Mac (aka as Jack Flash)

 Mac is a handsome Chestnut Thoroughbred gelding around 15 years old. He was listed for free on Craigslist, which is always a high-risk issue. He had been living in the Medford area. When we asked the previous owner if they’d consider relinquishing him to the rescue, they were relieved. They hauled him to us and we saw immediately that he was very, very hoof sore.

After a tearful goodbye from his owners who were unable to care for him any longer, our vet took x-rays and although he had had laminitis before, bloodwork showed he was not insulin resistant. It appeared he had a recent hoof trim that left his hoof wall way to short and he was walking on his soles, so we immediately placed him in Soft Ride cushioned boots to provide some comfort. He destroyed one pair of $250 boots BUT his hooves are growing out and he is feeling much better! He was also very thin – also known as a “hard keeper”. As a human, I’d love to be considered a “hard keeper” – meaning I could eat as much as I wanted and hardly show it! More hay and grain for him! Corrective shoes are on now, weight is gaining…and then we started to see some odd behavior, like bumping his hip against trees for no reason. We had the vet back out and sadly he tested positive for a neurological disease called EPM. We gave him costly medicine to help slow the progress, and it has definitely helped!

Due to past hoof issues and bad conformation, he is not stable enough to be ridden again. Meanwhile, he runs in the field just like the racehorse he once was! This is why we nicknamed him Jack Flash! He is a sweetheart and enjoys attention. Come say hello to our gorgeous guy!