Joker

Joker, born in 1997, is a stocky American Paint Horse who loves mischief. He served as a Cow Pony for most of his life until he was sent to a lesson barn to serve special needs children. Joker did not have the docile temperament needed for this, but his energetic and friendly personality made him a great fit at a trail riding barn, which is where he was rehomed once again. Marisa met Joker when her first horse, Spirit, was recovering from colic. She wanted to continue riding while Spirit was recovering, and when she met Joker, she immediately knew that Joker and Spirit would be her boys. Although Joker is just that, a joker who loves to nibble on people’s hair and buttons, he has also saved Marisa’s life quite a few times with his protective instincts and sense of direction. Joker’s home at the time was being shut down and any horse not saved was ultimately going to be sent to slaughter. Joker found his forever home at Spirit’s Promise in 2010 and has been the Casanova of Spirit’s Promise ever since. You can always be sure to find him right at Diva’s side, nipping any other horse who tries to interact with her. Joker’s big personality also makes him a great companion in the round pen with people in grief. In 2020, Joker was evaluated by the dentist/veterinarian and it was discovered he had a rotten, broken incisor. This turned out to be severe EOTRH syndrome (Equine Odontoclastic Tooth Resorption and Hypercementosis), resulting in resorption lesions of incisors and canine teeth. Often known to be painful, Joker’s diet did not suffer. He was sent along with stall mate, Flirt, to the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialist in Belmont, NY, to have his front incisors removed. With a restricted diet plan, pain medicine, and mouthwash, Joker has made a full recovery. After a year in recovery, he has learned to use his lips in place of his incisors to forage.

In addition to his meals consisting of Hay, Grains, and Alfalfa/Timothy Pellets, Joker also receives a dewormer and daily doses of Pergolide, an antibiotic for Cushing’s, and Vermont Pro, a prebiotic/probiotic.