​​​At 24 years young, Tuck—a Danish Warmblood and longtime hunter—wasn’t ready to slow down. His owner had tried to retire him several times, but Tuck made it clear that he loved having a job. Then, a severe colic requiring surgery threw his life and career into uncertainty. After a difficult surgical recovery in the hospital, Tuck came to Oakley Equine Sports Medicine Rehab Center to continue his rehabilitation.

Upon arrival, Tuck had lost a significant amount of weight and muscle and was very depressed. His rehab started with LASER therapy to aid his incision healing, hand walking, and a carefully planned feeding regimen. Tuck's mental health was also supported by his access to an outdoor porch attached to his stall, giving him the freedom to relax and feel more at ease.

Once his incision healed, Dr. Oakley performed a comprehensive lameness evaluation. Joint pain was treated with regenerative medicine, and Functional Electrical Stimulation therapy was introduced to help rebuild his topline muscles. Daily physical therapy exercises and long-lining at the walk helped him regain strength and flexibility. As he progressed, Tuck was finally ready to work under saddle again—a day his owner never thought would come.

Six months later, Tuck is sound, fit, and has found a new career as a low-level dressage schoolmaster, educating the next generation of riders. His resilience and the dedicated care he received have given him a new lease on life, proving that with the right support, even the most challenging recoveries can have happy endings.

At Oakley Equine Sports Medicine Rehab Center, we provide individualized rehab programs to bring horses back better than ever. With a focus on both physical and emotional well-being, we help horses like Tuck thrive after injury or surgery.