Senior Horse Tales
Northeast Region Winner

Super Star
Owned by Peter Underwood
East Brookfield, Massachusetts

Age: 25
Breed: Quarter Horse

Not often does anyone truly live up to their name, but my horse Super Star does. As a 25 year old quarter horse he was poised to retire and let my younger horse, Bad Jim, take over heading duties in team roping events. Super Star had a storied career winning awards and serving several previous owners well. Most described him as a tough old boy. I found out how tough during the past two years. Last year Jim suffered an injury forcing Super Star to compete in every event during the entire season. He came alive when he was backed into the gate and rose to every challenge, often outperforming horses half his age! Even in this photo all four feet are in the air as he races after the calf! This year Jim recovered and Super Star earned some down time competing only half the rounds at roping events, then he was injured in a trailer accident. The injury was undetected until the next morning. X-rays revealed several severe breaks in the upper left rear leg, not only a career ending injury but potentially a life threatening one. He battled an infection and the vet said she was amazed he could even stand on his leg the injury was so severe. Despite the injury he continues to roll and even trot! His recent switch to Purina Senior foods has helped offset his weight loss due to the injury and he appears to be on the road to recovery. Hopefully he can enjoy a retirement of grazing in his pasture with his best friend Jim.