Westminster, MD - Danielle Fleegle knew something was wrong. She just had to figure out what that “something” was.

Eventually, she did. And a horse named Waterloo went from nearly put down – twice – to a star. In 2010, the horse once known primarily for his bucking, won a PHR Silver Stirrup Award and became the CBLM Training Level Champion and GAIG Reserve Training Level Champion.

“I’m so glad that we listened to our instincts, and so is he,” Fleegle said. “As an amateur rider and equestrian, never make hasty decisions until the horse is thoroughly checked out by a professional, because many horses act out due to pain, fear or fear of pain. Help them help you become a better equestrian, they will surprise you and you won’t have any regrets.”

Waterloo, a nine-year-old Hanoverian gelding, was imported from Germany in 2007. He was known mostly for his violent bucking – and injuring riders – and needless to say, had several owners.

Fleegle met Waterloo in 2008 when he first arrived at her Morgan Run Stables in Westminster, MD, with his trainer and clients. Yet again, Waterloo proved his behavior to be unpredictable. And after violently bucking off his trainer, the trainer decided to “donate him to science,” Fleegle said.

Fleegle was devastated.

“I could see in his eyes that he was so unhappy and seemed to be crying out for help,” she said. “I begged the trainer not to put him down.”

And she made an offer. She bought Waterloo for $1 – and accepted full responsibility for him. “I knew my work was cut out for me,” Fleegle said.

Weeks went by – along with many veterinarian checks – and still, no answers. “I could not find any cause for his violent behavior,” Fleegle said. “But, in my heart I still knew something was wrong. I promised Waterloo we would find out what it was.”

Fleegle took Waterloo to Marion DuPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA. There, veterinarians conducted x-rays, flexion tests and a nuclear scan. Thousands of dollars later and still, nothing.

That’s when Fleegle decided to hire trainer Adrian Griner, who specializes in horses with discipline problems.

Waterloo continued his belligerency and tested his new rider. “His ground manners were beautiful, but once he was mounted, hold on!” Fleegle said.

In March of 2009, Griner climbed atop Waterloo. The horse started bucking. Griner came off at about 20 miles per hour into the side of the arena, cracked his helmet and some ribs, and was flown to University of Maryland Shock Trauma.

When Griner fully recovered, they contacted Jim Yanchunis DVM, an equine acupuncturist from Virginia.

And finally – some answers. Dr. Yanchunis discovered that Waterloo had been suffering from two misaligned ribs – causing extreme pain when mounted.

Once Waterloo was adjusted, he stopped bucking and Griner began to work on building his trust with Waterloo.

“After a year of training with Waterloo, we were confident and ready to show,” Fleegle said. “Waterloo is an athlete and he wants to please.”

Waterloo gets monthly checks by his chiropractor.

“He’s extremely athletic and built uphill,” Griner said. “The judges really like him. He just floats!”

Fleegle said, “Waterloo has been a kind and loving horse and has taught us so much from the ground. We have enjoyed every day that we have with Waterloo and are so very privileged to have such a wonderful, talented, kind horse in our life that we will never take for granted. He has taught us many valuable lessons day in and out that will always remain priceless.“

Waterloo’s scores after his rehabilitation and his first show season in 2010:

2010 USEF Silver Stirrup Grand Champion – Lower Level Dressage
2010 CBLM Training Level Champion
2010 GAIG Reserve Training Level Champion

2010 Overall High Scores & High Scores
PVDA Ride for Life:
Overall High Score & Training High Score T-3 73.6%
NCDCTA Summertime Blues:
Overall High Score & Training High Score T-4 74.8%
EEMI Summer Fling:
Training High Score T-3 74.00%
SVDA Summer Dressage:
Senior + Training High Score T-3 73.2%
Dressage at Foxcroft:
Training High Score T-3 68.8%
PVDA Lochmoy:
Overall & Training High Score T-3 72.8%
VADA/NOVA:
Overall & Training High Score T-4 76.4%

ENDS