Chico is in the Ribbons Thanks to a Farrier Grant!
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Chico was a 12 year-old grey appaloosa that came to Arizona Equine Rescue Organization, Inc. (AERO) in 2004 with a fractured coffin bone. The fracture was so severe that the bone was split in half, crossing a joint. Several equine surgeons consulted on the case and there were mixed feelings about Chico’s prognosis to soundness. He was given a 30% chance to fully resolve. AERO is used to these types of challenges so the team got to work. A special shoe was made, a custom Chinese herbal formula was applied topically and given orally, a special stall was built to keep him comfortable, and a special exercise regime was designed. Chico recovered with very little trace of the fracture in eight short months and after being evaluated for his riding ability he was ready for adoption in October 2005 after being declared sound at all gaits. In January 2006, while he was volunteering in the AERO children’s program, a teacher inquired about him for her daughter, Paige. Several days later they met and heart bubbles flew between horse and girl. Paige was 12 years-old at the time and Chico was her first horse. Recently Paige rode Chico in her first gymkhana and took a 2nd place in poles and 3rd place in barrels. This success story was thanks to a farrier grant provided to AERO from PetSmart Charities! The AERO team gives a great big ‘Thank You!’ for giving us the opportunity to have a success like Chico!

Soleil
Scottsdale, AZ