illness. Ben then went to a less experienced rider. She sent him away to have some further education done with him, and then he was sold on as she'd had a fall from him and lost her confidence. The new owner (and most recent owner before we took him in) was young and inexperienced with green horses and at one point here we have been told, he was beaten with a riding whip and since then has become very nervous around people who have anything stick-like in their hands.

His owner was frightened of him and when Ben badly cut his leg, she ignored the injury and never had it treated or looked at. The injury became badly infected and the tendon sheath separated and the tendon itself was badly affected. Because of this, when Ben eventually did get to a Vet, he was given a 50/50 chance of ever being ridden again, and we were told he would never jump or be able to work normally even if he did become ridable.

Finally, Ben's teenage owner was kicked out of home. He was dumped on the girl's riding instructor's property, infected injury and all.

As Ben's carer was in no position to continue caring for him, Second Chance took Ben on for rehabilitation, to guarantee this horse some peace of mind and an end to his bad luck.

Ben's rehab took approximately 7 months and what a difference in this horse! Nobody who saw him on arrival can believe just how well he's healed. He was vetted sound for regular riding/jumping/competition and has found a loving home for life.

Ben's leg showing his infected injury.

Ben 'after' rehab.

Stats

Name: Second Chance's Ben
Stable Name: Ben
Rescued: December 2007
Status: Adopted!
Registered Name: Dual Registered, name withdrawn
Breed: Arabian x Andalusian
Colour: Bay
Age: Born 9th Dec, 2002
Sire: *removed*
Dam: *removed*

Adopted October 2008!

Ben has now been Adopted into a wonderful new home where he goes on regular trail rides, has resumed his schooling in the arena and is thoroughly enjoying his new life. Ben has also been spotted at some local shows, so keep an eye out for him next time you're out and about!

Ben with his Adopter