Road to Rehabilitation
n addition to the habits Phoenix developed during his racing career, he continues to experience lingering hoof pain and lameness related to severe neglect. Working closely with our veterinarian, chiropractor, farrier, and trainers, we have developed an individualized rehabilitation plan addressing both his physical comfort and emotional well-being.
Physical Rehabilitation
Manage his pre-navicular diagnosis with OSPHOS injections.
Use Previcox as needed for inflammation associated with pedal osteitis.
Complete a course of antibiotics to treat a lingering toe infection caused by his thin soles.
Administer three rounds of Compass, a hyaluronate solution, to support joint health and help manage arthritis.
Provide biotin and other supplements to encourage healthy hoof growth.
Use corrective, padded shoeing to support his flat feet and underrun heels.
Schedule chiropractic care to address compensation and tension within his shoulder girdle caused by chronic foot discomfort.
Mental and Training Rehabilitation
Racehorses are conditioned to be focused, fast-paced competitors. Phoenix’s training program is designed to slow things down and encourage him to think carefully, respond calmly, and approach new experiences with confidence.
Phoenix is currently in our training program, although his progress has been gradual due to ongoing lameness in his feet. He has advanced to short trail rides, where we carefully monitor his comfort and soundness. While his journey continues to require patience, Phoenix is showing slow but encouraging progress as he builds confidence, strength, and experience on the trail.
Gathering Evidence (Phoenix)
OTTB. Gelding . 15.3hh
Born 2007
Arrival 2024
After years of racing, Gathering Evidence was ready for a well-deserved retirement, instead, he fell into the hands of neglect and starvation. Walking in Circles Rescue (WNCR) was able to rescue him, where he earned the name Phoenix, symbolizing a firebird emerging from the ashes. It took over a year of careful care to bring his body back to a healthy weight, and now it is our turn to turn his recovery into rehabilitation. Although Phoenix is our first racehorse to enter the EERC program, we know he will be one of many we will help.