My post last night was so all over the place from me being so frazzled, but I tried to smooth it over a little in the comments--so if I confused you, run there!
Anyway, I wanted to clear the air on a few things. I hope I didn't seem like this at all, but my horse is going nowhere. He is my responsibility, and in this economy, I am not giving him or sending him to anyone. I am not going to pass him off on someone else if the tailside of this is that he's unrideable. I know that he's so arthritic that realistically he'll only have a few more comfortable years, but I'm optimistic that I'll be able to do something for him to help with his pain. I just hope I can afford it.
I know some of you are probably wondering how I didn't notice, and I'm wondering the same thing. But when I'm told that he's a very young horse when he actually isn't, and that he passed the flex test in his PPE, I guess I'm not really looking for something like severe arthritis. And there was always something--when I first got him, before his injury, he had sore feet from bad shoeing, and an abcess, and the vet told me that was why he was slightly off for the first few trotting strides. Well, then he hurt himself, and of course that caused lameness. I'm just hoping that my ignorance didn't cause him to get any worse... hopefully I didn't cause even more discomfort for him in riding too hard or something.
"Free horse, you know," I told the vet yesterday.
He laughed and said, "They're never free."
I'm sure he met it in a monetary sense, but I think I finally understand what that saying means.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
over the hill
So, yeah, bad news. I probably shouldn't be posting when I'm so down and discouraged, but I'll do it anyway.
Doc came out today. He checked on Ace's leg, and asked me how old he was. At the PPE with my old vet, as well as when he got his teeth floated, I was told he was 10-12. I didn't think that was the case, as it was the first time he'd had his teeth done in three years, so I moved that estimate up to 15 to avoid disappointment.
Apparently, my horse is 25, "give or take."
I trust this vet's opinion very much, and he said that Old Vet probably made the guess based on his appearance as well. He told me that Ace has horrible arthritis, which I guessed, and decreased range of flexion in both front feet. He asked me if I knew this in the PPE, and I said yes, Old Vet told me that it was probably calcifications from a birth defect or riding on hard ground or both. She asked if I wanted x-rays at that point, but told me that because he passed the flex test, it wasn't exactly necessary. I was getting a free horse, so I didn't get the x-rays and just figured he wouldn't be able to jump--big deal anyway, as I ride western unless I'm showing English pleasure.
Based on all of this, Doc said that there was no way my horse was under 20 at the very very youngest. He was horrified that BOTH of the vets I was using (same clinic) never told me any of this. He also said that a year out of a tissue injury was about as sound as they were going to be--Ace is eleven months out, and he's still lame. I was instructed to gradually increase his work, as long as he's not head-bobbing lame, and see how it goes. I know he was just trying to avoid telling me that my horse probably wasn't going to be any more sound.
I know I shouldn't be so mad and hurt. I'm going to college in a few years anyway, and now I can justify putting him out in pasture and letting him sit while I do that. I guess I'm mad that I got my hopes up, and thought my horse and I were going to have a long time with each other. Maybe we will, but not nearly as long as I had hoped.
Now I don't even know what I'm going to do if he doesn't get any better. He's uncomfortable, I know that much. Is it kind to let him be so chronically miserable?
Doc came out today. He checked on Ace's leg, and asked me how old he was. At the PPE with my old vet, as well as when he got his teeth floated, I was told he was 10-12. I didn't think that was the case, as it was the first time he'd had his teeth done in three years, so I moved that estimate up to 15 to avoid disappointment.
Apparently, my horse is 25, "give or take."
I trust this vet's opinion very much, and he said that Old Vet probably made the guess based on his appearance as well. He told me that Ace has horrible arthritis, which I guessed, and decreased range of flexion in both front feet. He asked me if I knew this in the PPE, and I said yes, Old Vet told me that it was probably calcifications from a birth defect or riding on hard ground or both. She asked if I wanted x-rays at that point, but told me that because he passed the flex test, it wasn't exactly necessary. I was getting a free horse, so I didn't get the x-rays and just figured he wouldn't be able to jump--big deal anyway, as I ride western unless I'm showing English pleasure.
Based on all of this, Doc said that there was no way my horse was under 20 at the very very youngest. He was horrified that BOTH of the vets I was using (same clinic) never told me any of this. He also said that a year out of a tissue injury was about as sound as they were going to be--Ace is eleven months out, and he's still lame. I was instructed to gradually increase his work, as long as he's not head-bobbing lame, and see how it goes. I know he was just trying to avoid telling me that my horse probably wasn't going to be any more sound.
I know I shouldn't be so mad and hurt. I'm going to college in a few years anyway, and now I can justify putting him out in pasture and letting him sit while I do that. I guess I'm mad that I got my hopes up, and thought my horse and I were going to have a long time with each other. Maybe we will, but not nearly as long as I had hoped.
Now I don't even know what I'm going to do if he doesn't get any better. He's uncomfortable, I know that much. Is it kind to let him be so chronically miserable?
Friday, February 6, 2009
ha ha, acey
Dear Pony,
Trying to rip your eyelid off is not very funny. See, it not only makes mommy worry, but she then has to call the vet out, have you stitched up, and purchase really expensive antibiotics to give you. Not to mention that mommy now also has to pay for all the local anesthesia Doc gave you--enough for three horses, he said.
You are also now stuck in Frank's box stall while he is hamming it up with YOUR cousin Captain in YOUR crib. Jealous much? Yeah, well, let's think about that next time before you gauge your face on something mere centimeters from your eye. Close call, Acey, let me tell you, but it's still not very funny.
Now, I know you probably enjoyed getting "drunk" today with the tranqs, and almost toppling over on Doc while he stitched you up, but honestly, it is NOT a good idea to piss someone off when they have a needle by your eye. Those are my words of wisdom, Ace, so take it or leave it--but, by all means, PLEASE take them.
Also, next time, before you try and poke your eye out, stop a think a minute. When all of mommy's money goes to the vet, she can't buy you pretty tail ribbons, lime green tack, and wonderful tie-dye halters. And it's really not any fun being a poorly accessorized horse, let me tell you.
Sincerely,
Mommy
Trying to rip your eyelid off is not very funny. See, it not only makes mommy worry, but she then has to call the vet out, have you stitched up, and purchase really expensive antibiotics to give you. Not to mention that mommy now also has to pay for all the local anesthesia Doc gave you--enough for three horses, he said.
You are also now stuck in Frank's box stall while he is hamming it up with YOUR cousin Captain in YOUR crib. Jealous much? Yeah, well, let's think about that next time before you gauge your face on something mere centimeters from your eye. Close call, Acey, let me tell you, but it's still not very funny.
Now, I know you probably enjoyed getting "drunk" today with the tranqs, and almost toppling over on Doc while he stitched you up, but honestly, it is NOT a good idea to piss someone off when they have a needle by your eye. Those are my words of wisdom, Ace, so take it or leave it--but, by all means, PLEASE take them.
Also, next time, before you try and poke your eye out, stop a think a minute. When all of mommy's money goes to the vet, she can't buy you pretty tail ribbons, lime green tack, and wonderful tie-dye halters. And it's really not any fun being a poorly accessorized horse, let me tell you.
Sincerely,
Mommy
Thursday, February 5, 2009
my god he eats a lot
Well, I don't really have much to update about (except the fact that the taco pony trotted (basically save for a few falters here and then) SOUND on the LUNGE LINE going BOTH DIRECTIONS for TEN MINUTES each last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just a little excited.
He loves being lunged, also. I think it may have to do with his snazzy jogging outfit, shown above. He's also wearing black splints, but cell phone picture + impending darkness = shitastic quality.
So, for something fun I thought I'd post their morning feeding regimen. It's apparently so complicated that it has the barn owner shaking in her boots for when I go on vacation or god forbid need her to feed one morning! I don't think it's that bad, but then again I do do it every morning.
Ace:
Half scoop beet pulp shreds (wet before next step and stir, making sure contents are moistened)
Half scoop grain
2 scoops alfalfa pellets
1 smartpak (with apple-a-day and smartflex ultra III)
8 ounces ground flax
1/2 cup black oil sunflower seeds
Captain:
Half scoop beet pulp shreds (also dampened)
Half scoop grain
1 1/2 scoops alfalfa pellets
1 smartpak (with apple-a-day and fluid action)
8 ounces ground flax
1/2 cup black oil sunflower seeds
Okay, so maybe it is a weensy bit complicated, but at least they're getting what they need! Their omegas are probably "out of wack," but as they're not seeming to have any problems I don't stress about it. As Wonder Shoer says, "it takes a lot more than some unmatched omegas to kill a horse." So there. They get 70-30 grass hay at night, which is refreshingly easy to feed, and their diet seems to be working wonders. Ace has put on lots of weight, and both of their coats are shiny and soft. I'm a very happy mommy. :-)
Now the boys are probably banging their toes on the gate in impatience, so I'd better go feed before they get TOO mad at me!
Just a little excited.
He loves being lunged, also. I think it may have to do with his snazzy jogging outfit, shown above. He's also wearing black splints, but cell phone picture + impending darkness = shitastic quality.
So, for something fun I thought I'd post their morning feeding regimen. It's apparently so complicated that it has the barn owner shaking in her boots for when I go on vacation or god forbid need her to feed one morning! I don't think it's that bad, but then again I do do it every morning.
Ace:
Half scoop beet pulp shreds (wet before next step and stir, making sure contents are moistened)
Half scoop grain
2 scoops alfalfa pellets
1 smartpak (with apple-a-day and smartflex ultra III)
8 ounces ground flax
1/2 cup black oil sunflower seeds
Captain:
Half scoop beet pulp shreds (also dampened)
Half scoop grain
1 1/2 scoops alfalfa pellets
1 smartpak (with apple-a-day and fluid action)
8 ounces ground flax
1/2 cup black oil sunflower seeds
Okay, so maybe it is a weensy bit complicated, but at least they're getting what they need! Their omegas are probably "out of wack," but as they're not seeming to have any problems I don't stress about it. As Wonder Shoer says, "it takes a lot more than some unmatched omegas to kill a horse." So there. They get 70-30 grass hay at night, which is refreshingly easy to feed, and their diet seems to be working wonders. Ace has put on lots of weight, and both of their coats are shiny and soft. I'm a very happy mommy. :-)
Now the boys are probably banging their toes on the gate in impatience, so I'd better go feed before they get TOO mad at me!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
progress, the wonder shoer, and more
Y'know, I really hate abandoning my blog like this so often. I want to update more often, but geez, I forget until it's way too late.
Anyway, I absolutely love the new place. I seriously have no qualms about it; although we don't have an arena and it's expensive to ride next door, I've discovered the vacant front pasture. It's fairly level, with just a little dip in the center, but it doesn't have any potholes and it's on soft grass. It's also about an acre, so it's definitely big enough. One of the new boarders was gracious enough to bring their standards and cavaletti out, so that's set up in the front pasture, and it's held up surprisingly well, especially considering that E lets Ali the ex-eventer rip around a few courses every once in a while.
I also have found the wonder shoer! He was my mom and dad's farrier back before "they" were pregnant with me, and as my dad says, "everyone thinks they have the best shoer in the world, but he actually is!" He has turned me on to some amazing trainers and views on horse-training, and also shared some secrets he's gotten just from talking to the "gurus" as he calls them at various places and events. He has a book FULL of these secrets that he's gathered in the space of three decades and shares some tidbits with me every time he comes out.
My horses' feet are also looking incredible. I got before pictures, and I'll take some after pictures when I get around to it. Wonder Shoer even wants Ace to go barefoot next time he comes out. ACE, y'all, the accident-prone one who is (almost done) recovering from a soft tissue injury and has a broken sesamoid. Who would've thunk THAT??? Captain is also barefoot, just as I like him, and his feet are hard and chip-free. This is quite a feat (pardon pun), as we ride the streets A LOT and the driveway connecting the turnouts and front pasture-slash-arena to their paddock is gravel. Wonder Shoer quickly solidified my belief that the shoers at the ranch were basically shit, but not to worry, because they didn't do any permanent damage. I hate bagging on someone that I had the active choice to discontinue my dealings with, but the farriers up there were the only ones who would make the commute, and it bothered me every time they did my horses. Basically, I'm fully aware it was my decision to continue using them, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
Ace is doing wonderfully, progressing really well with his foot. He's SO close that I think he's asking for just another month or two to really make sure he's all better, because the only time he bobs now is trotting counter-clockwise (and his injury is on the LF). I'm doing lots of bending at the walk and bringing his nose in to the left just slightly while trotting in a straight direction. Some very elementary half-passes to both directions have also created a noticeable improvement, as well. When I feel his trotting it seems as if he's not lame, but just taking a shorter stride with that foot so that's the imbalance I feel. He's sound as a tack in a straight line and circling to the right, and I think that supports my thoughts.
My issues right now are with Captain. My sister isn't riding as much as I'd like her to, and I think the lack of exercise and the boredom have stemmed a whole lot of aggression in Captain. It's like when we boarded at the QH barn and he was stuck in a box stall all day all over again. He's charging the gate when I bring the food in, rearing and baring his teeth when I stomp and step forward to shoo him away, and generally being a royal pain in the ass. Ace chases him away for me usually, so I was ignoring the aggression a little (really chalking it up to the fact that he was a stud until age six), until he started running away with my sister. Not any kind of crazy bucking or an intense gallop, but moving up into a strong canter and just not stopping. I got on him and fixed the problem a little, but even with me he was just too strong. I've put the standing martingale back on his tack, which has made a minor improvement, and I'm lunging him every day and working on getting him respectful again.
Last night though, he rushed to the gate as usual although I was inside the pen trying to catch Ace. Captain pushed the gate open and I ran over to catch it and chain it back up, and he pinned his ears a little menacingly, so I stepped in between him and the gate and pushed him on the shoulder in a firm reminder to BACK OFF. Instead of respecting my "bubble" and backing off, however, the son of a gun proceeded to bare his teeth, swing his head around, and smack me in the head full force, WITH his teeth. After everything stopped spinning I fetched my lunge whip and worked him around the paddock, keeping him trotting to one fence and turning him by stepping toward his shoulder at regular intervals. As soon as his head dropped and he was licking and chewing I backed off, and he approached very tentatively and began to listen to my body language again. He was walking beside me, turning, and backing to my cues (without halter or anything of the sort). I feel bad about chasing him around his paddock, but honestly I'm sick of the aggression and it worked. He was an angel on the lunge line and was even really patient with my sister when she stepped forward to try.
Speaking of lunging, it's time to go do so and then feed. I'll update more SOON, hopefully, or at least as soon as I have the time and inclination to do so!
Anyway, I absolutely love the new place. I seriously have no qualms about it; although we don't have an arena and it's expensive to ride next door, I've discovered the vacant front pasture. It's fairly level, with just a little dip in the center, but it doesn't have any potholes and it's on soft grass. It's also about an acre, so it's definitely big enough. One of the new boarders was gracious enough to bring their standards and cavaletti out, so that's set up in the front pasture, and it's held up surprisingly well, especially considering that E lets Ali the ex-eventer rip around a few courses every once in a while.
I also have found the wonder shoer! He was my mom and dad's farrier back before "they" were pregnant with me, and as my dad says, "everyone thinks they have the best shoer in the world, but he actually is!" He has turned me on to some amazing trainers and views on horse-training, and also shared some secrets he's gotten just from talking to the "gurus" as he calls them at various places and events. He has a book FULL of these secrets that he's gathered in the space of three decades and shares some tidbits with me every time he comes out.
My horses' feet are also looking incredible. I got before pictures, and I'll take some after pictures when I get around to it. Wonder Shoer even wants Ace to go barefoot next time he comes out. ACE, y'all, the accident-prone one who is (almost done) recovering from a soft tissue injury and has a broken sesamoid. Who would've thunk THAT??? Captain is also barefoot, just as I like him, and his feet are hard and chip-free. This is quite a feat (pardon pun), as we ride the streets A LOT and the driveway connecting the turnouts and front pasture-slash-arena to their paddock is gravel. Wonder Shoer quickly solidified my belief that the shoers at the ranch were basically shit, but not to worry, because they didn't do any permanent damage. I hate bagging on someone that I had the active choice to discontinue my dealings with, but the farriers up there were the only ones who would make the commute, and it bothered me every time they did my horses. Basically, I'm fully aware it was my decision to continue using them, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
Ace is doing wonderfully, progressing really well with his foot. He's SO close that I think he's asking for just another month or two to really make sure he's all better, because the only time he bobs now is trotting counter-clockwise (and his injury is on the LF). I'm doing lots of bending at the walk and bringing his nose in to the left just slightly while trotting in a straight direction. Some very elementary half-passes to both directions have also created a noticeable improvement, as well. When I feel his trotting it seems as if he's not lame, but just taking a shorter stride with that foot so that's the imbalance I feel. He's sound as a tack in a straight line and circling to the right, and I think that supports my thoughts.
My issues right now are with Captain. My sister isn't riding as much as I'd like her to, and I think the lack of exercise and the boredom have stemmed a whole lot of aggression in Captain. It's like when we boarded at the QH barn and he was stuck in a box stall all day all over again. He's charging the gate when I bring the food in, rearing and baring his teeth when I stomp and step forward to shoo him away, and generally being a royal pain in the ass. Ace chases him away for me usually, so I was ignoring the aggression a little (really chalking it up to the fact that he was a stud until age six), until he started running away with my sister. Not any kind of crazy bucking or an intense gallop, but moving up into a strong canter and just not stopping. I got on him and fixed the problem a little, but even with me he was just too strong. I've put the standing martingale back on his tack, which has made a minor improvement, and I'm lunging him every day and working on getting him respectful again.
Last night though, he rushed to the gate as usual although I was inside the pen trying to catch Ace. Captain pushed the gate open and I ran over to catch it and chain it back up, and he pinned his ears a little menacingly, so I stepped in between him and the gate and pushed him on the shoulder in a firm reminder to BACK OFF. Instead of respecting my "bubble" and backing off, however, the son of a gun proceeded to bare his teeth, swing his head around, and smack me in the head full force, WITH his teeth. After everything stopped spinning I fetched my lunge whip and worked him around the paddock, keeping him trotting to one fence and turning him by stepping toward his shoulder at regular intervals. As soon as his head dropped and he was licking and chewing I backed off, and he approached very tentatively and began to listen to my body language again. He was walking beside me, turning, and backing to my cues (without halter or anything of the sort). I feel bad about chasing him around his paddock, but honestly I'm sick of the aggression and it worked. He was an angel on the lunge line and was even really patient with my sister when she stepped forward to try.
Speaking of lunging, it's time to go do so and then feed. I'll update more SOON, hopefully, or at least as soon as I have the time and inclination to do so!
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