ABOUT GOOBER

It all began nearly two years ago when we decided to begin showing horses after nearly a 20 year hiatus from the sport. We began our search, and almost 6 months later we stumbled upon a gangly 2 year old paint horse named "Consider the Source". When I saw him, I knew he would fit right into our family. He had a big goofy head, lips too big for his face, and he just loved to be in your lap; hence the nickname, "Goober".

After a few weeks here at home, we sent him off to the trainer's. We had never considered hiring a "Trainer" before, but with all the new changes in the industry we thought it would be best to have him professionally trained. That decision ended up almost costing Goob his life…

The trainer worked with him from November of '06 to his first show in February of '07. Goober seemed to be doing great; winning in Showmanship and Walk / Trot! His only mistake was that he was having a tough time keeping collected at the lope. He grew from 14.3 hands to a staggering 15.3 in just a few months time. She continued to push him harder and harder. It wasn't until he began developing sores on his mouth, constant back problems and the first signs of pinning ears when ridden that we started questioning her tactics. Then the weight loss and the ulcers ensued. All we could think was how can someone do this to a horse? All they want to do is please us, and look what is forced upon them. We abruptly removed Goob from the trainer, and spent months dedicated to bringing him back to a happy and healthy growing boy.

This story would be at its end except for the constant signs Goob kept giving us. He was a joy to be around, happy and playful, until we returned to the showplace where his trainer had pushed him past his young limits. Just leading Goober into the ring for Halter changed him instantly.

Concerned it was something major we whisked him off to Iowa State Veterinary Hospital for a full lameness exam. After only 3 hours, we were advised to undergo surgery. They inserted a camera scope in one side of his hock and a surgical tool on the other. Thorough the exam window, we watched in horror as the scope found severely damaged cartilage and in some spots bone on bone! The surgeon came out and advised us to not wake him due to the amount of damage, but being a member of our family we were not willing to give up the fight that easily!

Goob has undergone fat cell removal surgery that was then flown to Vet-Stem Regenerative Veterinary Medicine Lab, where they created stem cells from the harvest. They were then injected into his damaged hock, in hopes that it will help to rebuild and re-grow the cartilage. We just want him to have a pain-free life, happy and living out his years with us!

The Moral of the story is this; always trust your gut!! Pay attention to your horse, when they are trying to tell you something. When something is wrong they let you know the only way they know how. When you see these signs, stop! Don't let the intrigue of winning ribbons blind you or it could be too late.


A little up-date: Goob is now standing at 17.1 hands high and doing well! He has his moments where we find him running and playing as if he were 2 years old again and not having a care in the world.

UPDATE: 10/5/08

Goob returned to the show ring Aug 14th. To our delight he was happy and seemed to be glad to be strutting his stuff again. Of course we are just entering the Halter classes and Walk/Trot class to see how the hock will do. He won all his Halter classes and placed 2nd in the Walk/Trot under all judges!!! Never dropped a hip or short stepped once.

Per the advise of the surgeon, keep going until we get a sign. So 2 wks later off to NEISCA Labor Day Weekend Show where he not only acted like a kid again, but recvd Resv. Grand Championship in Halter!!! Never went off his feed, never twisted his tail or toke a lame step.

We are so happy to report, so far so good.!! Compared to just a few short months ago, where the answer was to euthanize.

He is growing again and still amazes us everyday with his warm personality!