I bought “Iva Lotta Class” aka Jordan in 2003 as a 6 year old. Denise Taylor, the previous owner, trained him. She told me to take him slow and progress at a comfortable time table. It took a year to figure everything out, but when it came together it was great. We were having so much success early and I couldn’t wait to buy my permit for the WPRA. Then one afternoon he was playing with another horse over the barbed wire fence and got his foot caught. It was horrible. We rushed him to vet and found out the wire cut into his coffin joint. The vet said it would take a miracle for this horse to even live nevertheless, be 100% sound.
He said he could do surgery, but said it would be doubtful. I consulted with Dr. Dean Taylor from Utah, who knows this horse very well, and he told me to go ahead with the surgery. There were 2 surgeries to flush the coffin joint and I was right there with him the whole time. I wasn’t going to leave him. He spent a few days at the vet and I was there almost all day every day. The day we brought him home I was so happy. I was told it would be 3 months of stall rest and changing the bandages everyday. I knew I could do it. This horse is my best friend and I would do everything I possible could for him. So I did. I was there day in and out, changing bandages, cleaning the stall, fresh water, and everything I could do. I even sat and talked to him and told him it would be all right. Not to mention the medicine he had to have. But I was positive. He is a strong horse and has a will of nails. After 3 months, we went to the vet to have him checked and the vet couldn’t believe that he was doing so well. He was even sound. Jordan was able to be turned out into a small corral for exercise. Dr. Dean Taylor suggested Platinum Performance Wellness and Ortho Chon II to help him stay sound. I took his advise and haven’t looked back on that. We had the vet re-examine Jordan for soundness and he received a clean bill of health, 100% sound. Jordan continued on rest for a few more months. After the additional 3 months off, I received the go ahead to ride him. Slow exercise first and then gradually more exercise. Well, time came for us to run barrels again. I was thrilled but to only find out he pulled a hind tendon. More rest. 3 more months off. I was disappointed but new it was best for Jordan to have the best care. We decided to rest him for the rest of the year and bring him back the following year. When the time came to run again I was nervous because if something else could go wrong. Jordan ran awesome and won the 1D, but after the run he coughed and blood came out of his nose. I was scared. I called Dr. Dean Taylor and he said he was bleeding. All the questions and thoughts went through my mind. What will I do? We tried Lasix but it didn’t work, he looked horrible on it and didn’t fire at all. Then Dr. Dean Taylor suggested Hemo-Flo from Platinum. I tried it and well, that is what works for Jordan. It is great. He hasn’t had a bleeding issue in a long time. In 2008, Jordan and I filled my permit and thought we were going to do well at the circuit rodeos. Well, I found out hock problems were working against him and once again I consulted with the vet. He suggested Platinum Vet Joint Formula for Jordan. Now Jordan is out and running tough. Lately, he has been outrunning the competiton by 4 tenths and it feels incredible. 2009 will be Jordan’s year. I contribute alot of his success to Dr. Dean Taylor and the products from Platinum Performance. Right now Jordan is on Platinum Performance Wellness, Hemo-Flo, Ortho Chon II, and Platinum Vet Joint Formula. All my horses are on products from Platinum. I wouldn’t trust another company with my horse’s health. Without these products, Jordan wouldn’t be happy and running so tough. Thank you Platinum. I have had people ask me what I am using and I tell Platinum Performance.
Carla from Sheridan, WY
Tags: Barrel Racing
