Equinox Toy Soldier
“Rooster”
2002
Sire: Courage Of Equinox (Chasley Superman x Katy Bennfield)
Dam: Fantasia Serene Elegance (Serenity Grandmaster x Syndicat Tequila)
15.1h
Flashy Dark Chestnut Gelding
12 years old
Rooster is the last son of the great Courage of Equinox. His dam is by Serenity Grandmaster out of a Pepperlect daughter…these are some fabulous old bloodlines. He has a ton of personality, an excellent temperament and a great work ethic. A quick learner, Rooster was hooked as quickly as if he’d done it all before. He has inherited his big stride and true trot from both sides of his family tree. Courage of Equinox was known for his big ground-covering trot and powerful hind-end, and his son exhibits the same fine qualities.
We were very pleased with Rooster’s progress training with Shawn and Jenn at the Amazeen Stables. He had been started by Taylor River Farm and commenced his show career with many wins in Junior Classic Pleasure Driving, culminating with winning his class and Championship at New England and going to OKC. He was second in three year-old Classic Pleasure Driving, and third in the World Championship. We were especially pleased because this was with only nine months of training. He began his 2007 season learning saddle work and then driving, and got off to a good start — a blue at UPHA, another blue at Vermont and a second in his first saddle class.
Rooster started Western training, and was delighted to show off his stuff — 1st in Novice Western horse at Vermont Morgans; 3rd in Open Western at Maine Morgans, and a competitive showing at the New England Regionals. In 2010 he was Reserve Champion Open Western Pleasure on the New England circuit, missing Champion by just 1 point.
We expected 2011 to be his year and in January. began making plans for the upcoming season. But it was not to be. Two weeks later he was very lame and after an MRI, was diagnosed with a fractured long pastern bone & torn lateral collateral ligament in his right hind leg.
The vets had never seen this type of injury so were unsure if he would heal. He started with a cast and ended up with a splint and bandages that had to be changed every other day. He could not leave his stall and had to remain quiet in order to heal. He was given Tildren, a fairly new drug, to prevent further fracture and we waited and hoped for the best.
He was stall-bound for over six months before he could begin walking. Then it was more Tildren and shock wave therapy. Eventually he was long-lined at the trot, although the vets didn’t want anyone on his back for some time. Now, almost a year and a half later, he jogs, lopes and is sound again! We are so glad to have him back safe and sound and ready for action, and are thinking about showing next year.
When I nearly lost him, I realized how much he meant to me so after he healed up, I arranged for him to be gelded so that he could have the best life possible. Now he can interact with the other horses on my farm and actually play with the youngsters. Rooster’s recovery would not have been possible without the great care he received from SRH Vet, and the efforts of everyone at Chrislar Farm. I will always be grateful.
