Mac became a world wide trend on social media for his unique
Enterolith, where his particular mineral rock had been created
by the calcium from the alfalfa hay / lucerne in his feed, and the
shape was distinctly unique. Close observation would show where
tiny pieces of Lucerne had been “pasted” to the object. The debate
continues around the over use of Lucerne in the pleasure horse
industry. For Mac and his unique gut processing – lucerne is now
banned from his diet.
Bringing the big fella home to his own stable made him very
happy where he could keep an eye on the whole property –
standing watch over his domain. He has a room with a view to
all the paddocks, and all the other horses, and if he sticks his
head out far enough, he will watch the house for movement in the
morning. Late arrival for breakfast is rarely tolerated.
Recovery was run military style, with nothing out of place or too
much trouble. After a couple months locked up, twice-daily walks
for small grass pics were his new favourite things to look forward
to. After four months, the Vets passed Mac to start light work of
just walk and small trot. After six months, Mac was then cleared
for full work.
The 2.6kg Enterolith removed from Mac's large colon. In
recovery after the life saving surgery.
him home. Not good timing, I got very sick and couldn’t bring him
home, so a wonderful friend Leanne Gidman took him home to
her place for me. They loved and cared for him like their own, and
took him
He was a keen,
his recovery,
ready to
in the
to his first show for me, winning a Champion and Reserve as a
weanling, and they followed up at Toowoomba Royal also with
success. I’m forever grateful to such lovely friends for being
there when you need them.
willing and a happy participant in
and presented himself every day
ride. He has never sulked
corner paddock or hidden
from being caught - he
would come to top
corner and nicker,
and put his head
down for the head
collar ready to be the
centre of attention
once more. Only eight
months after surgery
Mac was back under
saddle and able to
start competing
dressage again,
and strong enough
to attend the Q15
Nationals in April.
Where did this
miracle boy come
from? Being an
Amateur Owner
and breeder of dilute
horses, I have been
lucky to have some
awesome horses
in my life. How
Mac came into our
lives is a right time right
place story. I had just had
a second mare abort eight
Mac was eventually broken in for multi-purpose by Noel Watson,
and I was able to compete both Western, and English styles for
the first few years. Eventing looked like a great idea for Mac,
and we had him professionally jump trained, and an eventing
career looked good. Alas, with an old injury for myself, riding him
would mean handing him over to a professional rider. In the end I
decided that we had a wonderful bond and trust relationship that
I just wanted to keep him for myself.
Campaigned at many local Agricultural, Royal, State and National
shows around the east coast of Australia, for many Supremes,
and a few garlands Mac has won the Dressage HI-Point for six
years in a row and competed at Open Dressage with great success.
Each year we enjoy our trip to Tamworth for the Q-Nationals, and
in 2013 he won Reserve Champion Senior Halter Stallion, plus
many other successes over the years.
My mate and companion will remain the King of the Castle at our
ranch, and stand the proud centre of my universe for many years
to come.
weeks from foaling
and devastated to have lost
yet another foal. As luck
would have it, we attended a
dinner where Leanne Owens
announced the safe arrival
of a palomino colt, destined
to be 16hh, by Days of Gold
out of a Thoroughbred mare.
My response… is he for sale?
Poor Leanne - I hounded her to come see him and let me buy him.
So at three days old, I was first option. Leanne gave me plenty of
room to not take him, as he was in hot demand and there was a
list of potential buyers. Then come weaning, I was ready to bring
July
July •• August
August 2015
2015 •• The
The Australian
Australian Quarter
Quarter Horse
Horse Magazine
Magazine Page
Page 53
53