A barrel racing horse that tumbled into an abandoned well in August has fully recovered and was scheduled to compete at the National Senior Pro Rodeo in Las Vegas last week.
On Aug. 23, Dawn Brooks' quarter horse — Cuervo — fell into an old, grown-over well on her property west of Carstairs in Mountain View County.
After a rescue that involved neighbours using a tractor to pull him out of the well, Cuervo was treated at Coulee Equine, a wellness spa for horses located northeast of Olds.
The 13-year-old horse did not suffer any broken bones but was given a treatment called saltwater hydrotherapy for the swelling.
Brooks said Cuervo spent two weeks at the facility and combined with veterinarian visits, racked up a $1,500 bill.
“But the vet was very reasonable. Considering how much time everybody put in, the vet was particularly reasonable. I thought that would have cost more money,” said Brooks.
Barrel racing is an equestrian competition where riders race around three barrels in a pattern resembling a cloverleaf.
Cuervo's first race since his injury was a fundraising event that took place on Sept. 20 in Airdrie.
Brooks has been training with him five times a week to prepare for the rodeo, held from Oct. 2 to 4 (after press time Friday).
“We're going to try our best. We got this far,” she said. “He was quite hot. Raring to go over the weekend.”
The well on her property has since been filled with clay, she said, adding that she feels fortunate that Cuervo made such a speedy recovery.
“This could have been a child. It could have been a person,” she said. “I think that my horse is blessed that he didn't fall in head first or the water wasn't any deeper. We're very lucky.”
"We're going to try our best."- Dawn Brooks
