Nopie: One Year Later

[DerbyCat]

A year ago many of you followed the saga of my successful attempt to rescue an injured race horse in Nebraska (Links to DT threads HERE and HERE). I wanted to update you on Nopie's current condition and the effect he has had on my life. Here's Nopie a year ago:



Nopie has recovered nicely from his severe suspensory injury, and although it has completely heeled he does have a piece of calcified bone within the ligament that will prevent him from ever being able to jump (although he can still buck around in his pen with no problems ). Nopie spent just over nine months confined to a small 10'x10' paddock while his ankle healed and he was the model patient. His spirit was strong and he spent his time making friends and stealing the hearts of the volunteers at GEVA, the equine retirement facility that has been his home (see this LINK for a story about his time at GEVA).

Shortly after the holidays, Nopie moved down from the barn into his own larger paddock amongst the horses of GEVA, there he's made friends with his neighboring horses (Govie and Oro) and he made one enemy - Shark, the stallion in the adjacent paddock, thought the gelding Nopie was flirting with his mares so he bit Nopie on the nose which has left a scar. Other than that Nopie is the picture of health. He still has an amazing personality, loves carrots and attention, and seems to make friends with everyone. When the rains in California finally let up, Nopie will be re-schooled to be a pleasure horse and then I will find him a new home where he will be cared for and loved like every retired race horse should be as they live out their remaining days.

This experience has changed me as well. Before Nopie, I was your typical "race tracker", I bet the horses, owned one of my own and hoped to win with her, but didn't ever think, "where do the horses go when I don't see them at the track and they stop showing up in my stable mail?" I never knew there were so many groups dedicated to helping off track thoroughbreds (OTTB) find homes where they'll be cared for. I became more supportive of groups in California like GEVA, CANTER, The Second Race, and others. I have donated thousands of dollars to these groups (money I probably would have gambled away) and helped them raise funds so that they can continue doing everything they can to help give our heroes a home when they retire. When I retire (still many years away) I have no doubt that I will provide a home to many retired horses and spend my final day surrounded by my heroes. Horses have such amazing personalities and I am constantly in awe of how gentle and loving these thousand pound animals can be with people. Few things relax me like time spent at the barn feeding carrots to the horses and spending time with them. I'm sure I'll own another racehorse again, but I can tell you that I will always be one of those owners that accepts responsibility for a horse they own and I'll insure that any horse I own has a home when their racing days are over - that's something that I am committed to.

Nopie turns five on Tuesday (he was foaled on February 23, 2005) and I'm happy I was able to help him get to live to see it. If you have the interest and the means to do so, a donation to GEVA (Click HERE) in his name will surely result in him getting extra treats on his big day. Thank you all for the support you showed me a year ago, without this site I'm not sure I could have pulled off Nopie's rescue. My biggest thanks, once again, goes out to Scav - Tom was there with me the entire way, making things happen and insuring that we got Nopie back to California after his disastrous final race at Fonner Park. I thank you Tom, and no doubt Nopie thanks you, too!

[Sightseek]

[my miss storm cat]

A lovely read.

Wish him a happy birthday and give him a hug... and am sending one to you and to Scav too because you guys are just amazing.

Please keep updating us.

[Merlinsky]

My day was really dragging til I read this. Great to hear. Give him a birthday carrot from me!

[TheSpyder]

Very nice, indeed.

[Payson Dave]

My day is going well ...will make a donation today to GEVA


On edit at 4:55
contribution made...

Transaction ID: 056615327A545643D Placed on Feb 20, 2010 Payment For Quantity/Price In honor of Nopie's birthday
$50.00 USDSubtotal:$50.00 USDSales Tax:$0.00 USDTotal Amount:$50.00 USD