Patience and Perseverance Pay Off

Two years ago, George was not at the Scottsdale Classic.  Two years ago, no one would think George would ever see a horse show, let alone be in the arena.  Two years ago, it seemed as though he would not even see another day.  Two years ago, George, aka Art Show, stuck his left hind foot through a stall door, cutting down to the coffin bone.  His injury was so great, and his prospects so slim, the vet recommended he be put down. Jason Martin, his trainer, asked that they try to save him. “I own his mother, and his grandmother. I raised him,” said Laurel Champlin, George’s owner,  “I couldn’t put him down.”

 

The vet did all he could, and George was sent to Selway Rehabilitation for further work.  Selway is known as a racehorse rehab facility, and there he received hydrotherapy, constant attention, and twice-daily hand walking. It was slow progress, and twice he needed antibiotic infusions to fight bone infection. “They saved his life,” added Champlin giving George a hardy pat.

 

With poor blood circulation in an injury like that, infection can be a real killer.  His hoof sloughed off, and he had to be fitted with a special shoe.  With time, loving care and dedication, George recovered. “He was a perfect patient,” said Champlin, “he didn’t buck or kick.  He seemed to know we were helping him.” George is now on a maintenance plan, and requires periodic injections. 

 

George’s recovery went beyond anyone’s expectations.  Working with Beth Case, he regained his fitness and his balanced travel. Only one month ago, his special shoe was removed.  On Tuesday, Laurel and George posed for pictures in the Equidome having just taken Reserve in the NSBA Three Year Old Hunter Under Saddle Futurity Non Pro division.  The duo will be showing at the Paint World Show later this year.   Laurel Champlin won the Hunter Under Saddle Maturity Non Pro with Skys Blue Eyes, another horse she lovingly rehabilitated after a torn hind suspensory that required two surgeries. Laurel loves her horses. “If all they can be is a lawn ornament, that’s fine.  I’ll keep them for ever.  But if they have the chance to do something more, then we’ll go for it.”