Dressage Life |
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RUFUS "Canterbury" (Lincoln) 17 hh, dark bay, gelding Rhinelander, Reg.CSH 1988 - Nov. 29, 1999 Dreams of Memories
Rufus was my special horse as that I rescued him. He was brought into the barn I was boarding at the time to be sold as an eventer. The person who owned him at the time was not very nice at all to this horse abused and rode him into the ground. The last time the owner rode Rufus it was very hard for almost 2 hours. The next day one of Rufus's front legs was so swollen and sore he could barely walk. the splint bone was broken in two. The owner gave the horse 2 weeks to get better which he didn't so then proceeded to sell the horse to a horse dealer.
Rufus was given a few months of time off and he did get better, but was not to be jumped any more. A couple of riders started to work with him, but he was still very stiff in the hind end. Before I knew it the barn manager was using Rufus in the riding school over jumps, so he started going lame off and on. All for the want of money. I just couldn't see this being done to this poor horse that had potential in Dressage competition, so I bought him. Rufus was such a sweet horse with a very willing disposition and would try his heart out. I was able to compete with him at a few Dressage shows at the Basic 3 and 4 levels under the show name of Canterbury. At one of these shows a couple of people recognized Rufus. They told me that they were happy that Rufus was with someone who loved him and whom would take care of him. They also told me a couple of horror stories that the former owner did to him. Rufus's training was going well. He was so much fun to work On November 29, 1999 I received the call that no one ever wants. My horse was colicing. I left work in a flurry and got to the barn in 20 minutes from work, when it normally would have taken me 40 minutes. I don't ever recommend it, but I think I broke the speed of light. I sat on the horn and had my hazard lights flashing all the way. From 9:30 am to 5:00 pm I walked Rufus with the help of my Rob stayed with me the entire time. There was a team of vets that worked on Rufus. After all the work and tests the vets did it was found that he had a severe twist of the large colon. The chances of Rufus recovering from the surgery were very slim, I decided to put him down. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I said my goodbyes to my Rufus as he nickered in my ear. Even though my heart was breaking I knew I had made the right decision. The drive home pulling an empty trailer with Rob was very somber, with myself clutching Rufus's halter. Rob told me that I better get myself up to the barn the next day to ride Colby. This I did do, but my ride on Colby only lasted about 10 minutes. I got off him and buried my face in his mane and cried. I have always believed that things happen for a reason but at that time I didn't know what it was. Rufus will always have a special place in my heart and memories. Be at piece my friend.
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The manager of the barn felt sorry for this horse so she bought him from the
dealer before the horse left the property.
with.
My plans were to compete with him in the medium levels the following year. The only
thing was that he was very afraid of men and so rightfully so because of his
past. My Coach had to very careful as so not to frighten Rufus by sudden
movements.
friend Marian. The
vet was there twice because Rufus was getting no better. After the 3rd call to
the vet it was decided to take Rufus to the University of Guelph Veterinary
Hospital. My friend Rob shipped him there for me. It took almost an hour and a
half to get there.
