Desert Oro

This magnificent warrior was tossed aside after an incredible 53 starts and earnings near 250K and was listed on Craig's List for $300.  --- a very seductive price for the killer buyers to purchase and then send south over the border to Mexico.  Neigh Savers donated the funds necessary to purchase this 8 year old gelding by Desert Classic.  Caroline raised additional funds for his transport and Pam Berg of GEVA has accepted him into her retirement facility in Glen Ellen, CA.

October 10, 2008 -- Caroline reports the following:

So I bought him. No question he would have been sold to the first person to show up with cash in hand, although she made some effort to ask what I planned to do with him. I just happened to be the first person there. I have a bill of sale from her, and she promises she'll retrieve his papers for me (still at the racetrack, wouldn't you know) by the time he ships. She didn't even know how much money he'd won.
 
Attaching some not very good pictures of him... he is VERY cute, and very kind. He has the legs of a horse that has indeed raced a bunch, and a bow tendon that she claims is a year old but looks and feels much fresher than that to me. He also has a biggest quarter horse grabs on in behind that I've ever seen. But he's in good condition. Well cared for. 

Note:  The quarter horse grabs will be removed for shipping.  Pam Berg put it best when she said: "I guess we've saved a horse!  Thank you all for being concerned and contributing.  Now all we have to do is get the rest of the flipping racing industry as concerned as four women who have nothing to gain by saving this horse. There's something wrong in this picture, but I'm glad he won't be going south."

"Oro arrived today in good shape, albeit "racing fit" as in skinny.  He hasn't picked his head up all day from eating.  So, we'll fatten him up before winter sets in.  As with most OTTB's he does have soundness issues.  He's double bowed, the right one being older and set.  He's also got a swollen right hind ankle but that may just be from kicking something in transit or immediately after he arrived. 

He's cute, pleasant to be around and I think he'll be just fine.  If you locate a responsible "adopter" for him, he could use a good home before he becomes a permanent fixture here."

Update:  Oro should be rideable and should even be able to jump after the new bow is well set (anticpate 3 months).  However, we would not recommend jumping as a primary function and not over 2-3'.    He's a little over 16hh and a real love bug who would thrive on one-on-one attention.  Pam at GEVA does not think he's had much love in his life.  It took him a little while to trust and bond but once he realized he was in a safe place he opened right up.  He enjoys the company of people and other horses.