River

#278 Bay TB gelding. Appx. 3yrs. old. Appx. 16.2 hands. This horse is thin as he just came off the track. He still has a couple racing plates on his feet. He is sore in the rear, but it is thought that he will be better after some layup. Soreness is thought to be from hard work at the track. A really sweet and curious boy.

Update 7/18/01 - Claire (#270) and River (#278) will be headed to their new home within the next day or so. Yes, they will be traveling together and living together at their new home with Michelle! Michelle felt so bad for Claire and River's situation and has been jumping through hoops to get them both. And.......she has succeeded!

Update 7/27/01 - Dear Gail,

Claire and I wanted to write you as soon as we got to our new home. Boy it was a long ride. As you know we left on Wednesday morning but we did not get to our house till Thursday night. Mom was so worried about us. Claire did not do to well. She had a tough time hauling. The pain was really bad for her and the bumping around we difficult. She unloaded very very slowly and boy she could hardly walk. Mom met the trailer at the farm and had our rooms ready with new shavings, fresh water and lots of really fresh (just cut) hay. I really wanted to go and meet our new family but Claire couldn't handle it so mom but us to bed right away. It was a really pretty night though. The mom was out and I could see my new sisters (5 of them) out in their paddocks munching away. I said hello and they answered back. We got lots of love when we were settled in. Mom is very concerned about Claire. She gave her something for the pain. Before mom left she washed down our faces with a cold washcloth and cleaned our dirty eyes of all the travel dust. Then she gave us a treat and several kisses and hugs. Before she left she also turned on some soft music and turned of the lights so we could sleep well and we did. Mom was back at the farm early to feed and introduce us to the family. It was all so exciting. Everyone, except Claire ran around in their paddocks showing off what they could do. I meet Duchess, Beauty, Katie, Cassie and Star. Beauty told me she was the only one that didn't go through your program. She really cool though. We talked and played all day while mom worked in the pasture and cleaned the barn and gave Claire a bath. Mom went to the feed store and bought a bunch of stuff. I got a new fly sheet and a rain blanket and so did Claire. She told us it rains up her in Washington a lot so she wanted us to be ready. Its supposed to rain tonight. Claire had a tough day and mom spent a lot of time with her. I think she will be all right. Mom talked to the vet about her and he is coming out in a few days. He wants her to settle in a bit before he has to do things with her. I heard we are going to get shots too. YUCK!!!! Well, I am going to take a nap.

Thanks for all you have do for us Gail. You're great. I know mom is happy we are here and so are we.

Love always,
River and Claire

Update 4/11/02 - I am writing to let you know that Mom and I have been having a blast for the last 2 months. As you know I was very sick when I arrived at my new home and Mom spent many hours for many months helping me get better. I had to gain weight and get over the infection I had. Well, we did it. I feel so good now. Mom sent me to school about a 1/2 hour away from home with a really nice lady. She started teaching me how to turn, how to balance myself, how to canter slowly and go over polls. I have been in training now for two months and love it. Mom even started riding me last week. She is so happy. We are going on our first trail ride tomorrow. I can't wait!!!

We will be intouch.
River

Update 6/27/02 - River is doing absolutely wonderful. He has been in full training now for 5 months and is as fit as they come. His youth is showing or maybe it is just his exuberance but he is full of himself. He loves to run wild in the arena before his training sessions but gets right down to business when my trainer gets on him. Atleast once a week we go for a long trail ride to give him a break and but also sneak in some fun training out on the hunt trails. He stands 17 hands and has gained about 350 lbs. He will start going over fences soon and should hit the show circuit in the baby greens next year as a 5 yr. old (what we think he is since there was no papers for him) He is a graceful mover and a sweet gentleman. I have truly lost my heart to him.
I miss Claire terribly. Her presence is still felt around the barn. Lights turn on mysteriously in the night and brushes seem to jump out of the drying rack which were two of her favorite things to do when she was loose. I can't help feel she is telling me she is happy and that I did right by her.