'Jade' Owen

This gorgeous photo is March’s Horse of the Month, Jade, with her owner Sarah. Sarah has had Jade since she was 6 months old and knows her inside out. She says that she knew Jade wasn’t right about 6 years ago: “Jade seemed to be showing dementia-like signs where she would forget what she was doing.  I’d take her to the field and she would stand there, and then remember there is grass and start eating which wasn’t like her. Or I would lead her into her stable and her feed would be in ready and she wouldn’t notice it for a few minutes. They sound like minor things but Jade was always food orientated and had lost interest in her food and become vacant.”

Jade’s vet initially didn’t think a Cushing’s test was needed as her signs weren’t typical for Cushing’s and it was a surprise when the results showed she had it. Jade was diagnosed about 6 years ago now and been on daily treatment ever since. Sarah says “I was obviously gutted about the diagnosis, but she is so much better on the medication. I monitor her closely, and also keep a close eye on her weight. She has retired now, but I can still get on her bare-back and she likes a short hack out at a leisurely walk. I’m fully aware of any changes she portrays and am very conscious of any changes in her behaviour. She’s happy at the moment and that’s what matters. Jade is my total world”