I'm trying to rescue a race horse

[DerbyCat]

Quick update on Nopie, x-rays show that he completely tore the entire suspensory ligament away from the sesamoid bone, actually pulling a chip of bone away. He's doing ok though and has a gell cast and some good meds to help him through this.

We're having a heck of a time trying to get Nopie from Nebraska to California, hard to find a ride going that way without paying a very steep price. Instead, he'll get on a rig headed down to Turf Paradise and then getting from Arizona to California will be a piece of cake.

We're not out of the woods yet but Scav and I feel a lot better after today. The vet took x-rays and we're feeling really good about Nopie's care. We know the long rides are going to be tough on him but once he gets home he's got a warm and comfortable stall waiting for him. Hopefully he's home in a week or so, I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as we see him.

Thank you all for your support, lots of good folks on this forum, you've helped to make this experience a lot easier - thank you.

Also, quick note - Monday, February 23rd is Nopie's 4th birth(foal)day

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by DerbyCat

The Deal is Done! Nopie is coming home to California! First I have to say that Scav (Tom) is an amazing guy - he volunteered to negotiate the deal to get Nopie and ended up making calls to the Racing Office, speaking with the State Vet and keeping me updated on every twist and turn. You can't imagine the stress of not being able to watch the race and then reading the chart that says that your favorite horse was vanned off. I can't thank Tom enough for his help, he is a credit to this forum, to our industry and to mankind Seriously, he was awesome!

We still have a ways to go, we've got to get him in the trailer and home to California. He's going to GEVA, a fabulous equine retirement place that will help get him re-schooled and then we'll find good ol' Nopie a good home where he'll be happy. If anyone was touched by this story, please donate to GEVA, they do great work and I owe them a debt of gratitude (GEVA) - tell 'em Nopie sent ya!

I'll keep you all updated as more developments arise and I'll give more details later of what Tom had to go through to make this happen, once I have time to sort it all out. It's been an amazing day...

You, Scavs and Nobie all get my vote for Heroes of the Week!

[CSC]

I just read this story, great job Scavs and DC! It's reaffirming to know that good people do finish 1st sometimes.

[Scav]

Just a quick update because DC is busy. I spoke with the actual vet of the horse today and it possible that there is a sesamoid issue now. What is also amazing that while I have spoken to the racing secretary and assistant racing secretary, and had the assistant racing secretary broker the deal because the f'n trainer wouldn't answer his phone yesterday, the 2nd the vet went over to xray the horse, on DC's dime, the trainer of the horse was calling my phone number wanting more money, wanting to know who is paying for the horse now(his day rate) and all money upfront.

We are not out of the woods yet and probably won't know more until later today

[TheSpyder]

Maybe if you share his phone number with us and we all call him hundreds of time we can make a difference....well, maybe after things are settled

[LuckyJoyce]

That trainer in Nebraska is such a selfish b*stard it makes me see red! Makes me want to fly out there right this minute and swiftly bury my foot in his butt.

Thanks, Tom. I'm praying Nopie is okay.