way across streets, over fallen logs, or under low hanging or partially fallen trees.”
Along with a wonderful personality, Tybalt is also resilient. Not all horses can come back from a traumatic leg injury resulting from a pasture accident; but, this gelding did not let a bum right hind leg slow him down for long. “His accident resulted in a fractured coffin bone, a chipped pastern, and torn connective tissue in his fetlock,” Jaclyn explained. “With hours and hours of work over several months of wrapping, hand walking, stall rest, supportive supplements and countless x-rays and ultrasounds with our vet, Tybs not only healed, he regained full use and range of motion, being cleared for all activities by our vet. I have made the choice to discontinue competitive jumping because I feel it subjects us to unnecessary risk. However, Tybs still loves to hop over the occasional log on a trail and enjoys long gallops through open fields.”
Now Tybalt is back to work, he and Jaclyn plan to take camping and extended trail riding trips to help prepare for trying out competitive trail and obstacle courses. Just for fun, they have learned some trick training moves so Tybalt can better express his love for people and “anything sweet.” Give Tybalt a Christmas candy cane and he will happily dole out a hug, kiss, or even pose on his trick pedestal.
With his looks, personality, and brain, Tybalt is quite the Sugarbush Draft horse package. He and Jaclyn will continue to represent and educate the public about these wonderful horses as often as they can.
The Hitching Post/February, 2014 15
3
As a 4 year old, Tybalt competed against 16 other horses in his first hunter under saddle class.
He placed 5th!