'Maxi' Richardson

This gorgeous Connemara Cross is Maxi, our Horse of the Month for September. Maxi, 23, has been owned by Joanne since he was 15 years old. Joanne describes him as “a 14.2hh pony full of character - his favourite thing is to jump - anything and anywhere (only when ridden luckily!)”

Maxi has had EMS for a year now, but just this month he has also being diagnosed with Equine Cushing’s disease (PPID). He had lost some muscle/top line, had weepy/messy eyes and his coat was ever so slightly thicker than usual so his vet carried out a blood test which was positive for Cushing’s. Joanne told us “I have to admit feeling quite down about the diagnosis. I manage his EMS well and he has only had laminitis once in the 8 years we have owned him and that was 7 years ago. To be told he also has PPID has added to my worries and I do worry about how it will progress as he gets older.”

Their vet has started Maxi on a daily tablet which he is eating in his feed, and he will need another blood test in a month to check if the dose is correct. It’s natural to feel concerned when your horse or pony is diagnosed with a long-term condition such as Equine Cushing’s, but in the majority of cases this condition can be controlled with medication and regular reviews from a veterinary surgeon to ensure that the dose is correct. We hope that Maxi continues to do well and continues to be a great Pony Club pony, and that you and he can work together for many more happy years Joanne!