Donovan

Donovan came to us with two others that had been seized by authorities in August, 2013. All were in very poor condition. Their basic needs had been neglected for quite some time. Donovan had open summer sores at his eyes. It was so sad – his eyes oozed from the sores and it looked like he cried a trail of tears that flies fed on. He had sores above his coronet band on 3 feet, and on his back left pastern which was the worst. His feet and teeth were in terrible condition and he was about 400 lbs. underweight. All of this was so preventable.

Donovan’s rehab went well. His sores needed daily attention but they all healed. He became a healthy and happy horse and it was a beautiful sight to see him run and play! But then Spring arrived and so did the rains. Sores returned out of the blue and he started popping abscesses through his soles and at the coronet band. He wasn’t sweating. He lived in the barn all summer and we worked on his immune system, feet, and the sores. Once again, we got all sores healed and he went back out to pasture to be with his friends for the cold season.

During late winter, 2015, we had some warm days along with rain. We were so disappointed one morning to find Donovan with sores on a front leg and two on a back leg opened back up. So, back to the barn he went! He spent the next several months there where it was high and dry. The good news was that he sweats. We have all but 2 sores healed. The one above the coronet band is almost healed. The worst is the one near the fetlock.

Four of our vets have advised that Donovan needs to find home in a northern climate. He will need to be monitored to ensure sores are immediately taken care of. He’s an easy keeper except for the care needed for the sores and prevention of more. We keep his feathers clipped and check him daily.

We don’t know if Donovan has any under saddle or driving training. I have hopped on him a few times and just ridden him around with a halter and lead ropes and he was fine. We don’t have any draft size tack. He is such a love – a huge Teddy Bear. He is great about lifting and holding up his feet. We use Summer Whinny’s socks (made by Sox for Horses) on him and they are absolutely wonderful! The sores are protected by the socks and air is able to get to the sores to help the healing process. They inhibit the growth of fungus and bacteria. Fiber wicks moisture from the leg which keeps them cool. And they are so easy to use! Read more about them at their website: http://www.soxforhorses.com/index-summerwhinnys2008.html