Copper Kid the wobbly horse
This
3-year-old handsome young Quarter Horse has a neurological
problem called cervical vertebral instability, better known
as "Wobbler syndrome."
The vertebrae in his neck aren't stable, resulting in compression of the spinal cord. This can make it difficult for him to know where his feet are, so the Copper Kid literally wobbles as he walks. (His condition is different from what our kitten Wobbles has.)
Our equine vet was asked to euthanize this handsome youngster and called us instead. Our vet doesn't think the Copper Kid is in any pain and clearly still loves life. He had spent some time with the Copper Kid at his clinic and saw just how affectionate and friendly this horse was with people. He wanted the Copper Kid to get another chance.
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So now he hangs out with the blind horses at the sanctuary. He's fallen head-over-hooves in love with Lena, our blind Quarter Horse mare. (Everyone loves Lena.) Whenever we dry-lot Lena - she tends to overeat and thus is on a diet - this love-stricken young horse will gladly give up his own hay to follow Lena to the adjoining corral.
We tell him that Lena is twice his age - "old enough to be your mother!," we scold - but he won't hear of it. Love is blind. So is Lena. Oh well.
Because most Wobbler syndrome horses never get a chance to live, we don't know about the Copper Kid's prognosis. Our vet says he may stay like he is, he may get better, or he may get worse. Only time will tell. But for now, he is certainly enjoying himself.
So if you come to visit and see a horse wobbling all over the place, you'll know he doesn't need to find a designated rider.
