Tango is a 7-year-old American Quarter horse, bred to work cattle. He has dabbled in a few different equine roles, as a jumper and a trail horse. I got Tango in March, and he and I started training for barrel racing. We made so much progress throughout the summer!  I have even been able to introduce Tango to roping and working cattle!  He loved the cattle adventures – no surprise, there, that’s what he was bred to do!  Tango is amazing with kids, too (see the photos of my 1 year old nephew and 3 year old niece, as well as my friend’s two boys, ages 9 and 11). He aims to please and he ALWAYS takes care of his riders!  And he is quite the comedian when it comes to finding carrots!

A few months ago, I discovered a large tumor under his left rear. A biopsy revealed that it is a rare form of cancer known as fibrosarcoma, and an ultrasound indicated that it has not yet metastasized. Fibrosarcoma is a slow moving cancer, but if left untreated will metastasize and will eventually kill him.  With surgery, Tango should be able to continue to lead a productive life. But the surgery and recuperation are expensive!

I haven’t put a saddle on Tango since the diagnosis, to avoid aggravating the tumor.  Every day, he seems to be asking me “what happened?  Did I do something wrong and we’re not working together anymore?”  He really seems so sad when I leave him, sad that he hasn’t been out doing his job.  I would love nothing more than to save my best friend and get back to doing what we both love... riding and enjoying the scenery and beauty of Colorado. Any donation, no matter what size, would be so, so greatly appreciated! Thank you all so much!