He is doing better, however. the BOA worked very well today, and he was dry this AM. So, that s good. The seroma is still there, and that is somewhat sad, but overall, things are better then I would have thought.
Wrap change for MR taco tomorrow~!!!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ah....Reason
Reason is still at MSU, and the seroma is as big as before. Dr. Schott got 250 cc's off yesterday, and it filled back up for this AM change.
The Boa wrap came in, and it looks good. I am pleased at how it fits, however, we must watch for rubs and pressure points. Today he developed a transient fever, which is worrysome to ME but seems to not worry them too much. I think he looked dull, but overall, he is still kicking- well, not literally, thankfully. I am going to assume he will be there for the better part of a week, which is actually fine- I hope it's not longer then that, but we must get these things delt with so I can deal with them at home. The Boa wrap will make things possible for me to do this.
Despite this, I think that we are in for an even longer road. As the road has alreay been long.
It does make me think about what a horseman is. This is part of it, it's the being able to handle the fork in the road, the change in footing, so to speak. Is this bad? I don't think so, it can be frustrating, it can be annoying, it can be expensive (!) but there are rewards. I know my relationship with Taco is in great part because I have spent so much ground time with him. I can feel this happening with reason. I hope- very much- he makes it. He is lovely and has been more then tolerant. I miss the other horses, but I know they will be there and ready for me.
The Boa wrap came in, and it looks good. I am pleased at how it fits, however, we must watch for rubs and pressure points. Today he developed a transient fever, which is worrysome to ME but seems to not worry them too much. I think he looked dull, but overall, he is still kicking- well, not literally, thankfully. I am going to assume he will be there for the better part of a week, which is actually fine- I hope it's not longer then that, but we must get these things delt with so I can deal with them at home. The Boa wrap will make things possible for me to do this.
Despite this, I think that we are in for an even longer road. As the road has alreay been long.
It does make me think about what a horseman is. This is part of it, it's the being able to handle the fork in the road, the change in footing, so to speak. Is this bad? I don't think so, it can be frustrating, it can be annoying, it can be expensive (!) but there are rewards. I know my relationship with Taco is in great part because I have spent so much ground time with him. I can feel this happening with reason. I hope- very much- he makes it. He is lovely and has been more then tolerant. I miss the other horses, but I know they will be there and ready for me.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Not a good week for Reason
Okay, so things are not totally bad- but I am at my wits end and feeling pretty stressed about everything involving Reason. I have this horrible feeling that this may be the thing that does us in. He has a seroma over the surgical site. It is in my mind VERY large (Dr Schott got 100 cc's out on Sunday) and it appears to be getting bigger. I know that it being MRSA he should be at home, and I know that I should be able to take care of him. But I don't think I can. It's an amazing sense of failure.
CK said to me last night "in my professional opinoin, it's not as bad as you're making it out to be" and I am furious. After all I have done and listened to her over the past few years, that seemed like a callous and not-nice thing to say. Both as a friend and as a vet. For the mistakes she has made with our horses (Big's hock, Taco's leg for starters) and I have never once called her on the carpet for that, it seems as if she should have been nicer. I do not "blow' things up, at least I hope not, and I am seriously worried about this. In addition, he is very tough to handle right now. If I am stressed, then, guess what, i am stressed. I guess my take home lesson is this: Call the emergency vet on call, and not call her for things like this. That would solve things. So, take that lesson and figure out where to go from here. Get over being mad, learn and live.
So, now what to do? How do I figure out where to go with this and Reason? Who do I go to for my care of him? Who is his main vet now? what do I do? Argh.
I think I will email Schott with this, and go from there.
CK said to me last night "in my professional opinoin, it's not as bad as you're making it out to be" and I am furious. After all I have done and listened to her over the past few years, that seemed like a callous and not-nice thing to say. Both as a friend and as a vet. For the mistakes she has made with our horses (Big's hock, Taco's leg for starters) and I have never once called her on the carpet for that, it seems as if she should have been nicer. I do not "blow' things up, at least I hope not, and I am seriously worried about this. In addition, he is very tough to handle right now. If I am stressed, then, guess what, i am stressed. I guess my take home lesson is this: Call the emergency vet on call, and not call her for things like this. That would solve things. So, take that lesson and figure out where to go from here. Get over being mad, learn and live.
So, now what to do? How do I figure out where to go with this and Reason? Who do I go to for my care of him? Who is his main vet now? what do I do? Argh.
I think I will email Schott with this, and go from there.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
March 23
Feeling somewhat better on the Taco Front
and that I can handle whatever comes my way on the Taco front. Whatever ends up being, he remains a great horse. I know we have done all that we can for him, and there really is not a stone unturned. My sig line on COTH says it all- and so...heed my own wisdom.
So so SO sick of Snow Snow Snow. 8" the other day- compacted somewhat, but still miserable. It's frigging March 23rd!!!! Ya got to be kidding, right?? Ugh.
Reason continues to do well, and so that is nice- swelling is still there, but to be expected. I am happy abt that. He is getting to be a very fancy schmancy mover! very exciting to see.
March 29
Chinkachinckachinkachinkachinka
up the hill we go!!
Cast removal happened- he is in a full leg wrap - well, upto his gaskin, and he is walking soundly on that. However- there is a lot of swelling and some heat. Makes me think cellulitis, but the surgeons like what they see, the medicine people not so much. I however, being given some small glimmer of hope, jumped right back in that roller coaster car to head up the hill again. I do love hope- I love love LOVE hope! Taco looks good- and is happy to be out of the cast. The sun is out so I can face things somewhat better today. And, getting calls from my friends make things so much easier to deal with.
So, have to get the blood results back and see what they tell- hopefully good things! Oh I hope so.
And, am I glad that I am not single! Just spoke to a friend who is single- yuck!!
April 5th
Update on da Boys...
So quickest of updates- pasture fixing is calling as it's warm out!
taco looks okay right now- need to just watch it- swelling and difficult to totally know. But opimistic- yes, I am.
Reason- sigh- has 2 more abscesses in the same area. Surgery is not an option-at least at this point. I am hoping that it will resolve- but concerned as he is still on the Chloramphenicol and they happened anyway. So, I guess it's just wait and see with him. Yesterday an emergency trip to MSU for the U/S where what was thought to be a a hernia was discovered to be 2 more areas. In no way am I upset with anyone- sad for him, as this is another hard bend in the road. He remains happy and playful, and looks great, so as far as that goes, all seems good. He was stellar good yesterday for the U/S- no sedation even! good boy!
Time to FENCE!
May 5th- update
Everything slows down as far as internet in ths spring summer, huh??
So, Taco had a rather rough week. Was incredably foot sore- after getting his rabies and PHF- what is the real cause? god only knows. None the less, I am thinking that I may just not actually give him his shots again- have to if we ever get to FEI again, but one step at a time. Anyway, my farrier came out and put shoes all around and he looked amazing afterwards. okay, not our usual amazing, but overall, so much better. So, hope springs eternal again.
Reason is just the same. When we got back from Rolex,. his belly was not okay- looks as if he did not get his meds maybe as he should have. So, a couple of days later, it looks a bit better. I just ordered a new set of meds for Reason, so another month- here we come. I am thinking that then, after that month, we will rethink...of course after another U/S. So, his studly self has another few months to go. Cringe, goes my body!
Doc is amazing, and Skee is choosing to be good. More on them tomorrow!
It has been a most difficult time for eventing- I am of the strong opinion that we do not know WHY things are happening, but need to keep looking. I just don't think that the courses have changed THAT much (skinnys, maybe?) but more then that, something else has changed.
And now, the Derby with a horse fatality. What is happening?? I want to know, not to blame, what to fix, but not to change what is not broken.
May 19th
My goodness all the boys are home!
All is good here- Boys are home- reason is an offical gelding! They decided to geld him while the gelding is good- he has been on the Chlor for over 120 days, and it was time to geld. If we took him off of it, and he got another round o MRSA< we would be on another 3-6month set back. So since he was as well covered as he could be, they suggested it, I was all for it (reason not so much!) and he stayed the weekend at MSU.
Taco looks good still- thankfully. Leg is now unwrapped all the time except when being ridden, and I have him out with a buddy right now. Not sure who he will end up being paired with, but doesn't matter- he is out and that is good! I have ridden him abt 5 times, and that has gone well.
So, that's the news on the boy-front!
Feeling somewhat better on the Taco Front
and that I can handle whatever comes my way on the Taco front. Whatever ends up being, he remains a great horse. I know we have done all that we can for him, and there really is not a stone unturned. My sig line on COTH says it all- and so...heed my own wisdom.
So so SO sick of Snow Snow Snow. 8" the other day- compacted somewhat, but still miserable. It's frigging March 23rd!!!! Ya got to be kidding, right?? Ugh.
Reason continues to do well, and so that is nice- swelling is still there, but to be expected. I am happy abt that. He is getting to be a very fancy schmancy mover! very exciting to see.
March 29
Chinkachinckachinkachinkachinka
up the hill we go!!
Cast removal happened- he is in a full leg wrap - well, upto his gaskin, and he is walking soundly on that. However- there is a lot of swelling and some heat. Makes me think cellulitis, but the surgeons like what they see, the medicine people not so much. I however, being given some small glimmer of hope, jumped right back in that roller coaster car to head up the hill again. I do love hope- I love love LOVE hope! Taco looks good- and is happy to be out of the cast. The sun is out so I can face things somewhat better today. And, getting calls from my friends make things so much easier to deal with.
So, have to get the blood results back and see what they tell- hopefully good things! Oh I hope so.
And, am I glad that I am not single! Just spoke to a friend who is single- yuck!!
April 5th
Update on da Boys...
So quickest of updates- pasture fixing is calling as it's warm out!
taco looks okay right now- need to just watch it- swelling and difficult to totally know. But opimistic- yes, I am.
Reason- sigh- has 2 more abscesses in the same area. Surgery is not an option-at least at this point. I am hoping that it will resolve- but concerned as he is still on the Chloramphenicol and they happened anyway. So, I guess it's just wait and see with him. Yesterday an emergency trip to MSU for the U/S where what was thought to be a a hernia was discovered to be 2 more areas. In no way am I upset with anyone- sad for him, as this is another hard bend in the road. He remains happy and playful, and looks great, so as far as that goes, all seems good. He was stellar good yesterday for the U/S- no sedation even! good boy!
Time to FENCE!
May 5th- update
Everything slows down as far as internet in ths spring summer, huh??
So, Taco had a rather rough week. Was incredably foot sore- after getting his rabies and PHF- what is the real cause? god only knows. None the less, I am thinking that I may just not actually give him his shots again- have to if we ever get to FEI again, but one step at a time. Anyway, my farrier came out and put shoes all around and he looked amazing afterwards. okay, not our usual amazing, but overall, so much better. So, hope springs eternal again.
Reason is just the same. When we got back from Rolex,. his belly was not okay- looks as if he did not get his meds maybe as he should have. So, a couple of days later, it looks a bit better. I just ordered a new set of meds for Reason, so another month- here we come. I am thinking that then, after that month, we will rethink...of course after another U/S. So, his studly self has another few months to go. Cringe, goes my body!
Doc is amazing, and Skee is choosing to be good. More on them tomorrow!
It has been a most difficult time for eventing- I am of the strong opinion that we do not know WHY things are happening, but need to keep looking. I just don't think that the courses have changed THAT much (skinnys, maybe?) but more then that, something else has changed.
And now, the Derby with a horse fatality. What is happening?? I want to know, not to blame, what to fix, but not to change what is not broken.
May 19th
My goodness all the boys are home!
All is good here- Boys are home- reason is an offical gelding! They decided to geld him while the gelding is good- he has been on the Chlor for over 120 days, and it was time to geld. If we took him off of it, and he got another round o MRSA< we would be on another 3-6month set back. So since he was as well covered as he could be, they suggested it, I was all for it (reason not so much!) and he stayed the weekend at MSU.
Taco looks good still- thankfully. Leg is now unwrapped all the time except when being ridden, and I have him out with a buddy right now. Not sure who he will end up being paired with, but doesn't matter- he is out and that is good! I have ridden him abt 5 times, and that has gone well.
So, that's the news on the boy-front!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Continuation of my COMH blog copied here
Feb 20-
Taco continues his strange path
Can't remember if I mentioned it before, but the wound on his leg is opening again- yup. Honestly. Horridly. Miserably. But, we are going to keep wrapping it, and I am taking him back to MSU on March 12th for a recheck. I guess it's a wait and see pattern until then. That's okay.
Reason and the Boa are seeming to work. Sadly, he is almost out of his head crazy being so cooped up, it's hard on him and he is a lunatic in his stall- did you know you could canter around a stall? And rear and buck at the same time? Well, you can. The hard part of that is the boa slips- no surprise there- so then i have to adjust which I think may hurt a bit, as he sure does not like me dealing with that! Again, no surprise there!
Chief and Doc are up at MSU for a teaching class on lameness. It's all good...! lucky actually-free xrays!
Feb 22
I did not say anything...e jacknifed the truck with trailer last Sunday. Art choose (unwisely it turns out..) to take the back roads. The back roads were all ice. Everything was okay in the end, but I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. There was no horse in it- we were on our way to pick up Reason- so it was okay to laugh. I was very hopeful I would get a new bed out of the deal- our truck bed is rusting at the wheel wells. Sucks. Anyway, We were across the entire road, in the middle of a hill, where no one could see us if they were going north. However, it was SO slippery I could not walk up the hill to attempt to stop traffic, and the state police were swamped. So, it was me, or no one. Art got the truck unhitched when the slippery nature of the road worked to our advantage. The truck just kept slipping down the hill-sadly none the worse for wear except the bumper. Not sure about the trailer- appears the hitch might be coming off the front of the trailer. Oh well, Featherlites are not solid trailers anyway! I have always hated this one, and use my Brenderup as often as I can. For hunting, however, the Featherlite holds Arts rather huge horse well, so-- it's his and her's trailers for us!
Horse update- Everyone seems okay. Taco's leg is not better- getting worse. But I guess that's par. So again, wating and seeing. I decided to turn him out because why keep him in? he is not getting better, so small turn out seemed to be a good idea. For his mental attitude if nothing else. And that he still has.
Reason is holding his own, too. I have turned him out in the indoor in order to let him have some movement. He is just too hyper to do anyone any good. the Boa continues to work.
When will I ride? I am itching to do road work even- yet it almost seems stupid to start just to have to stop right away. Something always seems to come up!
Feb 28th
Blogs must have their limits...as i have lost this very long post 2 times! I will not try again, my eyes are blurry... So to summerize:
HArd day here- Taco's leg continues to get worse- here are the pics warning a bit graphic.
I am tired of being the mom to sick horses- I want to ride and have fun with them, rather then worry every time I walk down to the barn about what might await me.
This may all be related to a popped ovarian cyst- OUCH! Hormones may be released perhaps???
Reason is good- and I told the story of Wrainthur and his name.
I will try again tomorrow!
How Wrainthur got his name...
Wrainthur is the lovely paint (or is it Pinto?? Shows what I know!) in my pics thats galloping thru the snow. Yes, a lot of white- and when he was born, that's all I could think, too! I bred to get some color, I got a lot of white. (While on that, for a moment, I shall comment on color- Skee, aka Reason Enough- another post coming on that name,, is out of a bright chestnut mare and a bright bay dad. One would think I would have a lightish horse, rather then dark, Oh well)
So, Ranger, yes, that's his real name until now, was born on Sept 26th, 2004. A late baby to be sure. His mom, Priss (Babamist, Kept Woman, Keelo) has a respiratory issue, so we bred her as she was out for the season at least. I bred her to Indian Art, a colorful, kind, quiet oldenburg hoping to temper her...chestnut babamist temper. Kevin, who owns Indy, said she was the bitchiest mare he had ever dealt with. Need I say more?
So, when my daughter and I was watching Fat Mare TV in the house after a PC meeting, we were talking about the latest Janet Evonovich Novel. Steph was going between Morelli and Ranger. We were talking about who we would choose in Stephanies shoes, and Jazz had said that she thought she was a Morelli kinda gal. She then said without missing a beat that she thought I was probably a Ranger kind of girl. Right then. Priss began the process. So, that is how Ranger got his name- for my Ranger tendencies.
The next days we found out that Ranger has a massive parrot mouth. I mean...MAJOR. HUGE. Largest I have ever seen and I never want to see any larger then that, anyway. UGLY. He has done better then fine, but of course, we cannot drop it- every animal has a voice in our house, and they are all just for that animal. The donk's voices are very close, but the others, well you know who is talking. The dogs all know their voices, So, Ranger of course has a lisp. Those teeth just don't stop that tongue.
We have always spoken his name as Wrainthur, but never thought of spelling it until now...we have to register him. Alice Stack, our vet for Reason up at MSU and adopted daughter extrordinare was at dinner when we were trying to figure out how to spell Ranger with a lisp. So, she came up with the spelling, and I will register him with that name.
Waiting for someone to comment on where he was imported from, who the stallion is, and what amazing blood lines the W's produce. I am SURE it will be pronounced correctly at shows, but who will actually "get it"? I can't wait!
For what its worth, I think I am a Ranger kinda gal. Shhhhhhh
March 1
I actually rode!
It's sunny, the barn was done, I was thinking that going upstairs to do some of my (watch out here- great over-exaggeration) art was a good idea- it hit me. (forgive me...that sentence probably could be taken 2 ways....) It's sunny- Not snowing- Art is whipping from the car, and...damn it, I am going to ride!
guess what! It happened!
I got on Doc, and he was great! I actually even-gasp!- jumped a few jumps! x's, which from a greenies back look like prelim tables sometimes. But we did it, he was happy, and he actually stood near the mounting block after only 2 attempts. I did have one bad moment when I thought getting my coat from the door when mounted was a good idea. It was a lovely time, and I feel great. Amazing what a ride can do!
March 2
The yellow brick road continues
hat I have been traveling with Taco continues. His leg continues to get worse, there is a sore above the surgery site, and we are heading back to MSU on Tuesday. Sure, it's just a leg (and I actually believe that) that has a sore on it, but it's been ...oh...close to 14 months now. I cannot really ride him, as it does make it worse, and it is hard to wrap in a correct manner to protect it. Today, the bone is visible. (SPECIAL) but I do know that eventually it will heal and then begin the process again. So, I guess it never really heals, just covers up again. And honestly I don't know what to do- because there is no clear answer. So, I guess that is why I titled it yellow Brick Road, as did Dorothy really know what the end of the road would bring? Much like her journey, I have met good and interesting people- and had some not great things happen, too. Those darn monkeys! I would like to know what happens at the end. But, I guess we're not there yet.
On a feline note, I have this cat, named Rocky, known as Brown Cat (we have White Cat, as well as Little Cat, their names are Lucas and Luna) who brings me things all the time. So, I will post on his bringings. It is usually something that I have used- so anything that is on my craft table will often end up near me. He brings them to me while we sleep, The strangest thing to date has been a box of staples. Last night, it was a lot of paper as I was trying to fix my printer- and he also brought the checkbook. Okay, why that? anyway, there is usually a path from where he decides things need to come from, right to our bedroom door. And, most of these things he brings have to go down a set of stairs. And it's full size paper- sheets at a time. I don't understand the why's at all. Art says that he adores me. I guess maybe he does and his version of gifts. But still- really weird!
In addition, I have not been feeling well. It's not "brain" related (I have a cyst that acts up on occasion, but that is not this...does that make sense?) I actually will call the Dr. which in itself is amazing. But, I do want to feel better. I am not a good lazy person. Not at all! I think it is the Marine Dad that makes me feel guilty when I get that way. Be STRONG! Don't give in to physical things! The ovarian thing just keeps getting painful, so maybe I actually did something to it. Ugh. Hate the MD.
March 7
TACO In sugery today at 3:00
o, that says it all. Have to meet the bandage lady about a wrap for Reason, but will write more today...poor horse...poor checkbook...but more, Poor Taco.
March 9
He did well after surgery, Thank God- for those that remember, his first surgery was very hard on him. they changed the protocol and things went better for surgery number two, and three was the same. So, we have THAT down at least.
They opened up his leg from above his hock to his fetlock. They found...and this is a quote"shit tissue" that they sent off for path. They cultured and got some staph, but no idea what it's sensitive to yet. Hope...Hope not MRSA. Oh please.
So, waiting for the news on the pathology, and hoping he tolerates his cast well. We shall see....
March 13
Catch ya? But it does- taco is doing well (Not MRSA- big huge sigh of relief!) and is home, in a cast, on stall rest, but being good. His eye looks fantastic, and he looks as good as can be expected. Cast comes off next Thursday, and that is good- he needs some non-cast, just be a horse time. IF he de-hisses, then we will put him down. It's a simple thing- and the right thing.
So, vet appts- Reason on the 18th for a U/S of his belly to decide how much longer for the belly band, and Taco the 20th.
I remain sick- just a miserable kind of sick- not TOO sick but just sick enough to feel crappy. Not strep, But perhaps Mono- how in God's name did I get THAT? Ugh. Early parts of the day are okay, the latter parts suck. So lazy and energy-less. Cannot wait for THAT to end!
March 20
Still in a cast....
Goodness me, still in a cast. What they did was remove it, look at it, decide to leave the stitches in and cast on. Up the bute, 2 more weeks (at least) of SMZ's, strict stall rest, remove cast NEXT Thursday. Take sutures out, put cast BACK on, and see him the following week. I had the nerve to think that I might be able to go out of town for a moment. Hmmm. No. No, not me. Still on horse watch and yes, I am tired of it.
Reason is out of the belly band (thankfully) and things look ok there.Chloramphenicol for another month or so, and then wait for a month THEN check at MSU THEN consider gelding him.
I am living in Grey. No here, nor there, just floating is...maybe land. That's my world, Maybeland.
So, here is what they and I saw upon the removal of said cast. There is pitting edema on the edges of the wound. Some moisture, redness and definite swelling. Last time, the swelling was not nearly as bad. This time, it does look worse. It's sad. I guess I have to consider where I live and think he has a 50% chance, but...I swear...damn it. its gettin' old!
Taco continues his strange path
Can't remember if I mentioned it before, but the wound on his leg is opening again- yup. Honestly. Horridly. Miserably. But, we are going to keep wrapping it, and I am taking him back to MSU on March 12th for a recheck. I guess it's a wait and see pattern until then. That's okay.
Reason and the Boa are seeming to work. Sadly, he is almost out of his head crazy being so cooped up, it's hard on him and he is a lunatic in his stall- did you know you could canter around a stall? And rear and buck at the same time? Well, you can. The hard part of that is the boa slips- no surprise there- so then i have to adjust which I think may hurt a bit, as he sure does not like me dealing with that! Again, no surprise there!
Chief and Doc are up at MSU for a teaching class on lameness. It's all good...! lucky actually-free xrays!
Feb 22
I did not say anything...e jacknifed the truck with trailer last Sunday. Art choose (unwisely it turns out..) to take the back roads. The back roads were all ice. Everything was okay in the end, but I laughed so hard my ribs hurt. There was no horse in it- we were on our way to pick up Reason- so it was okay to laugh. I was very hopeful I would get a new bed out of the deal- our truck bed is rusting at the wheel wells. Sucks. Anyway, We were across the entire road, in the middle of a hill, where no one could see us if they were going north. However, it was SO slippery I could not walk up the hill to attempt to stop traffic, and the state police were swamped. So, it was me, or no one. Art got the truck unhitched when the slippery nature of the road worked to our advantage. The truck just kept slipping down the hill-sadly none the worse for wear except the bumper. Not sure about the trailer- appears the hitch might be coming off the front of the trailer. Oh well, Featherlites are not solid trailers anyway! I have always hated this one, and use my Brenderup as often as I can. For hunting, however, the Featherlite holds Arts rather huge horse well, so-- it's his and her's trailers for us!
Horse update- Everyone seems okay. Taco's leg is not better- getting worse. But I guess that's par. So again, wating and seeing. I decided to turn him out because why keep him in? he is not getting better, so small turn out seemed to be a good idea. For his mental attitude if nothing else. And that he still has.
Reason is holding his own, too. I have turned him out in the indoor in order to let him have some movement. He is just too hyper to do anyone any good. the Boa continues to work.
When will I ride? I am itching to do road work even- yet it almost seems stupid to start just to have to stop right away. Something always seems to come up!
Feb 28th
Blogs must have their limits...as i have lost this very long post 2 times! I will not try again, my eyes are blurry... So to summerize:
HArd day here- Taco's leg continues to get worse- here are the pics warning a bit graphic.
I am tired of being the mom to sick horses- I want to ride and have fun with them, rather then worry every time I walk down to the barn about what might await me.
This may all be related to a popped ovarian cyst- OUCH! Hormones may be released perhaps???
Reason is good- and I told the story of Wrainthur and his name.
I will try again tomorrow!
How Wrainthur got his name...
Wrainthur is the lovely paint (or is it Pinto?? Shows what I know!) in my pics thats galloping thru the snow. Yes, a lot of white- and when he was born, that's all I could think, too! I bred to get some color, I got a lot of white. (While on that, for a moment, I shall comment on color- Skee, aka Reason Enough- another post coming on that name,, is out of a bright chestnut mare and a bright bay dad. One would think I would have a lightish horse, rather then dark, Oh well)
So, Ranger, yes, that's his real name until now, was born on Sept 26th, 2004. A late baby to be sure. His mom, Priss (Babamist, Kept Woman, Keelo) has a respiratory issue, so we bred her as she was out for the season at least. I bred her to Indian Art, a colorful, kind, quiet oldenburg hoping to temper her...chestnut babamist temper. Kevin, who owns Indy, said she was the bitchiest mare he had ever dealt with. Need I say more?
So, when my daughter and I was watching Fat Mare TV in the house after a PC meeting, we were talking about the latest Janet Evonovich Novel. Steph was going between Morelli and Ranger. We were talking about who we would choose in Stephanies shoes, and Jazz had said that she thought she was a Morelli kinda gal. She then said without missing a beat that she thought I was probably a Ranger kind of girl. Right then. Priss began the process. So, that is how Ranger got his name- for my Ranger tendencies.
The next days we found out that Ranger has a massive parrot mouth. I mean...MAJOR. HUGE. Largest I have ever seen and I never want to see any larger then that, anyway. UGLY. He has done better then fine, but of course, we cannot drop it- every animal has a voice in our house, and they are all just for that animal. The donk's voices are very close, but the others, well you know who is talking. The dogs all know their voices, So, Ranger of course has a lisp. Those teeth just don't stop that tongue.
We have always spoken his name as Wrainthur, but never thought of spelling it until now...we have to register him. Alice Stack, our vet for Reason up at MSU and adopted daughter extrordinare was at dinner when we were trying to figure out how to spell Ranger with a lisp. So, she came up with the spelling, and I will register him with that name.
Waiting for someone to comment on where he was imported from, who the stallion is, and what amazing blood lines the W's produce. I am SURE it will be pronounced correctly at shows, but who will actually "get it"? I can't wait!
For what its worth, I think I am a Ranger kinda gal. Shhhhhhh
March 1
I actually rode!
It's sunny, the barn was done, I was thinking that going upstairs to do some of my (watch out here- great over-exaggeration) art was a good idea- it hit me. (forgive me...that sentence probably could be taken 2 ways....) It's sunny- Not snowing- Art is whipping from the car, and...damn it, I am going to ride!
guess what! It happened!
I got on Doc, and he was great! I actually even-gasp!- jumped a few jumps! x's, which from a greenies back look like prelim tables sometimes. But we did it, he was happy, and he actually stood near the mounting block after only 2 attempts. I did have one bad moment when I thought getting my coat from the door when mounted was a good idea. It was a lovely time, and I feel great. Amazing what a ride can do!
March 2
The yellow brick road continues
hat I have been traveling with Taco continues. His leg continues to get worse, there is a sore above the surgery site, and we are heading back to MSU on Tuesday. Sure, it's just a leg (and I actually believe that) that has a sore on it, but it's been ...oh...close to 14 months now. I cannot really ride him, as it does make it worse, and it is hard to wrap in a correct manner to protect it. Today, the bone is visible. (SPECIAL) but I do know that eventually it will heal and then begin the process again. So, I guess it never really heals, just covers up again. And honestly I don't know what to do- because there is no clear answer. So, I guess that is why I titled it yellow Brick Road, as did Dorothy really know what the end of the road would bring? Much like her journey, I have met good and interesting people- and had some not great things happen, too. Those darn monkeys! I would like to know what happens at the end. But, I guess we're not there yet.
On a feline note, I have this cat, named Rocky, known as Brown Cat (we have White Cat, as well as Little Cat, their names are Lucas and Luna) who brings me things all the time. So, I will post on his bringings. It is usually something that I have used- so anything that is on my craft table will often end up near me. He brings them to me while we sleep, The strangest thing to date has been a box of staples. Last night, it was a lot of paper as I was trying to fix my printer- and he also brought the checkbook. Okay, why that? anyway, there is usually a path from where he decides things need to come from, right to our bedroom door. And, most of these things he brings have to go down a set of stairs. And it's full size paper- sheets at a time. I don't understand the why's at all. Art says that he adores me. I guess maybe he does and his version of gifts. But still- really weird!
In addition, I have not been feeling well. It's not "brain" related (I have a cyst that acts up on occasion, but that is not this...does that make sense?) I actually will call the Dr. which in itself is amazing. But, I do want to feel better. I am not a good lazy person. Not at all! I think it is the Marine Dad that makes me feel guilty when I get that way. Be STRONG! Don't give in to physical things! The ovarian thing just keeps getting painful, so maybe I actually did something to it. Ugh. Hate the MD.
March 7
TACO In sugery today at 3:00
o, that says it all. Have to meet the bandage lady about a wrap for Reason, but will write more today...poor horse...poor checkbook...but more, Poor Taco.
March 9
He did well after surgery, Thank God- for those that remember, his first surgery was very hard on him. they changed the protocol and things went better for surgery number two, and three was the same. So, we have THAT down at least.
They opened up his leg from above his hock to his fetlock. They found...and this is a quote"shit tissue" that they sent off for path. They cultured and got some staph, but no idea what it's sensitive to yet. Hope...Hope not MRSA. Oh please.
So, waiting for the news on the pathology, and hoping he tolerates his cast well. We shall see....
March 13
Catch ya? But it does- taco is doing well (Not MRSA- big huge sigh of relief!) and is home, in a cast, on stall rest, but being good. His eye looks fantastic, and he looks as good as can be expected. Cast comes off next Thursday, and that is good- he needs some non-cast, just be a horse time. IF he de-hisses, then we will put him down. It's a simple thing- and the right thing.
So, vet appts- Reason on the 18th for a U/S of his belly to decide how much longer for the belly band, and Taco the 20th.
I remain sick- just a miserable kind of sick- not TOO sick but just sick enough to feel crappy. Not strep, But perhaps Mono- how in God's name did I get THAT? Ugh. Early parts of the day are okay, the latter parts suck. So lazy and energy-less. Cannot wait for THAT to end!
March 20
Still in a cast....
Goodness me, still in a cast. What they did was remove it, look at it, decide to leave the stitches in and cast on. Up the bute, 2 more weeks (at least) of SMZ's, strict stall rest, remove cast NEXT Thursday. Take sutures out, put cast BACK on, and see him the following week. I had the nerve to think that I might be able to go out of town for a moment. Hmmm. No. No, not me. Still on horse watch and yes, I am tired of it.
Reason is out of the belly band (thankfully) and things look ok there.Chloramphenicol for another month or so, and then wait for a month THEN check at MSU THEN consider gelding him.
I am living in Grey. No here, nor there, just floating is...maybe land. That's my world, Maybeland.
So, here is what they and I saw upon the removal of said cast. There is pitting edema on the edges of the wound. Some moisture, redness and definite swelling. Last time, the swelling was not nearly as bad. This time, it does look worse. It's sad. I guess I have to consider where I live and think he has a 50% chance, but...I swear...damn it. its gettin' old!
Well, here i am blogging- adding to the list of things I don't quite get.
In a nutshell, its been a crappy week, which I am sorta pissed about, as I was planning on things being good this year. But perhaps things are going to get better.
Taco's surgery looks like it was a success. He looks GREAT and the pic of his leg tells the tale. I am so pleased. more then that, he seems to be just all around better.
Reasons surgery was successful, too- I guess. It has been unreal and I really hate MRSA. I cannot believe how tenacious it has been. 90 days of drugs, and a belly band. So sad for him. I guess the belly band will allow him some turn out, and think that will make things easier. I hope so at least! This poor guy has had 3 major surgerys and he is all of 6 months old.
Cheif had a near miss today- I think he might be okay.
And the poor barn kitty died on Thursday night. I think it was good I was with him, and I hope he is in a better place.
feb 3,2008
I am honestly not sure for how long. But he is here, and his belly-bandage is still on. We drained about 60 cc's off a seroma (sp??) that worries me, but I will just take him up there again if need be. He is kinda depressed, but I think that's fair given all he has been thru. He is one lucky boy- and his road is bumpy, but he remains still such a nice foal.
I loff him!
Feb 3rd- later
So, I have already changed the wrap once, and it's already saturated. Both from urine, as well as seroma fluid. It's pretty tough- and I feel it's an up-hill battle. I need to figure something out- he needs to keep it dry, yet it continues to drain a lot. Then it slips, and then the urine gets into it- cycle begins again. Argh.
Feb 4 '08
So, we devised a way to attempt to keep the belly band clean. First, use the steri-roll, then, brown gauze, then elastikon. BUT! Over the 1st layer of elastikon, put a surgical drape that is non-absorbant, then more elastikon. So, we are hopeful this will function as a "drip" guard. He is leaking urine, but the vets say foals can do that if stressed and sick, which he is both.
Poor guy! Bandage change tomorrow AM again.
Feb 6
Reason is back at MSU, the seroma keeps filling- 100 cc;s the first time they "poked" it (Sunday), and the 2nd time was 250 cc's on Tuesday. It is as big today. I knew things were not going as well as they should. But hopefully things will improve. If the seroma does not go down, they will have to insert some sort of drain. This carries risks- the MRSA is all-too scary. So, hopefully, when we do a wrap change tomorrow, we will be able to see "it" getting smaller. From what I understand, we do not want any fibrogen- that will harbour more of the MRSA, and we are back to square one.
The plan right now is to keep the BOA wrap on, and hope he drops to pee. If we can keep the area dry, all the better. The good part is that the incision looks outstanding still, despite all the insults it has seen. His skin is pretty yuckky right now, and they have lanolin to apply on it. Still, poor boy is gotta be hurting.
His temp went up today, but it seems transient. I assume that the chloramphenicol is doing it's trick and holding things at bay. Still, how frustrating. He seems depressed, but wouldn't you be?
Feb7
I even hesitate to say that, but so far the Boa wrap has stayed on, and he looks good in it. Thank God. His chloramphenicol has arrived in packets of powder, so that will be easier to dose him, and it's apple flavored to boot. So, hopefully I can convince him that eating 3 smallish mashes a day of apple flavored stuff is a good idea.
He may have been a bit colic-y today, but seems okay now. His temp has stayed good, and his attitude sounds as if it's better. I did not get up there today- too many things needed doing here, and this way I can leave tomorrow and feel okay about it. So, that is all good.
Taco looks good, too! I am going to change his wrap tomorrow- I did the last change on Tuesday PM, so a friday change sounds okay to me. He seems fine, altho a bit miffed that T/O is not in his cards right now. I am not sure when he can have some- seems as if the only thing that is actually holding him back is the wound, rather then the leg, as the tendon was not touched. So...hot damn, I may get back to being a normal horse person some time this year! What a concept! :-)
Feb 8
Taco's leg looked okay. I have been noticing that his right eye was being somewhat---empty, but thought that i might have been imagining it. Well, I don't think I am. He is now very shy-y from that side, and will no longer look at you out of that eye. I am not sure what to think- and hesitiate to even mention it to anyone, as I know we are at the end of the rope. It is very sad to me, but I am not sure what to think about it. I loved having him be bright and happy again, looking at me from that eye. I loved seeing him be happy. What I am not seeing is a somewhat confused horse. There is what worries me.
So, on my way to MSU to see reason. I hope that yields good news. Horses.
Feb 8th later
o, today, we drained about 500 CC's off of the seroma. they put a 1 cm slice in it to let it drain, and hopefully it will not fill again. (I am not feeling to confident about that, but a 1 cm slice is pretty big- as long as it does not wall off, it should drain.) His attitude was good today, so that is good.
I did mention my concerns to Dr. schott, and he contacted a person at Cornell. I will have Taco's blood drawn and sent to them to test for auto-immune something. I don't know what, but it's time. What comes of it, I don't know. But I would like an answer. I know that we are at the end of what we can do for him- it's up to him. As silly as it sounds, I have told him so. It breaks my heart. And, as Dr. Schott said, I hope he makes a liar out of me.
I really honestly have 5 other healthy happy horses. really!
Feb 11
hat sounds like a dire blog post title, but it's true! It's cold as hell here. I have had the horses in more then they have been out, and 4 of them live out all the time! So, add stall cleaning to the list of things I should do.... Mind you, I don't get most of them done. Stall cleaning is one thing that will get done, however!
Art and I went to see Reason Sunday and he was in a great mood. Indeed, he was delighted to see me. Well behaved, but anyone could tell that it made his day by the squeal that he let out when I was in his stall. He has a new addiction to Starbursts, esp orange ones. He is also getting good at eating carrots, which is good, as it takes him time. I tried to post from my camera, but that did not work for some reason, but I do have pics of him looking like a camel with his head out of the little square in the corner of his stall that I will try and get on here. The swelling is large below the bandage, and looks scary to me. Dr. Schott did see it yesterday and he thinks it's okay. I am not as happy, but it's a mom thing, I think. In any event, I need to find out if they think the MRSA is going away. The culture should be back soon from the lab of the fluid they got on Friday.
Taco also has looked good. I think I can see the pattern clearly now. The leg looks good, the eye looks good. So, the question is why. We are going to send off bloods this week. I want to be made a liar in many ways- it would be nice. But, I admit that not knowing the why's makes me nuts. Maybe there are no answers.
And, it's cold as hell here. Did I already say that?? -4.8 right now according to our weather station. That makes one want to head outside and do chores!
Feb 11th later
But Ali Stack is back in town, and I am very happy about that!
I saw Reason today, who was a bit uncomfortable, as they put a large hole in him and are hoping that the seroma will quit filling and we can get him home! He has been there a week at this point, and it's truly time, I feel, for him to sleep in his own stall, with his own hay and his own donkeys! However, no coming home until we can get this thing under control. It has to stop filling, and it has to stop being such a hard thing to deal with. Good thing is, however, I am not as tired as I was!
Taco looked good today, too. Tomorrow is 2 weeks, and his leg looks good so far to me. I know there is a small amt of discharge, but ever-so-small. His eye is looking status quo, so I am not too concerned about it at this point in time. So, while things are still shakey, I feel somewhat better. Enough to want to ride! What a concept!
I went on hound exercise today, and it was just lovely. On foot, as the Wind Chill was about -20. But we were warm, and the hounds were great, and one day maybe I will kow who is who. We will begin to do mounted exercise soon. Skee will go out 3 days a week! And that means that I will, too. Now, THAT sounds good!
Feb 13
So, yesterday, I called my husband and said that Reason earned another 2 weeks of care. Little do they know that those moments of incredible tenderness mean so much.
Yesterday, he was down, and somewhat painful. I went into his stall at MSU and got on the floor with him. He was sternal and then when I sat down he laid back and put his head on my lap, I think we were there for about 15 min- him just looking up at me, and me with tears in my eyes, thinking how lucky I was to have this colt trust me that much. I sort of wished for a camera, but then again, it was such a private moment, such a special moment that perhaps the pictue would have been crass in the light of the emotion. The day before, it was his squeal when he wanted to play with me and when I said "Oh No, Mister- you gotta behave!" he stood in front of me, head down, just saying..."I am so glad to SEE you mom!!" It's those moments that keep us on this path.
Taco dropping his head into my arms and just staying there- a horse that normally does not let anyone touch his face. The moment on XC when you are heading into something complex and their ears flick back to let you know that "I've got it, Mom...Whoo! Let's go!" The nicker that says "Good Morning!" The run up the driveway along side the car when I come home- and it's only my truck they do this for- other cars do not evoke such a response. The run on a hunt when they see a hound and do everything they can to avoid stepping on it. And then, when you feed and they desire your pats more then the grain you just poured into their bucket. That is why I do this, and why they have earned everything I have done. It may be silly in the eyes of some, but for me, those moments are ones that many will never get to experience, and I am lucky enough to be blessed to have had the pleasure.
Feb 15
I am the keeper of stitches l,not really! But in any case, I have had stitches that refuse to come out on both the horses! Taco has one in his leg that I found when I changed his wrap yesterday and Reason had to have the surgeon come in and remove them as they had become embedded in his scar tissue around the seroma. Oh dear me...It has to be me!
So, the good news is that things are getting okay here, dare I say that? Reason should be coming home Sunday, and Taco is holding his own. I was going to ride him today, but thought that discretion being the better part of valor I should wait until the aforementioned Stitch is gone. So, I shall. I am patient. Really. I. Am.
Tomorrow is the hunt meeting- ah the fireworks shall be amazing I think!! YUCK!! And to think, it's in great part because I don't have my colors! Oh poor me! How silly is that!!! I really could care less, with the exception that it feels as if they are questioning my horsemanship or something. All I want to do is hunt and have a good safe time. I am in no way a political animal.
Speaking of safe, Darn Skee did his little dance number on me. That is...He rears, pops his rt shoulder, bucks and leaps. Yup. It's loads of fun. The good part is that I stayed on. Don't know how, honestly. the bad part is that I was a lovely combo of Mad and Scared. He stopped, and made this big sigh like "Oh, that was fun, guess I gotta work now" and then of course, I get off, and lunge him. Now, I was nice when I lunged him, but in retrospect, wish I would have stayed on his back rather then get off, as I am fairly sure that he was done being his silly old self. I swear, that boy can really cavort. And I am a bit too old for that. yet, maybe I am not??? I did stay on after all! (Oh oh...Pride cometh before a fall- better bring my checkbook tomorrow to hunt!) In any event, he has GOT To stop doing that BS. I think he thinks it's fun. Really Fun. Playful. I am sure he does not want me off, as I was on his neck, in front of the saddle, sliding off the side and clawed my way back on and he stood there, It is the closest he has ever come to getting me. Ha ha! I won!! :-) But, boy, it would really hurt if I went off! OUCH!
In a nutshell, its been a crappy week, which I am sorta pissed about, as I was planning on things being good this year. But perhaps things are going to get better.
Taco's surgery looks like it was a success. He looks GREAT and the pic of his leg tells the tale. I am so pleased. more then that, he seems to be just all around better.
Reasons surgery was successful, too- I guess. It has been unreal and I really hate MRSA. I cannot believe how tenacious it has been. 90 days of drugs, and a belly band. So sad for him. I guess the belly band will allow him some turn out, and think that will make things easier. I hope so at least! This poor guy has had 3 major surgerys and he is all of 6 months old.
Cheif had a near miss today- I think he might be okay.
And the poor barn kitty died on Thursday night. I think it was good I was with him, and I hope he is in a better place.
feb 3,2008
I am honestly not sure for how long. But he is here, and his belly-bandage is still on. We drained about 60 cc's off a seroma (sp??) that worries me, but I will just take him up there again if need be. He is kinda depressed, but I think that's fair given all he has been thru. He is one lucky boy- and his road is bumpy, but he remains still such a nice foal.
I loff him!
Feb 3rd- later
So, I have already changed the wrap once, and it's already saturated. Both from urine, as well as seroma fluid. It's pretty tough- and I feel it's an up-hill battle. I need to figure something out- he needs to keep it dry, yet it continues to drain a lot. Then it slips, and then the urine gets into it- cycle begins again. Argh.
Feb 4 '08
So, we devised a way to attempt to keep the belly band clean. First, use the steri-roll, then, brown gauze, then elastikon. BUT! Over the 1st layer of elastikon, put a surgical drape that is non-absorbant, then more elastikon. So, we are hopeful this will function as a "drip" guard. He is leaking urine, but the vets say foals can do that if stressed and sick, which he is both.
Poor guy! Bandage change tomorrow AM again.
Feb 6
Reason is back at MSU, the seroma keeps filling- 100 cc;s the first time they "poked" it (Sunday), and the 2nd time was 250 cc's on Tuesday. It is as big today. I knew things were not going as well as they should. But hopefully things will improve. If the seroma does not go down, they will have to insert some sort of drain. This carries risks- the MRSA is all-too scary. So, hopefully, when we do a wrap change tomorrow, we will be able to see "it" getting smaller. From what I understand, we do not want any fibrogen- that will harbour more of the MRSA, and we are back to square one.
The plan right now is to keep the BOA wrap on, and hope he drops to pee. If we can keep the area dry, all the better. The good part is that the incision looks outstanding still, despite all the insults it has seen. His skin is pretty yuckky right now, and they have lanolin to apply on it. Still, poor boy is gotta be hurting.
His temp went up today, but it seems transient. I assume that the chloramphenicol is doing it's trick and holding things at bay. Still, how frustrating. He seems depressed, but wouldn't you be?
Feb7
I even hesitate to say that, but so far the Boa wrap has stayed on, and he looks good in it. Thank God. His chloramphenicol has arrived in packets of powder, so that will be easier to dose him, and it's apple flavored to boot. So, hopefully I can convince him that eating 3 smallish mashes a day of apple flavored stuff is a good idea.
He may have been a bit colic-y today, but seems okay now. His temp has stayed good, and his attitude sounds as if it's better. I did not get up there today- too many things needed doing here, and this way I can leave tomorrow and feel okay about it. So, that is all good.
Taco looks good, too! I am going to change his wrap tomorrow- I did the last change on Tuesday PM, so a friday change sounds okay to me. He seems fine, altho a bit miffed that T/O is not in his cards right now. I am not sure when he can have some- seems as if the only thing that is actually holding him back is the wound, rather then the leg, as the tendon was not touched. So...hot damn, I may get back to being a normal horse person some time this year! What a concept! :-)
Feb 8
Taco's leg looked okay. I have been noticing that his right eye was being somewhat---empty, but thought that i might have been imagining it. Well, I don't think I am. He is now very shy-y from that side, and will no longer look at you out of that eye. I am not sure what to think- and hesitiate to even mention it to anyone, as I know we are at the end of the rope. It is very sad to me, but I am not sure what to think about it. I loved having him be bright and happy again, looking at me from that eye. I loved seeing him be happy. What I am not seeing is a somewhat confused horse. There is what worries me.
So, on my way to MSU to see reason. I hope that yields good news. Horses.
Feb 8th later
o, today, we drained about 500 CC's off of the seroma. they put a 1 cm slice in it to let it drain, and hopefully it will not fill again. (I am not feeling to confident about that, but a 1 cm slice is pretty big- as long as it does not wall off, it should drain.) His attitude was good today, so that is good.
I did mention my concerns to Dr. schott, and he contacted a person at Cornell. I will have Taco's blood drawn and sent to them to test for auto-immune something. I don't know what, but it's time. What comes of it, I don't know. But I would like an answer. I know that we are at the end of what we can do for him- it's up to him. As silly as it sounds, I have told him so. It breaks my heart. And, as Dr. Schott said, I hope he makes a liar out of me.
I really honestly have 5 other healthy happy horses. really!
Feb 11
hat sounds like a dire blog post title, but it's true! It's cold as hell here. I have had the horses in more then they have been out, and 4 of them live out all the time! So, add stall cleaning to the list of things I should do.... Mind you, I don't get most of them done. Stall cleaning is one thing that will get done, however!
Art and I went to see Reason Sunday and he was in a great mood. Indeed, he was delighted to see me. Well behaved, but anyone could tell that it made his day by the squeal that he let out when I was in his stall. He has a new addiction to Starbursts, esp orange ones. He is also getting good at eating carrots, which is good, as it takes him time. I tried to post from my camera, but that did not work for some reason, but I do have pics of him looking like a camel with his head out of the little square in the corner of his stall that I will try and get on here. The swelling is large below the bandage, and looks scary to me. Dr. Schott did see it yesterday and he thinks it's okay. I am not as happy, but it's a mom thing, I think. In any event, I need to find out if they think the MRSA is going away. The culture should be back soon from the lab of the fluid they got on Friday.
Taco also has looked good. I think I can see the pattern clearly now. The leg looks good, the eye looks good. So, the question is why. We are going to send off bloods this week. I want to be made a liar in many ways- it would be nice. But, I admit that not knowing the why's makes me nuts. Maybe there are no answers.
And, it's cold as hell here. Did I already say that?? -4.8 right now according to our weather station. That makes one want to head outside and do chores!
Feb 11th later
But Ali Stack is back in town, and I am very happy about that!
I saw Reason today, who was a bit uncomfortable, as they put a large hole in him and are hoping that the seroma will quit filling and we can get him home! He has been there a week at this point, and it's truly time, I feel, for him to sleep in his own stall, with his own hay and his own donkeys! However, no coming home until we can get this thing under control. It has to stop filling, and it has to stop being such a hard thing to deal with. Good thing is, however, I am not as tired as I was!
Taco looked good today, too. Tomorrow is 2 weeks, and his leg looks good so far to me. I know there is a small amt of discharge, but ever-so-small. His eye is looking status quo, so I am not too concerned about it at this point in time. So, while things are still shakey, I feel somewhat better. Enough to want to ride! What a concept!
I went on hound exercise today, and it was just lovely. On foot, as the Wind Chill was about -20. But we were warm, and the hounds were great, and one day maybe I will kow who is who. We will begin to do mounted exercise soon. Skee will go out 3 days a week! And that means that I will, too. Now, THAT sounds good!
Feb 13
So, yesterday, I called my husband and said that Reason earned another 2 weeks of care. Little do they know that those moments of incredible tenderness mean so much.
Yesterday, he was down, and somewhat painful. I went into his stall at MSU and got on the floor with him. He was sternal and then when I sat down he laid back and put his head on my lap, I think we were there for about 15 min- him just looking up at me, and me with tears in my eyes, thinking how lucky I was to have this colt trust me that much. I sort of wished for a camera, but then again, it was such a private moment, such a special moment that perhaps the pictue would have been crass in the light of the emotion. The day before, it was his squeal when he wanted to play with me and when I said "Oh No, Mister- you gotta behave!" he stood in front of me, head down, just saying..."I am so glad to SEE you mom!!" It's those moments that keep us on this path.
Taco dropping his head into my arms and just staying there- a horse that normally does not let anyone touch his face. The moment on XC when you are heading into something complex and their ears flick back to let you know that "I've got it, Mom...Whoo! Let's go!" The nicker that says "Good Morning!" The run up the driveway along side the car when I come home- and it's only my truck they do this for- other cars do not evoke such a response. The run on a hunt when they see a hound and do everything they can to avoid stepping on it. And then, when you feed and they desire your pats more then the grain you just poured into their bucket. That is why I do this, and why they have earned everything I have done. It may be silly in the eyes of some, but for me, those moments are ones that many will never get to experience, and I am lucky enough to be blessed to have had the pleasure.
Feb 15
I am the keeper of stitches l,not really! But in any case, I have had stitches that refuse to come out on both the horses! Taco has one in his leg that I found when I changed his wrap yesterday and Reason had to have the surgeon come in and remove them as they had become embedded in his scar tissue around the seroma. Oh dear me...It has to be me!
So, the good news is that things are getting okay here, dare I say that? Reason should be coming home Sunday, and Taco is holding his own. I was going to ride him today, but thought that discretion being the better part of valor I should wait until the aforementioned Stitch is gone. So, I shall. I am patient. Really. I. Am.
Tomorrow is the hunt meeting- ah the fireworks shall be amazing I think!! YUCK!! And to think, it's in great part because I don't have my colors! Oh poor me! How silly is that!!! I really could care less, with the exception that it feels as if they are questioning my horsemanship or something. All I want to do is hunt and have a good safe time. I am in no way a political animal.
Speaking of safe, Darn Skee did his little dance number on me. That is...He rears, pops his rt shoulder, bucks and leaps. Yup. It's loads of fun. The good part is that I stayed on. Don't know how, honestly. the bad part is that I was a lovely combo of Mad and Scared. He stopped, and made this big sigh like "Oh, that was fun, guess I gotta work now" and then of course, I get off, and lunge him. Now, I was nice when I lunged him, but in retrospect, wish I would have stayed on his back rather then get off, as I am fairly sure that he was done being his silly old self. I swear, that boy can really cavort. And I am a bit too old for that. yet, maybe I am not??? I did stay on after all! (Oh oh...Pride cometh before a fall- better bring my checkbook tomorrow to hunt!) In any event, he has GOT To stop doing that BS. I think he thinks it's fun. Really Fun. Playful. I am sure he does not want me off, as I was on his neck, in front of the saddle, sliding off the side and clawed my way back on and he stood there, It is the closest he has ever come to getting me. Ha ha! I won!! :-) But, boy, it would really hurt if I went off! OUCH!
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