What the vet said & other stuff

Hello again! Today was a beautiful day, I enjoyed the warm weather lounging and eating, while Audrey, Gerard, and Andrea worked on my big turnout. I can't wait to get out there and stretch my legs!

Look how fat I am getting!

Audrey put something on my head. I realize you cannot see my beautiful face, but this mask cuts down the glare from the sun, which really bothers my eyes.


I had a visit the other day from another vet. This one was Dr. Reynolds. She was very nice and I liked her very much. Dr. Reynolds said that chiropractically speaking, (that's a big word for a horse, you know!) I am in good shape! I could have told her that... she did say that I had had some trauma to my back leg, near my butt. I wish I could tell you what happened but it's something I can't explain. It doesn't hurt me, but it does make me walk a little funny. Dr. Reynolds thinks there was a major damage to a muscle or tendon.




She also agreed with the other doctor that my eyesight is pretty bad. But I do see somethings, really! I know where my hay and water bucket is!

I am feeling and looking better every day. I am just happy to be here instead of "up north."

I really want to thank everyone who has given me food, water, veterinary care and hoof care. I haven't felt this good in a long time.


Andrea brought me some awesome treats. She called them Wheat Thins - I love Wheat Thins. If you have any Wheat Thins, would you please come and visit me and don't forget to bring them with you? They're healthy you know!

I'm going to lose my turnout!

I am feeling sad.... Audrey says the person who owns the fence panels used for my turnout is not going to let me use them anymore. That means I will have to stay in my stall until Audrey, Brenda and Andrea get my paddock built.

Audrey says that will happen on Sunday.

I know Audrey has been working really hard taking care of all the other horses here, and spending a lot of special time with me. She has to go away for many hours a day to work a "job." Then she comes back at night and brushes me and cleans my stall and all the other stalls and feed all of us. She is tired and she is not feeling very well. But she comes and takes care of us anyway! Audrey is my personal angel.

I really want my turnout because it's nice to be out near the other horses. Andrea said that if anyone wants to help build my paddock, they'd be welcome and appreciated. I would love to meet some of the people who have been helping to feed me. I will show you my new hooves and my lovely coat. You know, I was a beautiful lady in my younger days.... please come and see me, I love people, especially children.

Ahhh - My OWN turnout!

I am in horsey-heaven (ok, I suppose it would be more heavenly if I were up to my knees in apples.... but I don't think that's going to happen!)

Audrey borrowed some fence panels from someone and made me my own turnout. I feel so safe and secure in here. I know my boundaries and I am confident no other horse can kick me. The sunshine is glorious and am I feeling better by the day! I can feel the wind on my face, or roll in the dirt, or listen to things happening around me.

Audrey has been brushing me and she says I am "filling out." My shaggy coat is coming off and my new soft summer coat is coming through. It feels good to be able to roll around and get the loose hairs off my back.

My aching feet!

My feet used to hurt A LOT, but now they are feeling better. The FARRIER came today! Wow, what a nice lady...
She said my heels were longer than my toes... I bet. I felt like I was walking on stilts. The soles of my feet were hitting the ground. OUCH OUCH with every step.

Audrey called the lady Tammy and she was so kind and gentle. I stood very quietly for her, because I knew that she was going to make me feel a whole lot better.

Tammy said a couple more trims and I will be "good to go." I feel ready to go now! I need to get out and stretch my legs!

The "VET" - I wasn't scared at all!

The VET came the today... what's all this stuff about the Vet. I heard he pokes and prods and some other horses don't like this VET. I wasn't scared though, he seemed to want to help me too! All these humans wanting to help me. Reminds me of my younger days when I was treated with respect and dignity. Did you see my baby picture?

The VET was a big fellow, but not scary to me. He flashed a bright light in my eyes. I saw that! He waved his hands in front of my eyes. I saw that sometimes. Most times it was just a dark blur.

I got to come out of my stall and run around in a circle. I have to trust my human at this point. I really can't see where I am going, but I do trust them to make sure I don't walk into anything. So I put tension on the line so that I could feel the human's hands at the other end. Round and round I went. It felt GOOD to be out and moving! But that VET guy. He stood in my way a couple of times. I nearly ran him over because I didn't see him until the last minute. I couldn't really see what it was, but I knew it was him from the scent and the sound of his voice. I didn't want to run him down, so I scooted around him last minute.... sometimes humans aren't too smart. Didn't he just tell these people I can't see so well?

We went back into the cozy barn. I was tired and ready for a rest. The Vet stuck a couple of needles under my skin. It didn't hurt hardly at all. Not nearly as much as those pangs of hunger I used to feel.

He opened my mouth and looked at my teeth. I was not impressed with this, but did comply after a bit. And since he complimented my teeth, I forgave him for this intrusion.

Then the humans talked for a bit. I rested. I leaned my head against the one they call Andrea, while she scratched my face gently. I think I dosed off for a bit....ahhhh. Then Andrea got suddenly sad because the vet told them what she already knew. I don't see very well. Don't be sad. I am fine, really. Audrey told Andrea not to worry - I agree. This place is obviously not the "north" place. It's a good thing.

Wormer?

I remember this stuff! It helps me feel better. I used to get this all the time. But I guess the people who had me last forgot about it. Gee, it only takes a minute and it doesn't cost very much.
"Wormer" makes me feel so much better. I don't really know what it is or why it is.... but if you go HERE, they will tell you why it's so good.

I don't make a fuss at all over Wormer.... it's a good thing.

What's next for me?

The day after I arrived at the cozy barn, lots of people came to see me. I couldn't really see their faces, but I heard their voices, felt their kind touches.
I got brushed all over, boy did that feel good. My shaggy coat is made for the cold, short days. The sun is getting warmer and the days are getting longer, but no one has bothered to help get this long coat off of me, until now.
I am really thirsty. Audrey (she takes care of me now) brings me bucket after bucket of cool, clean water - it's always there whenever I want it. What a treat!
My leg hurts a little. When Audrey asked me to back off the trailer the night before, I couldn't see behind me and I wanted to turn around. I guess I got in my own way and managed to step on myself (I seem to be getting a little clumsy in my old age). So I have a big scratch on my back leg. I don't think it's very serious. Audrey put some blue stuff on my cut and it feels better now.
They give me lots of hay, all I want really. And a little grain. Mmmm, that's good. I want more, but they say not too much at first. They're afraid I will get a belly-ache.