Dusty

Dusty came to us in August 2025 from an auction at Colorado Horse Sales. He was known as an “extreme trail” horse. He was very quiet and calm at the auction and seemed like he really wanted to get along. When we brought him home he was quiet and curious — something that hasn’t changed much. Our goal was to have him help with the mounted portion of our program. He didn’t seem like he felt quite right, so we gave him time to adjust, be a horse, and adapt to a new home after a lot of change. We couldn’t quite figure out what was wrong. After winter we kept looking, and at the end of July we found a grade 2 tear in his stifle and pretty severe joint strain. Our vet told us he would more than likely never be rideable, and comfort would be the goal.

Dusty has stepped into his role with love and patience with children of all ages. He has shown the importance of kindness within boundaries, connection, and building trust in relationship. He has such a sweet and loving demeanor that helps people feel right at home and open up. He continually shows people how to show up even when faced with a pretty significant uphill battle.

Age

Dusty had papers with him at the auction, so we know his true day of birth. We celebrate him on June 9, 2012.

Care

His full diagnosis is moderate synovitis of the medial femorotibial joint and a chronic grade 2 tear of the cranial meniscotibial ligament at the insertion of the tibia, with a few small hypoechogenic regions in the medial meniscus as well. He needs Adequan every six months and Bute-less to help manage pain, with supplemental Equioxx when needed. He also needs yearly radiographs to maintain tendon health, potential PRP, steroid injections twice a year if we don’t do PRP, and Adequan twice a year. We will be looking into PRP; if we do that, we will not continue the steroid injections.

Dusty would highly benefit from laser treatment. We currently use a red-light blanket, magnetic blanket, and Masterson Method bodywork when we can. He also gets chiropractic every six months for maintenance and compensation.

Monthly care

• Adequan ($383.25) twice a year: $767 a year / $64 a month
• Bute-less ($87.99) once a day: $401 a year / $34 a month
• Radiographs ($242) once a year: $20 a month, not including vet charges
• Steroid injection ($309 + $69 sedation) twice a year
• Chiropractic ($135) twice a year: $270 a year / $23 a month
• Equioxx ($103 / 60) as needed: about $15 a month