These are frightening times for Florida horse owners. I see several new stolen/missing horse posts come across my FB feed every week. And some of them are ending like this:
Three-year-old QH removed from stall, slaughtered nearby
Show horse slaughtered
This is the latest one that I've seen. Thunder has been missing for a few days and was recently discovered slaughtered: 23-year old STB, Thunder
Horse theft is nothing new, but for Florida horse owners it now means wondering if your friend was incapacitated and butchered while he/she was still alive. Keep us in your thoughts. These people are very bold, and I don't believe they will stop until they're in custody.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Sometimes it's the small things
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| She looks so good with her mane roached. P.S. The spot in her right ear has been checked by the vet - it's a wart. I was having heart palpitations for a while thinking it might be melanoma. |
Saddle pad: change to Skito with shoulder shims and laminated inserts. The Skito inserts do not compress nearly as much as the Equipedic inserts do. And the shoulder shims, though thin and nearly unnoticeable to me, seem to be helping me to keep my balance back a bit more - I have a tendency to lean too far forward, no matter the horse. Last year, having my stirrups short enough to post properly also meant that at the end of a ride, my knees would be screaming. Having them one hole longer, and no knee pain, meant that posting was really more like 'bouncing with rhythm'. I did a lot of two-point last year.
I also recently changed her girth to a new Montana Cincha. I mention 'new' because the design of the buckle guards is slightly different than the old one I have. First, the buckle guard material is much thicker - on the old one, you can easily feel the buckles through the neoprene. Second, the girth has velcro over the buckles; fastening the velcro pulls the neoprene around the buckles so that the neoprene edges aren't in contact with the wrinkles behind her front legs. Warning: grainier-than-normal iPhone pics ahead.
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| Notice the front edge of the buckle guard. |
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| And now, with the velcro fastened, the neoprene wraps around the buckles a bit. |
We're moving slowly and I'm realizing that I really don't mind. We are mostly walking and installing/refining certain buttons. No trail rides on the horizon for now but I'm crossing fingers that the hubby will able to work on the truck over the coming holiday weekend.
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| Slightly stretched out because of the water hose. Notice the belly shrinkage! |
Monday, November 16, 2015
Barn Drama
But first, a pic of The Mare, approaching me in the pasture Saturday morning <3
The worst part about boarding, besides the expense and the drive, is barn drama. I have been lucky at this barn - there is very little drama, and what there has been in the past has been extinguished quickly. *Warning: rant post ahead*
Last night, I went out to the barn to clean Ruby's stall, reset her feed, and just in general hang out with my horse for a while. I wasn't the only one there, and could hear laughter on the other side of the barn so I went to see who was there.
As I walked around the corner of the barn, I saw three ladies sitting at the picnic table and two dogs running towards me. A lot of people bring their dogs out, and there is always a sprint to see who the new person is and get some pets, so I didn't do more than glance at them.
Mistake. Both dogs ran at me as the folks at the table yelled greetings to me, one on my left, one on the right. The one on my right kept running full speed and bit me on the leg HARD. It didn't feel like a bite so much as like I'd been kicked by a horse or hit by something equally solid. I stood there, shocked for a second, then told them the dog bit me as he ran off.
I tried not to make a big deal about it for several reasons. First, I was still a little bewildered that it even happened: I wasn't being aggressive with my body language, I didn't yell a greeting at them, etc. Second, I was wearing jeans and the dog was fairly small (40 pounds or so?). The owner told me that he didn't have many teeth and I checked my leg, which wasn't bleeding. And, in general, I don't try to instigate drama. The dogs came over to smell me while I helped these ladies pack up their stuff, and it was no big deal. I wasn't worried about these dogs because due to their size and my background, I could have handled it if they decided to be aggressive again. I could have handled it if I'd recognized the situation for what it was before I was bitten, but I digress. It happened fast and I wasn't prepared.
Heather (barn owner and a very good friend of mine), pulled in as they were leaving. I went into the tack room to check my leg in the light, and told her what happened. I had two almost puncture wounds and big welt forming near my shin. Heather was pissed and switched to barn owner mode. I realized my mistake as this was happening. But, as she was telling me that she'd let the owner know the dog wasn't allowed on the property anymore, I realized that was probably best. People bring kids out there, and a child would have been hurt much more seriously.
Fast forward to this morning, I get a message from Heather stating that the dog belongs to a breed rescue and is going to be put down. I felt horrible. Yes, the owner needs to learn about dog training and behavior (and horse training and behavior, for that matter!), but the situation could have been completely avoided if the owner had kept the dog on a leash. I messaged the owner to express my condolences for everything and received a nasty text in return. She called me a liar and accused me of 'running to Heather.' HA! OMG...I'm honestly still pissed about this (obviously, or I wouldn't be ranting on the internet!). I think I handled the situation with as much class as I was able to muster, while still telling her not to call me a liar and informing her that I don't need anyone to fight my battles. If I had been pissed last night, she would have known it.
Anyways, fast forward a bit. I called the rescue that was supposedly going to put the dog down to plead his case a bit...and they didn't know what I was talking about. Nice. It was obvious that the lady I talked to was trying not to say that I'd been the one lied to, while still saying that they have no record of the phone call that the owner made - and she is the coordinator for this county. She said she would call the owner and they would work closely with a dog behaviorist to see if the dog was, essentially, savable. The rescue coordinator thanked me several times for calling them and promised to keep me informed on the dog's situation.
So, I've done my good deed but I'm not looking forward to the escalating drama. I have a hellacious temper that I've had to work hard to control, but a person can only take so much. That being said, this person is considering selling her horse, whom she also cannot control, so maybe the drama will be short-lived.
UGH, I'm still so pissed about her nasty texts. I would not have handled this situation by blaming the person who was bitten by my dog. I understand, kind of, that she's probably just lashing out because she's upset about the dog but GROW UP ALREADY. We'll see what happens. I'm not one of those sue-happy people and it shouldn't get infected since the skin isn't really broken and I was wearing jeans - those two spots are almost like blood blisters. Hopefully by the time it heals the drama will be over.
The worst part about boarding, besides the expense and the drive, is barn drama. I have been lucky at this barn - there is very little drama, and what there has been in the past has been extinguished quickly. *Warning: rant post ahead*
Last night, I went out to the barn to clean Ruby's stall, reset her feed, and just in general hang out with my horse for a while. I wasn't the only one there, and could hear laughter on the other side of the barn so I went to see who was there.
As I walked around the corner of the barn, I saw three ladies sitting at the picnic table and two dogs running towards me. A lot of people bring their dogs out, and there is always a sprint to see who the new person is and get some pets, so I didn't do more than glance at them.
Mistake. Both dogs ran at me as the folks at the table yelled greetings to me, one on my left, one on the right. The one on my right kept running full speed and bit me on the leg HARD. It didn't feel like a bite so much as like I'd been kicked by a horse or hit by something equally solid. I stood there, shocked for a second, then told them the dog bit me as he ran off.
I tried not to make a big deal about it for several reasons. First, I was still a little bewildered that it even happened: I wasn't being aggressive with my body language, I didn't yell a greeting at them, etc. Second, I was wearing jeans and the dog was fairly small (40 pounds or so?). The owner told me that he didn't have many teeth and I checked my leg, which wasn't bleeding. And, in general, I don't try to instigate drama. The dogs came over to smell me while I helped these ladies pack up their stuff, and it was no big deal. I wasn't worried about these dogs because due to their size and my background, I could have handled it if they decided to be aggressive again. I could have handled it if I'd recognized the situation for what it was before I was bitten, but I digress. It happened fast and I wasn't prepared.
Heather (barn owner and a very good friend of mine), pulled in as they were leaving. I went into the tack room to check my leg in the light, and told her what happened. I had two almost puncture wounds and big welt forming near my shin. Heather was pissed and switched to barn owner mode. I realized my mistake as this was happening. But, as she was telling me that she'd let the owner know the dog wasn't allowed on the property anymore, I realized that was probably best. People bring kids out there, and a child would have been hurt much more seriously.
Fast forward to this morning, I get a message from Heather stating that the dog belongs to a breed rescue and is going to be put down. I felt horrible. Yes, the owner needs to learn about dog training and behavior (and horse training and behavior, for that matter!), but the situation could have been completely avoided if the owner had kept the dog on a leash. I messaged the owner to express my condolences for everything and received a nasty text in return. She called me a liar and accused me of 'running to Heather.' HA! OMG...I'm honestly still pissed about this (obviously, or I wouldn't be ranting on the internet!). I think I handled the situation with as much class as I was able to muster, while still telling her not to call me a liar and informing her that I don't need anyone to fight my battles. If I had been pissed last night, she would have known it.
Anyways, fast forward a bit. I called the rescue that was supposedly going to put the dog down to plead his case a bit...and they didn't know what I was talking about. Nice. It was obvious that the lady I talked to was trying not to say that I'd been the one lied to, while still saying that they have no record of the phone call that the owner made - and she is the coordinator for this county. She said she would call the owner and they would work closely with a dog behaviorist to see if the dog was, essentially, savable. The rescue coordinator thanked me several times for calling them and promised to keep me informed on the dog's situation.
So, I've done my good deed but I'm not looking forward to the escalating drama. I have a hellacious temper that I've had to work hard to control, but a person can only take so much. That being said, this person is considering selling her horse, whom she also cannot control, so maybe the drama will be short-lived.
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| Yes, yes, I do need a tan. |
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
New 'dos
One for Ruby. I finally bit the bullet and roached her mane. She grows a rather scraggly mane anyway, and she HATES when I have to brush through tangles. Tail tangles are no big deal, but working through mane tangles, even very carefully, aggravates this redheaded mare.
And one for me.
My hair has never been this short...ever.
In other news, the picture above shows mine and Ruby's first time back on the trails. My hubby arranged to take me horse camping for my birthday, Candy as his steed, but truck problems caused a change of plans. Instead we went to Tenoroc, and rode the short 3.5 mile loop. It worked out for the best though, because neither Candy nor Ruby have been off-property in months and both were in raging heat and my hubby is an inexperienced rider - riding them on trails both they and I knew made me feel better about the situation. After an exciting first half-mile, the girls found their stride. Ruby was much slower than she used to be - could be because she's out of shape, she was walking slower for Candy, or she just wasn't feeling it? On this loop there are a few small hills - to me, these hills were a test, of sorts. When Ruby got hurt last year, on this same loop, she had a very hard time walking up the hills. Down was fine, while going up was obviously painful. On Saturday she powered right up the hills, which was a huge relief.
Unfortunately, getting back on the trails regularly will have to wait until we get the truck fixed. I hope to have more trail stories soon.
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| I'm a bad blogger - this is the best pic I have of Ruby's roached mane. |
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| I think I'll let it get a little longer, then maintain. Long enough to cover the ears maybe? |
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| Last Saturday. Notice the lather - it was HOT! |
Unfortunately, getting back on the trails regularly will have to wait until we get the truck fixed. I hope to have more trail stories soon.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Two Rides
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| Yesterday afternoon |
Saturday, October 10, 2015
New Skito
After incessantly checking my email for the last week and a half, I got a shipping notification from Skito on Thursday. The pad wasn't supposed to arrive until Tuesday, so I put it out of my head. However, it was waiting for me this afternoon when I returned home from a quick errand - woohoo!
I headed out to the barn as soon as I was finished with some things around the house. Within 15 minutes of my arrival, when I was still cleaning Ruby's stall, this happened.
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| Total downpour |
By the time I was done with Ruby's stall, it had stopped raining. However, now that the grass was soaked (and slick), no trotting for us. That's okay, there will be other rides.
I was a terrible blogger and didn't get pics of Ruby all tacked up in her new pad. Suffice to say that I really like how much more wither clearance this pad has compared to the Equipedic. I also like that the inserts are beveled, are thinner than the Equipedic's, and are firmer. The workmanship on it is beautiful, and the color really pops. I used a longer girth and really slathered on the Chamois Butt'r in her 'armpits', then mounted up. Ruby seemed to be very comfortable during our 15 minute ride around the barnyard. In fact, and I feel horrible about this, a few times it seemed she was expecting something (a pinch from the girth?) but when it didn't happen, she hesitated for a fraction of a second, then lengthened her stride. A few weeks of building her up in the pasture and arena with some road riding, then I hope we'll be able to hit the trails again.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Other hobbies
Well, since I'm in between horse stories for the moment (waiting on my Skito!), I thought I'd write about something else. Hobbies. I have many. There are just so many things that I'm interested in, so many things that I like to do or would like to do...I always have something going on. Part of my problem is that I hate sitting still. Even watching TV in the evenings, winding down, I like to be doing something. That's just me. Horses are #1 (easily!), but here are a few other things I enjoy.
Archery: my husband took me to a Sportsman's Warehouse about five years ago and asked me to pick out a compound bow for myself. He'd had one for a year or so and thought I'd like it...I was skeptical. Turns out that I really do enjoy it. And I'm pretty good at it. I have lots of bulls-eye pics, but I like this one best, although it is blurry.
My husband and I were at the shooting range. Tired of shooting at flat targets, we came up with a game. First, we shot at kitty's paw (notice it's sticking out), but that was too easy as well. We decided to turn the cat and aim for the nose. My husband is a good shot, but I totally whipped him that day. I can shoot a gun as well, but much prefer my bow - it's quiet, it requires a slightly different skill set, and you can re-use your ammo - I am a bit of a cheapskate, yes, lol. I haven't hunted yet, but plan to at some point in the future. No trophy hunting for me, I won't shoot what I don't plan to eat. My bow ranks up in the top three inanimate objects that I would hate to live without, the other two being my fugly, but still fabulous, truck and my saddle.
Knitting/crochet - I taught myself to do both; knitting probably seven years ago, crochet one year ago. It keeps me busy when I have to be inside and quiet (late in the evening when the kids are asleep, waiting for an appointment, etc.), and I truly enjoy making things for my kids that can't be bought in stores.
Sewing: another thing that I am trying to learn on my own (thank God for Youtube!). I do this when I have to be inside, but I don't have to be quiet, lol. This is a hand bag that my daughter and I are making together. She picked out the colors and the pattern, and it looks beautiful in person.
Cross-stitch (is your head spinning yet?): No pictures of finished works, but I'm trying desperately to finish two beautiful stockings for my kids before Christmas.
If we had a yard, I would have a garden. And chickens. I miss my chickens and goats. Instead, I have a small patio garden.
ETA: Fishing! I love fishing...well, at least when the fish are biting. I'm terrible at it, though. This is one of those things that I should have learned from my grandfather when he was still alive, but I was a teenager with better things to do at the time *sigh*. I can catch little fish all day long, but decent-sized fish elude me....
Case in point, this tiny little bream. The smile is because this particular trip was the first time I'd fished in over a decade (how old does it make me feel to say 'in over a decade' - geez!).
My final hobby is trying to keep this guy out of trouble.
This happened late last month. He actually had to have surgery to re-attach a tendon to one of his thumb joints. He and Ruby both love to keep me on my toes.
Well, I think that's about it. Even when I'm not riding, I have a ton going on but I like it that way :)
Archery: my husband took me to a Sportsman's Warehouse about five years ago and asked me to pick out a compound bow for myself. He'd had one for a year or so and thought I'd like it...I was skeptical. Turns out that I really do enjoy it. And I'm pretty good at it. I have lots of bulls-eye pics, but I like this one best, although it is blurry.
My husband and I were at the shooting range. Tired of shooting at flat targets, we came up with a game. First, we shot at kitty's paw (notice it's sticking out), but that was too easy as well. We decided to turn the cat and aim for the nose. My husband is a good shot, but I totally whipped him that day. I can shoot a gun as well, but much prefer my bow - it's quiet, it requires a slightly different skill set, and you can re-use your ammo - I am a bit of a cheapskate, yes, lol. I haven't hunted yet, but plan to at some point in the future. No trophy hunting for me, I won't shoot what I don't plan to eat. My bow ranks up in the top three inanimate objects that I would hate to live without, the other two being my fugly, but still fabulous, truck and my saddle.
Knitting/crochet - I taught myself to do both; knitting probably seven years ago, crochet one year ago. It keeps me busy when I have to be inside and quiet (late in the evening when the kids are asleep, waiting for an appointment, etc.), and I truly enjoy making things for my kids that can't be bought in stores.
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| Mario mushroom and one of the cutest kids ever. |
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| A red one, currently in-progress for my nephew. |
Sewing: another thing that I am trying to learn on my own (thank God for Youtube!). I do this when I have to be inside, but I don't have to be quiet, lol. This is a hand bag that my daughter and I are making together. She picked out the colors and the pattern, and it looks beautiful in person.
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| Not perfect, but that makes it better imo. |
If we had a yard, I would have a garden. And chickens. I miss my chickens and goats. Instead, I have a small patio garden.
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| Bertha and two of her chicks. |
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| Sweet Pea (came with the name but it fit, so...) |
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| Sweet Pea and Sierra - they know I'm hiding. |
Case in point, this tiny little bream. The smile is because this particular trip was the first time I'd fished in over a decade (how old does it make me feel to say 'in over a decade' - geez!).
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| With my beautiful daughter in the background <3 |
My final hobby is trying to keep this guy out of trouble.
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| So handsome, so accident-prone. |
Well, I think that's about it. Even when I'm not riding, I have a ton going on but I like it that way :)
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Fat jeans, skinny jeans
I'm one of those ladies who's weight tends to fluctuate with the seasons. The reasoning, for me, is that I tend to be much less active during the winter...I hate the cold, and the holidays being during this time doesn't help either (kids mean lots of special baking, and everything has to have proper taste-testing, amiright?). So, I have slightly different sizes of jeans to wear during the summer/fall versus winter/spring.
My husband came out to the barn with me yesterday. He isn't a horse guy, per se, but I'd been talking about Ruby's recent girthing issues so he came out to give me a fresh set of eyes. In fact, he had the idea to tack up Ruby in saddle with different girths, then slow-mo record her while I walked her around. He wanted to stay very close to her left side (where she rubbed most recently) so we could get a good idea of exactly what was happening.
BTW: I have mentioned a few times that Ruby isn't exactly outgoing and friendly...I am one of the few (maybe the only?) people of whom she approves, the rest are merely tolerated. Ruby's face while Chris crouched down to walk beside her and directly behind me was a sight to behold, lol. She did not approve of his creepy behavior at all. In fact, when I'd tie her to change girths, she would hide her face on whatever side of the post was opposite of Chris and bug her eyes like she could not believe how much she'd just been violated (how's that for anthropomorphizing!). A few times I had to talk her down...she seemed to be thinking of retaliation towards him a few times while we were walking.
Unfortunately, all vidoes are still on the hub's phone and he's at work, but the problem became glaringly obvious...Ruby needs a longer girth. Duh. I swear that sometimes I need to be hit over the head with a mini-bat. A 'fat girth', if you will, like I sometimes need my fat jeans. Three of the girths are 18", while I have one that is 22". Funny how all three of the 18" girths fit differently though, so today I'm going to measure them all.
The new Skito should be done soon. It will have the laminated inserts (more support, less squish) and shims, which will probably cause an entirely new set of girthing circumstances so I'll measure her for a new girth when it arrives. Maybe then we'll be able to get back to riding!
P.S. I hope that my reference to 'fat jeans' hasn't offended anyone. Know that while I like to laugh at myself, I am not making light of anyone who is having weight or health issues - the only person I am poking fun at is myself :)
My husband came out to the barn with me yesterday. He isn't a horse guy, per se, but I'd been talking about Ruby's recent girthing issues so he came out to give me a fresh set of eyes. In fact, he had the idea to tack up Ruby in saddle with different girths, then slow-mo record her while I walked her around. He wanted to stay very close to her left side (where she rubbed most recently) so we could get a good idea of exactly what was happening.
BTW: I have mentioned a few times that Ruby isn't exactly outgoing and friendly...I am one of the few (maybe the only?) people of whom she approves, the rest are merely tolerated. Ruby's face while Chris crouched down to walk beside her and directly behind me was a sight to behold, lol. She did not approve of his creepy behavior at all. In fact, when I'd tie her to change girths, she would hide her face on whatever side of the post was opposite of Chris and bug her eyes like she could not believe how much she'd just been violated (how's that for anthropomorphizing!). A few times I had to talk her down...she seemed to be thinking of retaliation towards him a few times while we were walking.
Unfortunately, all vidoes are still on the hub's phone and he's at work, but the problem became glaringly obvious...Ruby needs a longer girth. Duh. I swear that sometimes I need to be hit over the head with a mini-bat. A 'fat girth', if you will, like I sometimes need my fat jeans. Three of the girths are 18", while I have one that is 22". Funny how all three of the 18" girths fit differently though, so today I'm going to measure them all.
The new Skito should be done soon. It will have the laminated inserts (more support, less squish) and shims, which will probably cause an entirely new set of girthing circumstances so I'll measure her for a new girth when it arrives. Maybe then we'll be able to get back to riding!
P.S. I hope that my reference to 'fat jeans' hasn't offended anyone. Know that while I like to laugh at myself, I am not making light of anyone who is having weight or health issues - the only person I am poking fun at is myself :)
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Bummed - updated
I debated on whether or not to post this, but in the interest of portraying an accurate picture of what some wannabe teams have to go through (everything is not sunshine and roses), here goes.
The new girth came yesterday, and it was all I could do to finish up my household stuff before heading to the barn to try it out.
First impression: it was thick and not as pliable as I thought it probably should be to work for Ruby (and it would probably have been closer to $300 or $400 if it was).
I got out to the barn, put a fresh trim on Ruby's fronts (doing hinds today), and tacked up. One thing I noticed right away, besides all the extra room between her fronts legs and the edge of the girth, was that I had to adjust my breast collar just to reach the girth...which was actually sitting in her girth groove. At this point, I was thinking that this could work.
We walked to the round pen where I wanted to lunge her a bit to see how she moved. There was something....but maybe it was the because she was moving through sand? I only asked her to do a few circles in each direction, walk-trot, then I asked her to stop and checked the girth.
I readjusted the girth, stretched the mare's front legs, and walked her over to the mounting block. Then I started a timer. We stayed in the round pen. Ruby would occasionally stop and pin ears when asked to move again. As we continued, mare's attitude got progressively worse, though still not dangerous...but she was clearly frustrated that I wasn't 'hearing' what she was telling me.
I climbed down and walked her back to the barn.
She only rubbed on the left side, right side was fine. The girth was tightened to the same number of holes on both sides, and we did the same number of circles to the left and right, so I'm not sure why one side rubbed and not the other. This is what I'm thinking...I've mentioned previously that Ruby has dips behind her shoulder. They are more pronounced due to the amount of time she's had off. Perhaps the saddle is pushing forward into these dips with movement, which is causing these girth rubs - if this is the case, it is not extreme enough to be obvious to me, but maybe I need to be beat over the head with a mini-bat? Input is welcome. No more riding until the Skito (with lotsa shims) and Chamois Butt'r has arrived. Even then, I'm not sure this particular girth will work for her because it seems bulky and doesn't conform to her compared to the mohair girths. I'll give it one more try before I send it back, but will be getting off the second she stops of her own accord.
Update: checked Ruby's rub today and it looks much better. No broken skin, no swelling, etc. That doesn't mean it didn't hurt though :(
Update 2: I had a thought as I was drifting off to sleep last night. Maybe the girth was pulled forward by the breast collar. I have the breast collar fitted to Ruby pretty well. There is some leeway, but not much as I have had my saddle slip before - on a different and very round horse but it's not an experience that I ever want to have again (horse running through my aids, down and up a steep gulley, horse bolting at a 45 degree angle out of said gully when saddle slips...). If the shoulder straps are too tight, it's possible that everything is getting pulled forward just enough to cause issues. When Ruby is comfortable, she has a huge stride (for her size).
So, my point is: it may be possible that her shoulder movement is pulling the breast collar forward, which is then pulling saddle, girth, or both forward as well. I have used the breast collar on several other horses at this point, always having to tweak the fit, so it may not be the same fit as it was late last year before we stopped riding. Our next rides (after the rub heals and the Skito arrives) will be sans breast collar before I give up on the new girth.
P.S. I'm going to feel really dumb if this the cause of our recent issues. But relieved as well, that it's such an easy fix.
The new girth came yesterday, and it was all I could do to finish up my household stuff before heading to the barn to try it out.
First impression: it was thick and not as pliable as I thought it probably should be to work for Ruby (and it would probably have been closer to $300 or $400 if it was).
I got out to the barn, put a fresh trim on Ruby's fronts (doing hinds today), and tacked up. One thing I noticed right away, besides all the extra room between her fronts legs and the edge of the girth, was that I had to adjust my breast collar just to reach the girth...which was actually sitting in her girth groove. At this point, I was thinking that this could work.
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| Notice where the girth is sitting and that the breast collar buckle is not dangling. All the wetness is liberally-applied ShowSheen, just in case. Still waiting for the Chamois Butt'r to arrive. |
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| I'm sorry - I know it's from a different side but pics on her right side came out blurry. Notice that now the breast collar is hanging and the girth has moved forward. I'd already started to readjust the girth before I thought 'pics', so yeah, the billets. |
I climbed down and walked her back to the barn.
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| Moved forward again. |
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| Dammit! After 9 minutes of walking on flat ground. |
Update: checked Ruby's rub today and it looks much better. No broken skin, no swelling, etc. That doesn't mean it didn't hurt though :(
Update 2: I had a thought as I was drifting off to sleep last night. Maybe the girth was pulled forward by the breast collar. I have the breast collar fitted to Ruby pretty well. There is some leeway, but not much as I have had my saddle slip before - on a different and very round horse but it's not an experience that I ever want to have again (horse running through my aids, down and up a steep gulley, horse bolting at a 45 degree angle out of said gully when saddle slips...). If the shoulder straps are too tight, it's possible that everything is getting pulled forward just enough to cause issues. When Ruby is comfortable, she has a huge stride (for her size).
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| Jan 2014 |
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| Jan 2014 |
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| Sept 2014 |
P.S. I'm going to feel really dumb if this the cause of our recent issues. But relieved as well, that it's such an easy fix.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Brace yourselves....
Horse stuff is coming.
Ruby's new Skito is being made, and her new girth is in the mail - woot! I decided to take Saiph's recommendation and ordered the Shoulder Relief Girth from Total Saddle Fit. I like the fact that it shouldn't move forward into her armpit/elbow area, and with a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, I don't really have anything to lose. Crossing fingers that she likes it!
Ruby's new Skito is being made, and her new girth is in the mail - woot! I decided to take Saiph's recommendation and ordered the Shoulder Relief Girth from Total Saddle Fit. I like the fact that it shouldn't move forward into her armpit/elbow area, and with a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, I don't really have anything to lose. Crossing fingers that she likes it!
Friday, September 18, 2015
Shopping
I love shopping for horse stuff (and only horse stuff...I'm weird like that). Both my birthday and Christmas are coming up, so the buttering-up of hubby has begun. Wishlist commence!
Skito saddle pad: Up until now I have used either an Equipedic or a pad made especially for my Sensation saddle. The Sensation pad (actually made by EcoGold) leaves something to be desired...The Equipedic is a good pad - very durable, even during repeated washings, but the inserts are due to be replaced. I'm using this as a partial excuse to buy a Skito, though I will be buying new inserts for the Equipedic as well. I know, I know, I'm a terrible person but oh, well. I like the fact that they expect you to send pictures of your horse so that they can make recommendations on what is needed for your particular animal. I know that Ruby needs shimming, probably quite extensive shimming after her extended vacay, so this removes the guesswork and stress for me. I plan to order this weekend - yay!
A new girth: OMG at the girth issues with this mare! Our rides haven't been much more than 15 minutes, and walking only, but even with applications of both Showsheen and Desitin she still has small rubs! This is partially because she's so fat that the girth is being pushed into her armpit area, and partially because she is so thin-skinned. At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Neoprene is a no-go as it is the neoprene under the buckles that is causing the issue, but I haven't been able to find a mohair girth with felt buckle guards that gets wider under the sternum and comes in 18" size. I can find mohair girths with leather guards but haven't seen them under 20" - and I'm not sure if leather is the answer. I tried a Woolback in the past but the length of the material past the buckles made the girth much too long. Frustrating. I have sent a question to the maker of this girth explaining the situation, asking if they make 18" girths, and if the girth would still be returnable if they did make a special 18" girth and it didn't work for Ruby. We will see.
Fetlock boots: I would want boots that offer support without trapping heat, sand, or burrs. I would want open-front and lightweight. I'm not planning to buy any at this time, but am looking at possible options. This is what I'm thinking (opinions appreciated!!!): if Ruby stays sound, I might want extra support on any LD/endurance rides until I'm sure her leg can handle the distance. If Ruby doesn't stay sound on her own, maybe fetlock boots would make light riding possible along with a joint supplement, injections, etc. Then there's the other side of the coin - not wanting them to become a crutch if she doesn't need one, which may lead to an injury in the pasture. Decisions, decisions. I need a crystal ball already.
Skito saddle pad: Up until now I have used either an Equipedic or a pad made especially for my Sensation saddle. The Sensation pad (actually made by EcoGold) leaves something to be desired...The Equipedic is a good pad - very durable, even during repeated washings, but the inserts are due to be replaced. I'm using this as a partial excuse to buy a Skito, though I will be buying new inserts for the Equipedic as well. I know, I know, I'm a terrible person but oh, well. I like the fact that they expect you to send pictures of your horse so that they can make recommendations on what is needed for your particular animal. I know that Ruby needs shimming, probably quite extensive shimming after her extended vacay, so this removes the guesswork and stress for me. I plan to order this weekend - yay!
A new girth: OMG at the girth issues with this mare! Our rides haven't been much more than 15 minutes, and walking only, but even with applications of both Showsheen and Desitin she still has small rubs! This is partially because she's so fat that the girth is being pushed into her armpit area, and partially because she is so thin-skinned. At this point, I'm not really sure what to do. Neoprene is a no-go as it is the neoprene under the buckles that is causing the issue, but I haven't been able to find a mohair girth with felt buckle guards that gets wider under the sternum and comes in 18" size. I can find mohair girths with leather guards but haven't seen them under 20" - and I'm not sure if leather is the answer. I tried a Woolback in the past but the length of the material past the buckles made the girth much too long. Frustrating. I have sent a question to the maker of this girth explaining the situation, asking if they make 18" girths, and if the girth would still be returnable if they did make a special 18" girth and it didn't work for Ruby. We will see.
Fetlock boots: I would want boots that offer support without trapping heat, sand, or burrs. I would want open-front and lightweight. I'm not planning to buy any at this time, but am looking at possible options. This is what I'm thinking (opinions appreciated!!!): if Ruby stays sound, I might want extra support on any LD/endurance rides until I'm sure her leg can handle the distance. If Ruby doesn't stay sound on her own, maybe fetlock boots would make light riding possible along with a joint supplement, injections, etc. Then there's the other side of the coin - not wanting them to become a crutch if she doesn't need one, which may lead to an injury in the pasture. Decisions, decisions. I need a crystal ball already.
Thursday, September 17, 2015
Another project?
Say it ain't so! A few days ago, a fellow boarder asked if I'd be willing to 'refresh' a certain Paso's ground manners. Meet Guapo.
Guapo's owner is in her early 50s and having some medical issues. Guapo has been taking advantage of these issues and her lack of experience. I have seen Guapo act up in various ways: dragging his owner around, refusing to allow her to tie him, being pushy, neighing incessantly for his pasture buddies, and just being as obnoxious as equinely possible. No outright dangerous behavior but he's getting there.
Two weekends ago, while myself and some other boarders were waiting for the vet to come, I witnessed his owner attempting to tie and groom him. Guapo wanted nothing to do with it - this was during Guapo's usual turnout time and he was being obnoxious and fairly nasty. His owner called me out of the barn and asked what I would do if Ruby was acting up like this. I told her I would re-establish the rules, first in the round pen, then out in the open. She asked if I would be willing to do it for her since she is physically unable, and I told her I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to do so.
The walk to the round pen was quite interesting since Guapo initially thought he was going to get his way (turned out). When he realized we were actually heading to the round pen, he tried to turn left towards the pasture...and met with an angry elbow multiple times. Before anyone gets upset about this, think about just how close a horse has to be to you in order to nailed with your elbow....well within the usual 'respect bubble.' When a horse bumps me, I am not nice about my reaction - I will elbow them as hard as I can, as many times as it takes for them to figure out that they need to back off. I've nearly been run down by a horse in the past; an experience that I'd rather not have again in the future.
Okay, so we made it to the round pen and I went to remove his halter. As I knew he would, he snatched his head away, gave a little buck in my direction (which I was expecting so I'd backed well out of range), and took off zooming around the round pen. I walked calmly to the middle of the round pen and picked up the lunge whip. It took about 20 minutes of zooming before he was willing to really start listening. Then we had a mini-lesson in the round pen about respectful leading and I handed him back to his owner.
So, as I said, his owner texted me a few days ago and asked if I could work with him while she's out of town. I told her that I would work with him when I can, but I can't guarantee a certain number of days, etc. She said she was happy with that, to just tell her how many times I'd worked with him when she returns and we'll figure out $$ for my time.
Honestly, I'm not too worried about the cash aspect of this - I find it almost painful to watch when a horse doesn't have any ground manners. He was descending down into a human danger zone with his pushy, dominant behavior. In reality, for all of Guapo's bluster, he has nothing on a mustang mare so I'm not too concerned. My main concern is that his owner won't be able to keep it up once she gets back from vacation, but we'll figure that out then I suppose.
For now, Guapo's not a happy camper.
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| 9-year-old Paso gelding |
Two weekends ago, while myself and some other boarders were waiting for the vet to come, I witnessed his owner attempting to tie and groom him. Guapo wanted nothing to do with it - this was during Guapo's usual turnout time and he was being obnoxious and fairly nasty. His owner called me out of the barn and asked what I would do if Ruby was acting up like this. I told her I would re-establish the rules, first in the round pen, then out in the open. She asked if I would be willing to do it for her since she is physically unable, and I told her I would be MORE THAN HAPPY to do so.
The walk to the round pen was quite interesting since Guapo initially thought he was going to get his way (turned out). When he realized we were actually heading to the round pen, he tried to turn left towards the pasture...and met with an angry elbow multiple times. Before anyone gets upset about this, think about just how close a horse has to be to you in order to nailed with your elbow....well within the usual 'respect bubble.' When a horse bumps me, I am not nice about my reaction - I will elbow them as hard as I can, as many times as it takes for them to figure out that they need to back off. I've nearly been run down by a horse in the past; an experience that I'd rather not have again in the future.
Okay, so we made it to the round pen and I went to remove his halter. As I knew he would, he snatched his head away, gave a little buck in my direction (which I was expecting so I'd backed well out of range), and took off zooming around the round pen. I walked calmly to the middle of the round pen and picked up the lunge whip. It took about 20 minutes of zooming before he was willing to really start listening. Then we had a mini-lesson in the round pen about respectful leading and I handed him back to his owner.
So, as I said, his owner texted me a few days ago and asked if I could work with him while she's out of town. I told her that I would work with him when I can, but I can't guarantee a certain number of days, etc. She said she was happy with that, to just tell her how many times I'd worked with him when she returns and we'll figure out $$ for my time.
Honestly, I'm not too worried about the cash aspect of this - I find it almost painful to watch when a horse doesn't have any ground manners. He was descending down into a human danger zone with his pushy, dominant behavior. In reality, for all of Guapo's bluster, he has nothing on a mustang mare so I'm not too concerned. My main concern is that his owner won't be able to keep it up once she gets back from vacation, but we'll figure that out then I suppose.
For now, Guapo's not a happy camper.
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| Guapo yesterday, unhappy with life. |
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Great (though short) ride yesterday
Mare was happy, forward, and felt fabulous during our very short ride around the pasture yesterday. It was maybe 3/4 of a mile. Heather asked if I wanted to go around one more time, but I called it - yes, I am playing it ridiculously safe for now...and possibly for forever.
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| Big booty, little muscle definition...sorta like her owner. |
Monday, September 14, 2015
Just a walk
Ruby and I went for another short walk today. I tried to get a picture of her happy face while we walked to the barnyard gate, but succeeded in only getting blurry half-pics of her left eye. I had slightly more success on the road.
We walked quietly passed the crazy horses at the stop sign, with Ruby giving them occasional ugly looks as she tried to convey that she didn't want to be their friend, thank you. We walked maybe a quarter mile before turning around. These walks are partly to toughen her feet a bit after all the rain we've had, and partly to re-lay the foundation for future solo rides. Then, on our way back, Ruby spotted this:
I noticed she showed a marked preference for this weed last year. Then I realized that whenever we'd go by it on the trail, she would glance at it...her polite way of asking to have a bite. Interesting the things you notice when you get to know a horse.
By the time we got back, the barn was starting to get busy with the afternooners. Ruby got to graze in the barnyard, while the stalled horses yearned to go out and the pastured horses yearned to come in - yes, she is totally spoiled and she loves it.
Tomorrow we ride. Kinda.
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| Still blurry but you get the idea. |
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| Ruby's favorite weed EVAR, also known as Shepherd's Needles. It's actually an herb. |
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| Noms |
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| Beautiful mare. |
Tomorrow we ride. Kinda.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Checking in
We're both alive and well, in fact I rode Ruby for a few minutes today for the first time in, what, months? She was a very good mare, even though she HATES arena riding, working off of legs and seat to the point that I wasn't using the reins at all towards the end of the ride...until she got bored, of course! Then we did a short walk down the road, with me leading, and she perked right up - Ruby loves a little adventure. If the weather cooperates, I'm going to start trying for three short rides a week. If she stays sound with that, I'll add in a little trotting here and there. Honestly, though, with the days getting shorter I don't see a whole of exciting stuff happening, except...
Now that it's fall, the horse community is starting to wake up a little bit. I'm thinking about going to the Pink Your Pony ride again next month, and perhaps participating in a few fun shows here and there. Jennie is just starting her mustang gelding (a Tevis hopeful), so Ruby and I may go on a few rides with them as she shows him that trails are fun. But first, it's going to have to dry out some...right now I'm not sure I'd be able to get my truck back out of the barnyard if it was hooked to a trailer.
And so, Ruby and I begin again. No real plans except to get to know each other under saddle again, maybe have a few low-key adventures, stay sound, and rebuild our partnership. Feeling cautiously optimistic.
P.S. Angel went home late last month, and participated in her first show last weekend (halter class). No ribbons but the fact that she dealt with the crazy show atmosphere without having a meltdown shows definite progress. Still hoping that she finds her person soon.
Now that it's fall, the horse community is starting to wake up a little bit. I'm thinking about going to the Pink Your Pony ride again next month, and perhaps participating in a few fun shows here and there. Jennie is just starting her mustang gelding (a Tevis hopeful), so Ruby and I may go on a few rides with them as she shows him that trails are fun. But first, it's going to have to dry out some...right now I'm not sure I'd be able to get my truck back out of the barnyard if it was hooked to a trailer.
And so, Ruby and I begin again. No real plans except to get to know each other under saddle again, maybe have a few low-key adventures, stay sound, and rebuild our partnership. Feeling cautiously optimistic.
P.S. Angel went home late last month, and participated in her first show last weekend (halter class). No ribbons but the fact that she dealt with the crazy show atmosphere without having a meltdown shows definite progress. Still hoping that she finds her person soon.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Creeping indigo
While walking my dog yesterday, I noticed a pretty peach flower growing on a small, unimpressive plant. It seemed familiar, then it hit me...was that creeping indigo? Up to that point, I'd only ever seen pictures online. I turned around and took a closer look - definitely creeping indigo. It was actually a fairly large plant, spanning an area about 2 feet across, but grew so low to the ground that I didn't realize it's size until I tried to break a piece off of it.
I'm sure many of you have heard of creeping indigo. If not, you should familiarize yourself with the way that it looks and grows. It is a non-native plant that can now be found throughout Florida. As far as I know, it hasn't yet crossed any states lines but it may sometime in the future. What's so bad about it? Horses that eat enough of it begin to show evidence of neurological problems but their blood work comes back clear - horses have died before their owners and vets have even figured out what it going on. There is no standard treatment for horses who have ingested it, and from what I understand, the neurological damage that is done is usually permanent. Scary stuff. Read more about creeping indigo here.
I'm sure many of you have heard of creeping indigo. If not, you should familiarize yourself with the way that it looks and grows. It is a non-native plant that can now be found throughout Florida. As far as I know, it hasn't yet crossed any states lines but it may sometime in the future. What's so bad about it? Horses that eat enough of it begin to show evidence of neurological problems but their blood work comes back clear - horses have died before their owners and vets have even figured out what it going on. There is no standard treatment for horses who have ingested it, and from what I understand, the neurological damage that is done is usually permanent. Scary stuff. Read more about creeping indigo here.
Saturday, July 18, 2015
So busy
Ruby continues to heal up, but does still have a scab on her chest. She claims it is extremely itchy, as evidenced by the fact that she enjoys scratches all around it. Unfortunately it is also in an area that the breast collar will rub so we haven't ridden much at all, and never faster than a walk (treeless saddle problems).
Angel moved over to Heather's barn earlier this week, so I can work with her more regularly. She had a mini-meltdown the first night in her new stall (not unheard of - as poor as her human skills are, her horse skills are worse!). I have been letting her get settled this week, just doing a little groundwork and hanging out with her after the stalls have been cleaned. This morning I was in the round pen with her when a former rescue volunteer walked by and asked if she could take a video of us. She'd noticed that Angel likes to follow me around, asking for scratches - a huge change in Angel's previous behavior.
The change in Angel is not because of me, btw, I just happen to be benefiting from it while I get her ready for her forever home. She's a sweet mare, she just needs consistent handling and a person of her own.
Grainy pics of me riding Angel in the last few weeks:
This was her first time riding in the arena at the rescue. The back of the arena butts up to a very busy, high-speed (lots of tractor-trailers flying by) country road and Angel didn't bat an eye. She's going to make a great trail horse for the right person.
So, what has had me so busy? The kids have been out of school and didn't want to go to summer camp, lol. It's been great, but concentrating on horse stuff when I have to keep kids happy all day has been a challenge. I was blessed with fabulous kids though, and we've been enjoying our summer.
Angel moved over to Heather's barn earlier this week, so I can work with her more regularly. She had a mini-meltdown the first night in her new stall (not unheard of - as poor as her human skills are, her horse skills are worse!). I have been letting her get settled this week, just doing a little groundwork and hanging out with her after the stalls have been cleaned. This morning I was in the round pen with her when a former rescue volunteer walked by and asked if she could take a video of us. She'd noticed that Angel likes to follow me around, asking for scratches - a huge change in Angel's previous behavior.
The change in Angel is not because of me, btw, I just happen to be benefiting from it while I get her ready for her forever home. She's a sweet mare, she just needs consistent handling and a person of her own.
Grainy pics of me riding Angel in the last few weeks:
This was her first time riding in the arena at the rescue. The back of the arena butts up to a very busy, high-speed (lots of tractor-trailers flying by) country road and Angel didn't bat an eye. She's going to make a great trail horse for the right person.
So, what has had me so busy? The kids have been out of school and didn't want to go to summer camp, lol. It's been great, but concentrating on horse stuff when I have to keep kids happy all day has been a challenge. I was blessed with fabulous kids though, and we've been enjoying our summer.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Friday, June 12, 2015
Re-thinking things
Warning: rambling nonsense ahead...
First, Ruby's wound finally closed up the day before yesterday...then she started developing proud flesh *insert maniacal laughing here as I slowly lose my mind*. Called the vet and asked for his suggestion; he told me to use Underwoods Medicine and the proud flesh was visibly reduced the next day. Awesome, and one less vet bill for me, woohoo!
Speaking of vet bills, and certain horses, these recent events have hammered into my hard head that it's probably not the best idea to get another horse at this point in time. Yes, I could afford another horse, but could I afford another horse like Ruby? Not without scraping the very bottom of the money barrel, which would be highly irresponsible and, let's face it, extremely selfish. No second horse for me and that's okay.
So, what of endurance? At this point in time, there's no way to know that Ruby will hold up. What I do know is that rushing anything will probably result in a spectacular crash-and-burn scenario. The recent Rolex horse who had to be put down after a re-injury to his suspensory puts this into clear perspective for me. What am I getting at exactly?
I'm downgrading my goals and temporarily setting even the consideration of certain things aside. I'm going to bring Ruby back slowly. so. very. slowly. I'm going to set up regular appointments with the chiro, I'm going to buy some ice boots and use them religiously, I'm going to teach Ruby to carry herself correctly (a first for me, to do this level of training). Trail rides will be very short and slow, with the only goal to have a happy, sound horse at the end of it.
So we'll be riding, but no long or strenuous rides. Maybe this winter we'll go to a few poker rides or participate in parades. I'd like to go to some of the local fun shows; maybe enter some walk-trot equitation or halter classes. Assuming she stays sound, I'll up the ante in the fall of 2016 (training-level dressage, hunter pace, maybe an intro ride). If she doesn't, I'll get her fetlock ultrasounded and x-rayed and see what, if anything, can be done then.
First, Ruby's wound finally closed up the day before yesterday...then she started developing proud flesh *insert maniacal laughing here as I slowly lose my mind*. Called the vet and asked for his suggestion; he told me to use Underwoods Medicine and the proud flesh was visibly reduced the next day. Awesome, and one less vet bill for me, woohoo!
Speaking of vet bills, and certain horses, these recent events have hammered into my hard head that it's probably not the best idea to get another horse at this point in time. Yes, I could afford another horse, but could I afford another horse like Ruby? Not without scraping the very bottom of the money barrel, which would be highly irresponsible and, let's face it, extremely selfish. No second horse for me and that's okay.
So, what of endurance? At this point in time, there's no way to know that Ruby will hold up. What I do know is that rushing anything will probably result in a spectacular crash-and-burn scenario. The recent Rolex horse who had to be put down after a re-injury to his suspensory puts this into clear perspective for me. What am I getting at exactly?
I'm downgrading my goals and temporarily setting even the consideration of certain things aside. I'm going to bring Ruby back slowly. so. very. slowly. I'm going to set up regular appointments with the chiro, I'm going to buy some ice boots and use them religiously, I'm going to teach Ruby to carry herself correctly (a first for me, to do this level of training). Trail rides will be very short and slow, with the only goal to have a happy, sound horse at the end of it.
So we'll be riding, but no long or strenuous rides. Maybe this winter we'll go to a few poker rides or participate in parades. I'd like to go to some of the local fun shows; maybe enter some walk-trot equitation or halter classes. Assuming she stays sound, I'll up the ante in the fall of 2016 (training-level dressage, hunter pace, maybe an intro ride). If she doesn't, I'll get her fetlock ultrasounded and x-rayed and see what, if anything, can be done then.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Videos related to rescues
I may or may not have shared this first video in the past. Ruby makes at least three appearances, including two close-ups, even though she isn't a mustang. Oh, and did you see Abby?
This one was recently done for Hope Equine Rescue, the folks down the road from Heather.
The mare shown in this video is a 16 yo TB mare. She has it all: well-broke, quiet, sound, and she's beautiful with lovely movement. Don't make the mistake of assuming that rescues only have old, broken-down horses - most rescue horses just fell into the wrong person's hands. If you don't plan to breed, why not give a rescue horse a shot? Many respectable rescues (if not all) will allow or even insist on a long trial period, so you have nothing to lose.
This one was recently done for Hope Equine Rescue, the folks down the road from Heather.
The mare shown in this video is a 16 yo TB mare. She has it all: well-broke, quiet, sound, and she's beautiful with lovely movement. Don't make the mistake of assuming that rescues only have old, broken-down horses - most rescue horses just fell into the wrong person's hands. If you don't plan to breed, why not give a rescue horse a shot? Many respectable rescues (if not all) will allow or even insist on a long trial period, so you have nothing to lose.
Gag-worthy pics to follow
You have been warned.
Ruby is definitely better, though it doesn't appear that the wound is going to close anytime soon. Bloody pus continually oozes from it, but the smell has gone away so I'll take it as a good sign. The flesh at the edge of the wound, and inside the wound, still looks alive and healthy. Ruby is moving freely, even offering to trot this morning when she was out grazing.
Over the last few days, I noticed something within the wound itself that seemed to be blocking both the water and the Synbiont. It would move around a bit and didn't seem to be attached (definitely was not tissue) but would not flush out so yesterday I got brave and pulled on it a bit. Ruby didn't seem to mind so I continued to pull, and pull...and pull. Until this came out.
I flushed the wound with water, and got the syringe to squirt the Synbiont into it. This morning I pulled out another little gob of gross-ness - looks like it's going to be an everyday thing for a while.
Now, an updated pic of the wound itself. This is from this morning before doctoring. Yes, this is better than this past weekend, so it kind of gives you an idea of just how bad things got.
It's a little hard to tell from the picture, but the swelling is almost non-existent compared to before. Around the wound itself is slightly swollen, and there is still a little swelling below the wound. The fluid sacks on the bottom of her chest are nearly gone. I've been cleaning around and below the wound with soap and water in the morning, but the skin below the wound is peeling, probably due to being constantly wet from wound drainage. I have Desitined the area a few times but it doesn't seem to make much difference as it doesn't last between doctorings. I meant to get a picture after I got it cleaned up, but totally forgot. I'll try to get one this afternoon or tomorrow.
Ruby is definitely better, though it doesn't appear that the wound is going to close anytime soon. Bloody pus continually oozes from it, but the smell has gone away so I'll take it as a good sign. The flesh at the edge of the wound, and inside the wound, still looks alive and healthy. Ruby is moving freely, even offering to trot this morning when she was out grazing.
Over the last few days, I noticed something within the wound itself that seemed to be blocking both the water and the Synbiont. It would move around a bit and didn't seem to be attached (definitely was not tissue) but would not flush out so yesterday I got brave and pulled on it a bit. Ruby didn't seem to mind so I continued to pull, and pull...and pull. Until this came out.
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| Three to four inches of...what? I have no freaking idea, but it was NASTY. |
Now, an updated pic of the wound itself. This is from this morning before doctoring. Yes, this is better than this past weekend, so it kind of gives you an idea of just how bad things got.
It's a little hard to tell from the picture, but the swelling is almost non-existent compared to before. Around the wound itself is slightly swollen, and there is still a little swelling below the wound. The fluid sacks on the bottom of her chest are nearly gone. I've been cleaning around and below the wound with soap and water in the morning, but the skin below the wound is peeling, probably due to being constantly wet from wound drainage. I have Desitined the area a few times but it doesn't seem to make much difference as it doesn't last between doctorings. I meant to get a picture after I got it cleaned up, but totally forgot. I'll try to get one this afternoon or tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Last injection
Ruby got her last shot of antibiotics (Excede) this morning. My last post may have seemed somewhat melodramatic, but this is a journal as well as a blog, and I write what I feel at the time. All that said, I'm unbelievably grateful that 48-hours later Ruby seems to have done a complete 180. I will continue to flush the wound twice a day until it is fully healed, and vet wants regular updates until she's 100%. Tonight she gets to go back out with her friends, as long as there are no thunderstorms in the forecast. So relieved :)
Monday, June 1, 2015
Yesterday was a tough one
*Quick sidenote, she is still alive.
I left the barn Saturday morning, knowing that I wouldn't be able to get back out there until Sunday afternoon at the earliest. This is what happens when hubby has to go out of town for work, and one vehicle is on the fritz (AGAIN!!!). Heather is competent though and knew the drill, and yet I had a nagging feeling. I've had animals my entire life, and I know that many times when they are this sick, they seem to perk up right before the hammer comes down.
And so it was. On Sunday morning, Heather told me that Ruby was not doing well. She hadn't finished her hay from the day before, was in too much pain to graze, and the wound had swollen to an even larger size. She sent me a picture and it was way more awful than the day before. My heart fell, and I thought about my options while I waited for the vet to get out of church. When I called him, he said 'You have three options. You can take her to Surgicare, and they're going to charge you between $10-15K, Ocala has a good surgery center but if you're going that far, you might as well take her another 40 miles to the University of Florida in Gainsville. University of Florida is the best option, and the cheapest, but it'll still likely cost between $2,000 and $5,000. I can get you an appointment today. Call me back and let me know what you want to do.'
Damn...and on the day when I don't have my trusty old Silverado at my disposal! So, I was left with a dilemma. I could make this happen, but how much tissue would they have to remove? Would she be pasture-sound, or would my friend be looking at a lifetime of pain? I'm one of those people that doesn't believe death is the worst thing that can happen, because I don't believe that we just vanish when we die. For a while I just sat and tried to come to grips with what I might have to do in the next few hours or days. Afterwards, I called the vet back and asked him if he could meet me at the barn to get his final opinion. If she could make it through the night and be loadable the next morning, I would at least take her to U of F and get their take on the situation before making any final decisions. He said he'd meet me at the barn in an hour (he is seriously the best).
Heather came and got me and my two mini-me's, and we headed out to the barn. While telling my kids to stay in the tack room, I heard a neigh. A Ruby neigh. Walking around the barn, she neighed to me again. When I got to her stall, I almost couldn't believe my eyes - she was so much better!
She had eaten all of her hay (hallelujah!). I put her halter on and walked her around the barn to open the gate for the vet. While waiting for him, I started examining the wound again. Actual pus was coming out, but the swelling and smell had gone down significantly - almost like an abscess inside it burst. She was happily grazing and mugging me for cookies (she is so spoiled right now - I have been an overly generous pez-dispenser). The vet pulled in and examined the wound, and said what I'd been thinking - she seems to be over the hump. He left with a promise to be back out this afternoon or tomorrow for a final shot of antibiotics, though we are both still stumped as to why it got so bad so unbelievably fast. He said it looks like the worst case of pigeon-fever he's ever seen, but it didn't present as such in the beginning. The bacterium that causes pigeon fever lives in the ground, so perhaps it got into the wound as the injury happened? We may never know.
This morning she was even better even before she got her bute - and pissed that she had to stay in last night (that's my irritable mare!). No smell from the wound! Hubby wants her to stay in again tonight, so she can rest, but I'm on the fence on that one. We'll see when I go out there again this evening.
Apparently one of the other ladies at the barn had a horse get a similar wound during a hurricane. She felt obliged to pass on the horse didn't make it because the wound just wouldn't heal. They had to put him down. Still, I'm hopeful that Ruby will pull through this - she's a stubborn, willful redheaded mare and as long as she's willing to fight, I'm willing to fight with her.
I left the barn Saturday morning, knowing that I wouldn't be able to get back out there until Sunday afternoon at the earliest. This is what happens when hubby has to go out of town for work, and one vehicle is on the fritz (AGAIN!!!). Heather is competent though and knew the drill, and yet I had a nagging feeling. I've had animals my entire life, and I know that many times when they are this sick, they seem to perk up right before the hammer comes down.
And so it was. On Sunday morning, Heather told me that Ruby was not doing well. She hadn't finished her hay from the day before, was in too much pain to graze, and the wound had swollen to an even larger size. She sent me a picture and it was way more awful than the day before. My heart fell, and I thought about my options while I waited for the vet to get out of church. When I called him, he said 'You have three options. You can take her to Surgicare, and they're going to charge you between $10-15K, Ocala has a good surgery center but if you're going that far, you might as well take her another 40 miles to the University of Florida in Gainsville. University of Florida is the best option, and the cheapest, but it'll still likely cost between $2,000 and $5,000. I can get you an appointment today. Call me back and let me know what you want to do.'
Damn...and on the day when I don't have my trusty old Silverado at my disposal! So, I was left with a dilemma. I could make this happen, but how much tissue would they have to remove? Would she be pasture-sound, or would my friend be looking at a lifetime of pain? I'm one of those people that doesn't believe death is the worst thing that can happen, because I don't believe that we just vanish when we die. For a while I just sat and tried to come to grips with what I might have to do in the next few hours or days. Afterwards, I called the vet back and asked him if he could meet me at the barn to get his final opinion. If she could make it through the night and be loadable the next morning, I would at least take her to U of F and get their take on the situation before making any final decisions. He said he'd meet me at the barn in an hour (he is seriously the best).
Heather came and got me and my two mini-me's, and we headed out to the barn. While telling my kids to stay in the tack room, I heard a neigh. A Ruby neigh. Walking around the barn, she neighed to me again. When I got to her stall, I almost couldn't believe my eyes - she was so much better!
She had eaten all of her hay (hallelujah!). I put her halter on and walked her around the barn to open the gate for the vet. While waiting for him, I started examining the wound again. Actual pus was coming out, but the swelling and smell had gone down significantly - almost like an abscess inside it burst. She was happily grazing and mugging me for cookies (she is so spoiled right now - I have been an overly generous pez-dispenser). The vet pulled in and examined the wound, and said what I'd been thinking - she seems to be over the hump. He left with a promise to be back out this afternoon or tomorrow for a final shot of antibiotics, though we are both still stumped as to why it got so bad so unbelievably fast. He said it looks like the worst case of pigeon-fever he's ever seen, but it didn't present as such in the beginning. The bacterium that causes pigeon fever lives in the ground, so perhaps it got into the wound as the injury happened? We may never know.
This morning she was even better even before she got her bute - and pissed that she had to stay in last night (that's my irritable mare!). No smell from the wound! Hubby wants her to stay in again tonight, so she can rest, but I'm on the fence on that one. We'll see when I go out there again this evening.
Apparently one of the other ladies at the barn had a horse get a similar wound during a hurricane. She felt obliged to pass on the horse didn't make it because the wound just wouldn't heal. They had to put him down. Still, I'm hopeful that Ruby will pull through this - she's a stubborn, willful redheaded mare and as long as she's willing to fight, I'm willing to fight with her.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
More Ruby sans disgusting photos
Because you don't want to see what it looked like today, trust me.
This morning Ruby seemed much improved: sparkle back in her eye, feisty, eating well, etc. She allowed hosing of the wound and Synbiont injection without trying to walk off, and has no fever (99.1 temp). LOTS of nasty stuff is draining out, and the swelling has gone down considerably, including those pockets of 'stuff' lower on her chest. She will receive her last dose of oral antibiotics with her dinner tonight, vet says no more of those but we will still plan on a shot full of the stuff he gave her yesterday at the beginning of the week. On Tuesday, I started her on probiotics and extra hay in an attempt to keep her gut flora healthy (not suggested by the vet, this was my idea); we will see if it has any effect, I suppose. So far, her poo still is normal.
That's about it for today. I'm cautiously hopeful that she is actually healing and this isn't just the calm before the storm.
This morning Ruby seemed much improved: sparkle back in her eye, feisty, eating well, etc. She allowed hosing of the wound and Synbiont injection without trying to walk off, and has no fever (99.1 temp). LOTS of nasty stuff is draining out, and the swelling has gone down considerably, including those pockets of 'stuff' lower on her chest. She will receive her last dose of oral antibiotics with her dinner tonight, vet says no more of those but we will still plan on a shot full of the stuff he gave her yesterday at the beginning of the week. On Tuesday, I started her on probiotics and extra hay in an attempt to keep her gut flora healthy (not suggested by the vet, this was my idea); we will see if it has any effect, I suppose. So far, her poo still is normal.
That's about it for today. I'm cautiously hopeful that she is actually healing and this isn't just the calm before the storm.
Friday, May 29, 2015
And more disgusting photos
When I got to the barn this morning, this is what Ruby's chest looked like.
The vet had a medical appointment of his own this morning, so I waited until 11:30 or so to call him. I knew he had a gelding appointment before he was heading over, but I wanted to find out about when he would be at the barn. When he asked me how Ruby was, I said 'so much worse.' She lost a little of the brightness in her eyes, and even though she ate her breakfast, it was without as much gusto as normal. WORRIED.
I doctored her as I have the last few days, syringed her some applesauce-bute, antibiotics plus molasses in her breakfast, ran water over the wound for several minutes (gooey yellow nastiness flowed out), squirted in Synbiont, painted Swat all around. Ruby was in definite pain - she kept trying to move away from the hose when she hasn't minded previously, fought the syringe of apple-sauced bute rather feebly, and just seemed indifferent about everything else. It was a loooong morning.
The vet finally made it out in the afternoon. I told him she was in more pain that she was previously so he sedated her.
The vet put on his gloves, walked to Ruby's right side, and started manipulating the wound looking for foreign objects - still nothing. He was able to stick his finger in up to the knuckle and gobs of nastiness drained out. He gave her a huge shot of antibiotics (split between two places on her neck) and told me that if she doesn't get better by Monday, he's going to refer me to a surgery center. He wants updates every day on how she's doing and he will be back out on Monday to give her another shot of antibiotics. I'm not going to show you an after-picture of the wound because, well, I don't want to do that to you. The swelling in the bottom of her chest went down a bit from the morning, and is jelly-like in texture so he didn't put in a drain. He said it's normal and that she will reabsorb it so I'll trust him in this. He gave me another large syringe to fill with Synbiont and squirt the entire tube into the wound twice a day. He went ahead and dosed her with the Synbiont before he left.
I hung out with her while she slowly woke up. When she was moving around normally, I gave her her evening dose of her oral antibiotics, then another syringe-full of Synbiont into the wound. Hoping that she's noticeably better tomorrow.
 |
| Clearly infected...look at the whole left side of this photo. The wound was almost swollen closed, skin around the wound was tight and hot, huge areas around it were swollen, and I was in freak-out mode. |
I doctored her as I have the last few days, syringed her some applesauce-bute, antibiotics plus molasses in her breakfast, ran water over the wound for several minutes (gooey yellow nastiness flowed out), squirted in Synbiont, painted Swat all around. Ruby was in definite pain - she kept trying to move away from the hose when she hasn't minded previously, fought the syringe of apple-sauced bute rather feebly, and just seemed indifferent about everything else. It was a loooong morning.
The vet finally made it out in the afternoon. I told him she was in more pain that she was previously so he sedated her.
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| Sedated face |
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| Still sleepy but coming around. |
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Ruby update - graphic
Things have been moving right along, and looking worse and worse to my eyes.
The weird smell has gotten slightly better, but has not gone away. Vet came out again today and said it looks okay. The fluid/jelly-filled sacks she has at the bottom of her chest are to be expected but he'll be back tomorrow to re-check for foreign objects in the wound (he was seriously strapped for time today). Ruby seems to be feeling okay - running, grazing, happy to see me - though she is getting tired of all the doctoring. We still have no idea how she did this - we don't have t-posts and none of the trees have chest-height limbs that she could have run into.
And a happy pic. This little turtle was discovered during stall-cleaning yesterday. He was so tiny - if you look, you can see he still has his egg tooth. I stopped at a pond to release him on the way home.
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| The Swat is doing a great job...flies all around, but none dare to get too close |
The weird smell has gotten slightly better, but has not gone away. Vet came out again today and said it looks okay. The fluid/jelly-filled sacks she has at the bottom of her chest are to be expected but he'll be back tomorrow to re-check for foreign objects in the wound (he was seriously strapped for time today). Ruby seems to be feeling okay - running, grazing, happy to see me - though she is getting tired of all the doctoring. We still have no idea how she did this - we don't have t-posts and none of the trees have chest-height limbs that she could have run into.
And a happy pic. This little turtle was discovered during stall-cleaning yesterday. He was so tiny - if you look, you can see he still has his egg tooth. I stopped at a pond to release him on the way home.
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| Yes, I am one of those people who will stop in the middle of the road, get out, and carry a turtle across it. Hate me if you want to. |
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