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Early in April 2008, a very special day arrived at last for Deno. After 2 long years since his rescue, with a
few ups and downs along the way, Deno was finally fit enough to be backed ( ie; ridden). This is the next step on the
road to full health for Deno, having a rider both makes him use different muscle groups for longer and 'massages' his
internal organs. All that should boost his immune system a great deal as well. It also helps in his socialisation
as well as hopefully he will get to go out with the rest of the horses on short treks.
For some time, Deno was being lunged, gentle exercise designed to get him fitter and ready for the continuing
progress to being a proper horse.
 The day of his first being ridden was a beautiful morning, sunny and bright, the sort of day you feel able to take on anything. And Deno certainly did exactly that, behaving like a perfect gentleman. Ruth had borrowed a treeless saddle as it would be light and comfortable for Deno, and fortunately the girths were long enough to do up around the rather large middle of Deno’s tummy, it did look tiny on him though. Deno is so calm and placid by nature that he didn’t even mind the step ladder being put alongside him to make boarding easier !! The lucky person to climb up was one of Deno’s supporters daughter who regularly visits Deno and is well known and trusted by him, and as she is experienced with horses, knew what she was doing too. This is such a positive step forward although Ruth will take things slowly, with Deno’s ease of tripping over his own feet, he needs to work out what he’s doing with them, but he’s getting there. It was quite an emotional moment for all involved, especially Ruth of course after all the worries and love she’s lavished on him for the last two years. Just to remind us all..this is what he was like when he was rescued...  And look at him now ...........Yes, it is the same horse, doesn't it just show what love and excellent care can do.
Can only imagine the great pleasure Ruth took in buying him his own bridle, bit etc,to give him brakes and steering !! To be able to get him back to where he should be before his fall into trouble and ill health, and to finally think about the good things associated with horses, not just all vet, farrier visits etc. The hope is that this is the next step of a new chapter for Deno.
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