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HAGRID & DIEGO Diego came to Crosswinds in June 2003 along with Hagrid and Luke. Diego had a horribly split hoof (shown above), so bad he could barely walk on it. He had been an Amish plow horse until days before the sale, worked until he could no longer even walk forward on that hoof. Over the next several months, the hoof was treated and allowed to grow out, and Diego is now sound on the hoof and it is slowly healing away. Diego is a soft, sweet, gentle old man who just wants to please and go nice and easy throughout his days. November 03 update: Diego's hooves were expertly trimmed by well-known barefoot specialist Rick Burten. Look at the difference now (the 4rd photo in the hoof series above. Photos are: day he arrived; after first trim, after 2nd trim, and then after his third trim -- this time by a specialist.) (2004 -- his split is now nothing but a small chip at the very base of his foot. It is essentially unnoticable.) March 04 update: Hagrid and Diego have enjoyed a liesurely winter at a foster farm, with no work, lots of grass, and wonderful spoiling! For the first time in their lives, the boys were allowed to learn how to be horses, without human interference (other than feeding and such!) As the weather improves, we look forward to getting both boys back working and continuing improving their muscle condition. June 04 update: Hagrid and Diego have returned home, rested and happy. Diego's leg appears to have resolved 100% and the big guy is riding happily. The two boys are a great pair to ride together -- Diego quiet and easy for even a beginner with just the basics; Hagrid, more nervous, requires a more confident rider particularly while mounting, but is still sweet, gentle and well mannered while riding. August 04 update: Diego completed a 6 mile ride yesterday! (3 miles each way to a friend's house.) We trotted more than 2 miles total, cantered about a half mile, and leisurely walked most of the rest. Diego continues to be willing to 'hold back' and go as slowly or as quickly as his rider asks when the horses ahead ride off without him. This is an invaluable skill that most riding horses struggle to learn if ever at all! Diego was not difficult at any point at all; he was even tolerant of Hagrid and another horse branching off and taking a totally different route, leaving Diego with little Merlin. Diego did call for Hagrid a few times, and did hurry a bit when he thought we were nearly home (actually nearly at the friend's house), but his behavior was perfectly acceptable and he was a real joy to ride. October 04 update: Diego and Hagrid have moved to their new home about 10 miles from Crosswinds with the Campbell family, wonderful folks who have been long term supporters and who also adopted Louie, a black lab/pit puppy from Crosswinds. Congrats, Campbells and even more so, congrats, H&D! March 2006: Hagrid and Diego, together, were euthanized and laid to rest today. Both old men had heart trouble and numerous signs of their advanced age and the tough lives they lead before coming to CWER. Both had a wonderful 2 years with the Campbell family, and we could not have been happier with their placement there. Both will be sorely missed forever. Rest well, sweet friends. Rest well.
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