He has started to mature and fill out into more of a horse than a young guy which I'm very happy about.
Dempsey is physically ready to move up to the Preliminary level, however after a recent stomach scoping performed by Merial we found some ulcers in his stomach. I consulted with our veterinarian and performed a bone scan of his top line as well to make sure we were on track for our move up and we found some discomfort in both TMJ's. Crazy right!! Well this would explain his behavior at times and we want to make sure that he is at the most comfortable and optimal health and therefore we will be treating him with a month of ulcer guard and getting his belly feeling much better, in addition we injected his TMJ.
He has done 5 training levels and went to HITS Thermal for a week to get acquainted with a big show atmosphere.
My goal with Dempsey will be to take him Preliminary at Copper Meadows in June and if things go well to take him to Rebecca Farm to compete in his 2nd preliminary horse trials with the goal of competing in a CCI 1* in the fall.
This is a very similar plan that I had with Milton and taking things slow has certainly paid off.
Since Dempsey has been put on his ulcer guard as well as his injection in his TMJ's he has been working in the round pen to help him get stronger and learn that he isn't hurting any longer.
I will probably compete him at Woodside Horse Trials in May training level to give him one easy go before his debut at the preliminary level.
I wanted to thank each of you for your support and I'm looking forward to a bright future with Dempsey!
Til next time......
Tamie & Dempsey
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