Wylie
Breed: Paint
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 1987
Weight: 950 lbs
Height: 14.2 hh
Color: Sorrel and white
Markings:
Arrival Date: September 2005
Location: Terrell, TX
Adoption Fee: $100
 

Temperament: If you are looking for an amazing companion horse, Wylie is it!  This guy is such a character.  He has an old spinal or hip injury that causes him to walk a little wobbly.  (One friend pointed out that he actually saunters much like John Wayne.)  Sometimes he’ll head for you but end up somewhere else; no worries, he’ll get to you on the next pass!  But don’t count him out…on good days, he can trot out in the field and kick up his heel (just one) when he wants to.  But usually he’s WAY too dignified for that!  He’s top guy in our pasture (even though he’s wobbly) but not a bully in any way.  He’s quite the kind-hearted king.  And he’s unbelievably smart (hence the name).  He can trick the other horses out of treats anytime he feels like it. UPDATE: Wylie is much more stable on his feet now and can handle most herd environments. Now he REALLY thinks he’s “all that”.

Physical problems / health issues: His hip does cause him a little bit of discomfort sometimes.  He’s been on a daily dose of Bute (mixed in his feed) and that keeps him up to his old tricks.  He’s an older guy but can still eat hay with no problem.  We are still putting weight on him so he gets about 10 lbs of Senior daily.  Because of his hip problem, he should probably be kept just a little on the thin side.  We are not exactly certain what causes Wylie’s “wobbly” back end.  At first, EPM was considered, however, he was vet checked and none of the indicators are there.  The vet did a preliminary check on him (watched him walk, pulled his tail (he resists to the left but not to the right which might indicate injury instead of neurological), etc.).  After watching him for several months, it does appear that this is a spinal or hip injury (possibly an old pelvis fracture?).  Since the injury is so old (as evidenced by his ability to cope with it) further treatment is probably not possible.  As mentioned before, this does not really cause him a problem; he gets around just fine (“too fine” when he’s headed away from you toward the feed room). UPDATE: Since Wylie is doing so much better, he now longer needs the pain medication.

Interaction with horses:  Wylie has been with mares and geldings and although has never been aggressive, is somehow top horse.  Other horses simply recognize greatness when they see it.  (Truthfully, he cannot be placed with aggressive horses as they could injury him easily.  He’s steady on his feet but does not have much way to defend himself.  Right now he is with rather submissive geldings.) UPDATE: Since Wylie is so much better, he can be placed with larger herds. However, he still does not have much way to defend himself so shouldn’t be placed with overly aggressive horses.

Interaction with people:

History: Donated in lieu of law enforcement seizure.

Training / abilities: Wylie can train you with no problem. (At least he thinks so.) He likes people, dogs, other horses, cows, and we’re pretty certain even the fish in the pond. His only possible vice would be that he likes to paw the ground when waiting for his food or when frustrated (usually waiting for his food). He does NOT paw at people though.

Experience level required to work with this horse: Intermediate to beginner on the ground. He sometimes takes and “unsure” step which means he can bump into you sometimes.

Has this horse ever:  Bucked? No. Reared? No. Kicked? No, he's not physically able to get  Bitten? No. Other? No.

Ground handling: Catch? Yes. Lead? Yes Tie? Yes Trailer? Yes, must have dividers to lean on while traveling Clip? Yes Trim Feet? Yes Bathe? Yes

Special needs: Wylie can take care of himself and his wobbly back end just fine but does prefer just a few things. He’s good to go.

Other comments: Everyone that meets Wylie just falls in love with him. It almost impossible not to love a guy who wobbles at you from across the pasture and then looks at you with eyes full of gratefulness, love and intelligence. He’s so amazing; he’s inspired great art. Michelangelo should have such a subject!

More pictures:

Adopt: Please contact us regarding adoptions at adoptions@habitatforhorses.org or call 1.866.HFH.LSER(866.434.5737).

Are you unable to adopt but would still like to have Wylie in your life?
Sponsor him through our Virtual Foster program.

Email this site to a friend