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 The finals for the 2009 Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover were held the first weekend of April in Ocala, Florida. LaReyña, Gilbert and their entourage all headed south from Thomson, Georgia early on Thursday morning, arriving early in the afternoon.
By evening, LaReyña was starting to break out in "hives" on her legs, and spreading up to her girth area and shoulders. Three other mustangs in the barn were developing the same symptoms, though LaReyña's were the worst. A vet could not be reached until the next morning, when the vet apparently diagnosed them with "spider bites." She had a fever of over 101, and little bumps all over her body, including the girth area, which was swollen up as if blistered. The vet gave her something for pain, and I think an anti-histamine but gave Gilbert clearance to show her.
She was bumpy and itchy and sleepy, and it showed for the in-hand portion of the event. It was dismal. This little mare, that had always had so much energy and pep in her step, was practically dragged into the arena. Normally, she walks at Gilbert's shoulder and stays right with him. Not this time. She was literally dragging. She wouldn't jog over the poles as required, but did the backing portion beautifully. Next was the "pick up all four feet" part, which she normally does very well, but this time, she didn't want Gilbert walking around to her back end, and kept turning as he walked back, keeping him in her sight. Then came the trailer loading. Normally, she hops right in when asked, but wouldn't leave Gilbert's side this time. Finally, he gave up and just stepped in the trailer himself and she went right in with him. And so on and so forth. Read more... |
Gonzales Horse Training is operated by Gilbert, his wife Charlotte . Gilbert uses resistance-free training techniques. As for his horsemanship, Gilbert takes his philosophy from the Vaquero style of riding, the way of the Spanish Cowboys...The authentic vaquero way is the way of patience.