Tell us about your horse
Hootie, 9-year-old AQHA.

What is your discipline?
English/Western, All Around.

Do you and your horse compete? If so, how often and at what level?
Yes. We were showing open shows and at the end of 2023 competed in our first quarter horse show together. In 2024, we plan on showing our local quarter horse circuit in New Jersey.

Has your horse’s unsoundness kept you out of any competitions?
Yes.

What current issues is your horse suffering from?
Laminitis, possible diabetes, requires turnout with a muzzle due to lush pastures. Needs corrective shoeing (wedges in the hind and pads in the front). Arthritis, inflammation, hock issues, stifles, and coffin joint concerns.

What have you tried so far to help your horse with these issues?
Special diet, injections, Equioxx, Osphos injection, supplements, time off, several types of corrective shoeing, X-rays, blood work.

Has this horse been diagnosed by a vet?
Yes.

If your horse has had injections, when was the last injection and where?
March 2023 – lower hock and coffin joint in front.

If you are selected for the Precision Challenge, what results are you hoping for?
I’m hoping Hootie will move like he used to—floaty and pretty, not short and choppy. I just want my not sore boy back.

Precision Challenge Start

Began March 7th, 2024.
Hootie has been suffering from laminitis and sore stifles. Secondary issues: corrective shoeing needs, arthritis, and inflammation in hocks, stifles, and coffin joints.

Day 1 of Precision Challenge

Day 45 of Precision Challenge

Before & After

Check-Ins – Observed changes in comfort, movement & disposition

Week 3 Check-In
Eating the PJS fine. Seems to be doing pretty good and moving better.

Week 6 Check-In
Doing better! We have finally been able to really practice our western pleasure too!

PC Journal Notes

2 Weeks into Trial
Seems to be feeling better. We have our first QH show in a month, so I’m hoping it will help him a lot.

30 Days into Trial
All has been good until he stopped eating a couple of days ago because we moved him to a dry lot paddock. He doesn’t deal well with change and will just pace. We have been able to practice our western pleasure.

45 Days into Trial
Finally settled down and went back to eating. He actually won his one QH class last weekend. I feel overall the PJS helped some, especially being off the Equioxx.