Name: Rico
Gender: Gelding
Breed: Warmblood
Birth: 2002
Status: With Blue Rider since: 2015
Rico came to us in 2015, after years as a schoolmaster in the jumper ring. He had had EPM (a neurological condition caused by possum feces in drinking water), and no one expected him to stay sound or to thrive as a lesson horse. Now in his early twenties, he is our big, goofy giant in lessons, and for our instructors and more advanced students, he can still move beautifully, tall and elegant and light on his great big feet. Rico is also the center of our vaulting program, which he takes great pride in.
Between his size (he is the second largest horse in the herd!), the residual effects of EPM, and dental issues, Rico often struggles to maintain his weight, especially in the colder months. He is looking good these days, but it takes a lot to keep him feeling strong and healthy. He gets extra meals with easily digested, highly palatable food, body work, twice yearly dental visits, and lots of grooming. He will also always need to wear ”sunglasses” year round, because of having had his third eyelid removed and to minimize the risk of sarcoma returning.
