All the Pretty Horses

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Exechorseluver

Baby Betty as the leader of the pack. (LOVE this shot)

It occurred to me yesterday when Mickey was off at a show and Feather had been moved to join the mare pasture with Kalani, Fargo and baby Betty Sue,that I had quite a diverse band of mares, at least from a color perspective. Most English horses are grey or bay with an occasional chestnut to liven things up. My grey, blue roan, Palomino and buckskin pinto look way beyond the norm.

So I set out this morning to catch some photos in the soft morning light. It is going to be about the pictures tonight and a welcome to my new boarder, Jo Ann as well.

First, Betty Sue, a little over six months old and standing 13.3 hands high. She is
“butt high” as we say when babies grow taller in the back before the front catches up.

Betty shining in the morning sun. Clearly, butt high.

What a face!

Trotting with Fargo.

Fargo becoming a beauty in her right with a little daily attention.

Pretty mare Feather, startlingly against the sunlight.

Pretty mare Feather, startling against the sunlight.

Finally my favorite girl, Kalani also a study of contrast in the morning light.

Kalani, blue roan quarter horse.

And finally some of them all.

Finally, 31-year-old OTTB Hershey joined our barn yesterday and was getting to know pasture mate Prosecco. This is exactly how OTTBs are supposed to end up, old, healthy and happy running with new friends. Thanks and welcome to Jo Ann.

Hershey meeting Prosecco for the first time.

Prosecco questions if this was a good idea.

This will be Hershey’s last home and I hope everyday is as good as today.

Thanks for riding along. Let me know which one was your favorite picture.

Six Meadow Farm today

Posted on October 24, 2014 by Exechorseluver

When we dreamed up the name and idea for Six Meadow Farm we were in the small town of Wharton and cared only for our own horses. In April of this year, we moved closer to Houston, closer to my work and closer to people who need to board their horses.

There was never a point that Lauren and I ever said, “gee, it would be a terrific idea to get a bunch of people together that have horses and take care their horses day in and day out, every day of year!” That never happened. We did visit with our friend Libby about moving her horse Cody to our barn when we got closer to Houston and closer to her home. But never was there an idea for a boarding barn with lots of horses and people every day at our home.

But circumstances intervened with the movement of several riders from one area barn to ours, migration to our barn to follow our trainer Dev, and a new rider who just wants to be closer to her horses. Six Meadow Farm is now a lively boarding facility. In fact, our entire original barn is filled with boarder’s horses now not our own. I thought it was time to introduce the people that fill our lives with new friends and new joy.

Libby and Cody

Libby and Lauren have ridden together for many years. Her AQHA gelding Cody came from the same horse rescue that brought us Mickey, Snow and my departed boy, Kid. Libby is a jumper rider, a college student, holder of the titles of former AQHA World Champion and Reserve World Champion Jumper. She was our first boarder, our go-to rider when Lauren and I are out of commission and our barn sitter when we are gone. I guess in essence we trust her with our lives because that is what this place means to us.

Libby’s parents have been friends for years as well. They can be counted on to plant my flowers, fix the latest problem or just join us for a glass of wine on the porch. Libby will be off to Argentina in a year to further her equestrian career. In the meantime, we love having her here.

Isabel and Prosecco

Isabel, her leased warmblood Prosecco, and her family are newcomers to our lives. Isabel had ridden Snowboy previously but we did not really know her or her family. What wonderful people they are! Isabel continues to improve her riding and can be found most evenings on the back of her horse. She is working her way up through the horse show ranks by division. No one is more eager to help out with the horses, dogs or cats than Isabel. Isabel has also been very kind to me as I have needed a riding buddy with my horse Kalani.

Mia and Snowboy

Mia was looking for a lease horse when we hooked her up with Snowboy. They have been a great match. Mia and her family have become part of ours and they can be found hanging with the horses or with the Kendyll/Jordyn duo following them around. Mia has changed and grown in her riding as well. I am happy to see her wanting to try other horses and new challenges. Laughter has definitely entered our barn with the advent of Mia and her mom.

Alex and Mickey

Alex has her own horses and farm but she comes regularly to ride and then shows Lauren’s horse, Mickey. We love Alex’s family as well and are so happy to get Mickey back in the ring under her care. Like Libby, we have known Alex and her family for many years and it brings joy to us to have them share our horse and our farm,

Olivia and Avery

Most recent rider to join our barn is Olivia and her ponies, Avery and Owen. As I have said before with our other riders, she brings terrific parents with her as well. I am impressed with Olivia’s work ethic. Regardless of weather, she gets her ponies worked, cleaned and healthy by almost daily attention. She is small but tough. I think she will continue to grow and mature in her equestrian abilities.

Jordyn and Mickey at their first “real” lesson this week.

I certainly don’t want to forget to mention my seven year-old granddaughter Jordyn who is “leasing” Mickey. She has been on horseback since she was just months old and actually took her first official lesson with ‘uncle Dev’ this week. She did really well and was actually posting around the arena at a trot by the end of the ride. Hats off to Mickey as well that went from a walk-trot pony to high-flying jumper all within the same lesson day. What a guy!

Mia walking with my granddaughters, Jordyn and Kendyll

With new Six Meadow Farm, I see more of my daughter Ally and her family. I enjoy the families of all our boarders. It is a happy, fun and lively barn with many smiles. It is like coming home to another world. One I had only dreamed of having. Thanks for being a part of our journey!

Betty Sue and Grandma arrive! Lauren overcomes! Feather Soars!

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Exechorseluver

Betty Sue seeing Lauren eye to eye on Texas soil.

First taste of Texas.

Betty Sue, grandma Fargo, and weanling friend Carter had an uneventful trip from Colorado to Texas, arriving late Tuesday afternoon. They were ready to get off the trailer but no worse for the trip. The two weanlings were exceptionally calm and well-behaved. We immediately reloaded Fargo and Betty Sue for the short trip on to our house

The girls have settled in easily. They love the green grass but are slightly less enamoured with the temperatures in the high 80’s with their Colorado winter coats.

Wednesday Feather headed to the equestrian center for her first show since OKC in July and her first since Lauren’s broken arm. Dev showed Feather Thursday and Friday, coming out of their first class with the winning time and the blue ribbon in hand. From there they moved up from the 1.05 meter (which is the highest we have ever showed) all the way to the 1.15 meter. Feather did fine, no problem with the height but will need continued work on her technique. They showed in the 1.20 meter on Friday and had a stop at the big in and out jump, but nothing a little practice can’t fix.

Dev and Feather in the 1.20 meter

Dev and Feather soar.

Lauren returned to the show ring today with some natural fear and angst following her bad fall this past July. I needn’t have worried, they stepped into the ring, two titanium rods supporting her foreman and still total paralysis of two fingers, to take over second place in the .95 meter. I was SO proud of my girls.

More work happening at the farm as my son-in-law Luke works to get us arena lights before the time change hits. He has worked for days, sacrificing sleep, family and football. I am very grateful!

Thanks for riding along and all your support!

Betty Sue says good night!

Betty Sue is coming and she is bringing her grandma!

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Exechorseluver

All kinds of stuff going on around here! I had taken this week for vacation as I knew it was the week Betty Sue would arrive. Also, Lauren will be headed back to the show ring for the first time since her broken arm. She won’t be pushing hard, just seeing how her paralyzed fingers hold up in the rigors of showing. Certainly worth mentioning quietly is Lauren’s own demons that she will need to face as she regains the confidence to jump a course once again. Dev will also show the grey mare some to keep her moving forward.

RPSI mare, Blonder Reflection, Betty Sue’s grandma.

When I was making the final preparations for Betty Sue, her owner suggested I should think about taking her nine-year old grandma as well. Stephanie would love to see this nice German mare in the hunter or dressage ring and the transportation was already available for her to come to Texas. RPSI Blonder Reflections (Fargo) by Blonder Hans (a German imported stallion) and out of a Rainbow daughter was started under saddle but has spent the last few years being an outstanding brood mare. I think Fargo will make a good addition to our family as a hunter (I hope, I hope!) and as a brood mare.

I also think Betty Sue will have any easier transition to her life in the south with grandma along. I am so excited for their arrival! Pray for safe travels and happy landings for the three ( another weanling is coming to a dressage friend here as well) journeying from Colorado tonight.

Thursday, on the way to the bank, I thought I saw something moving in the tall grass by the road. On our way home, we stopped and found this tiny, starved puppy. Of course we took him home. He was polite and did well with the other dogs. Lauren posted this picture to Facebook and we got a lot of people betting he would never leave our home.

Thin, scared and abandoned on the side of the road, this little guy is all heart.

The first night he slept on my pillow with the six other dogs and one big cat. The next night he slept with Lauren and her two Burmese cats. He was definitely a keeper. We have never managed to get rid of the neighbor’s border collie who attacked Sneaky and this pushed us to eight dogs, five cats and as of tomorrow, seven horses. Okay, a little much but this guy is only three pounds.

Saturday, we got a new shed built to hold feed and hay. With our new horses coming and a new boarder with two more horses, space is at a premium. Dev’s group with Lauren trailering them was headed to Pine Hill a local cross country and eventing place yesterday. Three of the girls spent the night and all were off early for the day. All the horses and ponies did great.

Mickey was made for eventing. What a great time he had.

Mickey loved it! He says to find him someone to do eventing! Snow was unflappable as always.

Olivia on Avery and Alex on Mickey at Pine Hill.

Mia and Snowboy!

Ally, Luke and Kendyll came to help me move hay and feed to the new shed. I am thankful they did as my hip was complaining in the first ten minutes. Luke’s parents dropped by and minutes later, the tiny puppy was headed to a new home with them. I actually am missing the guy. Now, if anyone wants a very pretty, fast, smart border collie, Elliott, is looking for a new home as well.

The new feed shed, insisted just in time for the arrival of our Colorado girls.

The new feed shed, just in time for the arrival of our Colorado girls.

They should be picking up weanlings Carter, Betty Sue and grandma Fargo any time now. I suspect tomorrow will go pretty slowly for me as I keep track of them on their southbound journey.

Thanks for riding along!

October is here (seems obvious, huh?)

Posted on October 7, 2014 by Exechorseluver

Photo from the inspection of Special Occasion GES (Betty Sue).

It seems that one minute ago it was summer and now we headed into October in a rush. Of course, when you live in the southseason’s don’t come with distinction and often not in sequence. We had a lovely fall like weekend with some low temperatures in the high 50’s. It was amazing. Today it is totally summer again topping out at 91 degrees. It tends to confuse my brain which grew up with distinct seasons, and my childhood memories do not include 90 degrees in October.

I headed into Wal-Mart for my weekly shopping. I wandered back to the gardening area to look for a new hose, new cushions for my outdoor furniture (the neighbor’s dog ate those as well as eating Sneaky) and some grass seed. You won’t be surprised to learn it was Christmas time in the garden center, but I was. I stood there lost. For a moment, I was completely confused. You know some of those little stores keep “special” holiday items at all times-but no, it is October and apparently time to think about the holidays.

I did find a hose and one bag of grass seed but no way was I finding patio furniture cushions. It may be 90 degrees but Snowmen have replaced lawn furniture here.

I got the news today that Amber, Ryan and my Colorado grandkids will be coming to Texas for Thanksgiving. We will actually get to spend four whole days together. It will be the first time that Ryan has been back to see our new house and farm. I cannot wait! I am happiest when the house is full and the kids are at the barn or riding in the arena. Thanksgiving day itself will include Luke’s family as well-they are pretty much our family, too!

My barn is looking like a pretty eclectic group as new ponies have moved in. Now we have three ponies (one Pony of America-Snowboy, one Welsh type-Avery and one quarter pony-Owen) along with one OTTB-TeeDee, one Irish Sport Horse-Feather, one paint-Mickey, two quarter horses-Cody and Kalani and one German warmblood-Prosecco. Betty Sue, hopefully arriving in the next couple weeks, will up the German warmblood count, but still what a conglomeration of horse (and pony) flesh. Maybe one day soon we will get everyone out for a group picture.

Lauren and I are both riding again which is nice. She is riding Feather and many of the others. I am getting my old Lauren back. She jumped Mickey around last night and remarked, “he doesn’t scare me any more”. Well, he used to, but with Feather jumping so much higher now, Mickey looks (and feels) tame by comparison. I guess if this whole Feather and Betty Sue jumping thing doesn’t work for Lauren, she can go back and spend several more wonderful years riding Mickey in the Greater Houston shows.

Jordyn, also riding Mickey, just trots away in the arena, often on her own for hours at a time (don’t worry, I am keeping my eyes on her at all times). I suspect a canter is coming soon. I am happy to see her confident and thrilled to be riding. She and Kendyll come to visit several days a week. Two year old, Kendyll, wakes up asking her momma if they are going to granny’s to clean poopoo today. Wow, the key to your grandchild’s heart, horses (and their excretions).

Jordyn showing Kendyll how to jump off the slide.

No Fear Kendyll doing exactly what her sister says.

And they scramble back up!

The horses have been enjoying long days in the pasture and my boarders are all pretty good amateur photographers. The horses all have fly masks on to keep pesky bugs away from their eyes. These pictures are by Mia Kuchner.

OTTB TeeDee out for a stroll with QH Kalani-gotta love those quarter horse butts!

Feather and Mickey grooming one another-#Lovetermloveaffair

Feather and Mickey grooming one another-#Longtermloveaffair

Signing off for today-thanks for riding along.

The end-Feather, Kalani and TeeDee. Is Kalani the tallest?

Ups, downs and all arounds

Posted on October 3, 2014 by Exechorseluver

Special Occasion GES (Betty Sue) was site champion at her inspection this week!

I purchased Betty Sue, a warmblood pinto, from a breeder in Colorado based solely on her Facebook picture (and recommendations from friends about the integrity of the breeder). Things I do like this, spontaneously, with poor impulse control, tend to not always work out for me. I still don’t have the almost six month old filly home, but she rocked the RPSI inspections in front of German judges this week to earn the award of Top Filly for the Site. Something I liked about the way she moved and her conformation clearly was appreciated by the judges as well. Awesome! I am still waiting for some pictures of her trotting or cantering at the inspection.

I am thrilled with this honor and owe a big thank you to breeder, Stephanie Wendorf from Golden Edge Sporthorses, who had the foresight to breed Special Edition GES (their junior home raised GOV stallion by Sempatico x Art Deco) to Silhouette GES (one of their home raised beauties by Sagar x Blonder Hans x Rainbow). Betty Sue should be headed to Texas in a couple of weeks. We already have some horse shows planned for her.

Last night I got home and did not get my usual reception in the garage by the dogs. Their garage pen is connected to the fenced back yard and usually the dogs come barking and scrambling to see me. Only Kona, the poodle, was looking at me expectantly from the pen. As I walked around to the yard, I saw Kena (our Doberman) laying on top of Sneaky. Sneaky was bleeding profusely.

Our neighbor’s dog, recently given to us as he fought with and was beat up by the neighbor’s other dog all the time, was standing off to the side. Lauren and I rushed the Corgi off to the vet. After examination, Sneaky showed multiple serious lacerations, one that exposed the trachea, tore the muscles and provide an open look at the anatomy of a dog’s neck. She had deep puncture wounds and was in shock. The vet told us Sneaky had hair and blood in her mouth so she had put up a fight. We left her to go into surgery for repairs.

Sneaky with hundreds of stitches and four drains after being attacked.

Once at home, I examined the short coated Doberman thoroughly. There were no signs of any bites on her. The neighbor’s dog is an intact male with long hair. And I cannot catch him. I did not see bites on him but they would be covered by his coat. I think Kena probably ganged up on Sneaky as well as the new dog but when things got serious, she laid down on Sneaky to protect her. I could be wrong, but my animals have been living a peaceful coexistence for over seven years (at least Sneaky, Lula and Kena) and I don’t see it would have suddenly changed. I am terrified that this new dog who also chases the horses and goes after my cats with deadly intent will hurt someone again.

I have made the decision that this dog will go off immediately to my friend in the country where there is a lot of room to roam and no other dogs or cats to bother. I know I may have trouble with Kena now but will have to work out how to handle that.

Sneaky came home last night after surgery with many stitches and drains. She is not having a good day today but hopefully will be on the upswing tomorrow.

Lauren with Alex and Isabel getting ready to jump her first course in over two months.

Lauren and I both saw orthopedic surgeons on Monday. Lauren’s surgeon was not happy with her lack of mobility and feeling in her two fingers (the pinkie and ring fingers). Although she continues in occupational therapy she is not making headway to get the nerve damage caused in her fall to reverse itself. The doctor told her she had a two in ten chance of regaining the nerves and use of those fingers. He gave her six more weeks and if no improvement, then it will be off to the neurosurgeon who will implant a transmitter device to mechanically activate the finger and the hands. Sounds pretty dreadful but at least there is a solution.

I am getting my solution as well. I was born with hip defects and lived all my life with restrictions and hip pain. I had my left hip replaced in 2004. I will have my right hip replaced the first week of December. My right leg is almost an inch and a half shorter than the left and the doctor will try to make them equal. It will be a tough road back but I have done it before and I will do it again.

Up, down and all around-we applaud the good, battle the bad and embrace the inevitable for better. It is the best we can do. Please keep us in your prayers and thanks for riding along!

Finally Fall

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Exechorseluver

The dawn’s early light on a much cooler morn Photo by Kristie Nichols.

The last few days have ushered in new cooler temperatures in the pre-dawn hours where I do not come in from feeding the animals sweat drenched. Today, I could even get dressed for work, go back to the barn, get horses out and not smell like I had hung out all night in the boy’s locker room. I feel this is an improvement not only for me personally, but for the my work colleagues. However, it may be a little too late as my cubicle at work has abandoned.

My desk-the messy one and then my co-workers-GONE.

Anyway, I am sure if they return they will be happy the weather is cooler and I smell better. Life continues at the farm. Pecans are falling in record amounts as this year has been one of the best pecan season’s in years. They are good-sized and I have many pecan trees. Please let me know if you want to come pick some for your very own.

Lauren is back on Feather although full use of her hand and arm has not been restored. She is working with a neurosurgeon to create a path forward that hopefully does not include further surgery. The riding on the flat is going pretty well although she has found it is way harder to get back in condition to ride than it is to stay in condition to ride. Her entire body is weakened from weeks of inactivity. Yesterday was her first full lesson back on Feather. After working leg yields and long posting trots, it wasn’t just her hand and arm that was complaining today!

Lauren back on Feather and she actually did some low jumps.

Dev continued his work with my mare Kalani. Snowboy did not even gaze up as the two worked around the arena. He was pretty busy with the new green grass brought on by the early fall rains.

Dev and Kalani with Snowboy grazing on the hill

I am still working to conclude the details of my mother’s life. I have a few jewelry boxes filled pink necklaces and trendy bracelets. I want to consolidate the stuff the girls or I may ever use and get rid of the rest. I still find myself leaving work headed in the direction of her place. Habits die-hard and I miss her dearly.

Ally and her kids have been horribly sick with ear infections, fever and vomiting. Ally actually has an ear infection as well and is totally miserable. I suspect the drugs will start kicking in today but sometimes I think we need a little reminder what our children go through. At this point, Ally wouldn’t wish an ear infection on her worst enemy. Hope it is better soon.

The days are getting shorter, dark is coming sooner. We are settling into new routines and looking forward to the fall shows. This maybe the first fall since 2004 that Lauren will not be riding boldly into the ring. But when she is ready, I will be there to support her.

That’s all folks! Photo by Mia Kuchner

Getting the fever

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Exechorseluver

It has been a long time since I have felt this way. Probably all the way back to spring of 2003 when I brought Kid home to a boarding stable near our house. But even then I really don’t remember this intensity of feeling. I definitely have the fever for my new mare!

While Kid was our first Texas horse, bought three years after we arrived here from Florida, and I was seriously enamoured by his impeccable manners, his glittering copper coat and forelock hanging in his eyes like rakish teenager, I was not at point in my life where a horse could emotionally take over my life. I loved to be sure but I was not obsessed with him.

Now, 11 years later, with a whole lot of road behind me, rocky road, uphill climbs and some gentle trips to the country, my heart is more open ( or ready ) to care. The day after giant Bruno lost his fight and I laid him to rest, an ad appeared on Facebook for my roan mare.

From the moment I laid eyes on her, I had to have her. And it wasn’t because everything was perfect. Certainly, I did not have funds for a new horse, not after vet bills, expenses with my mother’s passing, huge medical bills for Lauren or needing to fix up the barn (again) for new boarders. Completely irresponsibly, I worked out a deal to buy the mare. I owed money to a bunch of people, but still went ahead.

I am an experienced horse buyer and let emotions drive the purchase. I didn’t even ride the horse, although I watched the owner and my friend ride her. Stupid! I should have asked more questions as well,but I didn’t.

And from the moment, the mare we named Kalina, Hawaiian for heaven sent (which I believe her to be) I fell head over heels for her. I LOVED her amazing thick tail that falls to the ground. Her forelock is the bleached out black of an island kid who spends everyday surfing. Her eyes are gentle and kind. Kalina is a registered quarter horse with the big bone and size of her Hancock relatives and the grace and performance style of the Zippo Pine Bar horses. As much as my world is now deeply seated in warm bloods and jumpers, my roots will always go back to my daddy and his love for the athletic quarter horse. But this mare is big as well. I watched her in the pasture yesterday standing amongst Feather (Irish Sport Horse), TeeDee (thoroughbred) and Cody (World Champion Quarter horse jumper) and she was taller than any of them!

At just over 16 hands, my incoming filly, Betty Sue will no doubt out grow Kalina to be the biggest in the barn, but right now Kalina is the tallest. She is not startling tall like Bruno but with her unique blue roan coat, she is eye catching.

In the category of it all being perfect, while this mare has wonderful ground manners, the first time I rode her I didnot get what I expected. From watching the videos of her and seeing her go in person, she appeared uncomplicated. Gee, not so much. While she walked where ever Jordyn or I asked her to go, at the trot she was prone to fast stops. When I asked her to canter we were not much of a team. Our communications were off. As we went around at the canter, she would suddenly drop her head and stop on a dime. Pretty hard to ride and unsettling as well!

Lauren had just been released to get back in the saddle. She has been doing some flat work withFeather. I think Lauren just felt I was old and couldn’t ride so she got on Kalina. The walk and trot went okay. Oh, but the canter, Lauren got lulled into thinking that would be fine as well. Off they went in Kalina’s big strided, flat kneed canter, until once again she stopped, dropped her head and spun just like she cutting a calf. And just as cleanly, Lauren flew from her back, instinctively protecting her broken arm. When she hit the ground, the tears sprung from her eyes. In seconds though, she realized she wasn’t hurt and laughed happily.

Yesterday, Dev worked with the big mare and assured me with a little work she will be just fine. I am even going to take some lessons on her. Who knows I might even end up in the show ring again! My riding goals this year were around what I would do with Bruno. Those opportunities are gone. But some new goals are in order.

I am finding myself wandering out to the barn and Kalani’s side over and over. I get off of her and minutes later want to saddle up again. I even picked out this beautiful new brow band for her. I am in love with this sweet mare. What a wonderful feeling!

A new horse-New love

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Exechorseluver

Jordyn and Kona getting to know Kalani.

At 16 hands, she Cary's those big-bone Hancock genes.

At 16 hands, she carries those big-bone Hancock genes.

A week ago, we were battling Bruno’s last hours. I was distracted about everything else and if you would have told me a new horse would be taking up space in my barn, I would have thought it was some new boarder certainly not a horse I was interested in.

But life moves in crazy ways, breaking our hearts and just as cleanly slicing it open so love can flow again. I have been watching, seeking, wanting a horse for Ally and I to ride. A nice pleasure horse, quiet, dependable and kind. But I have been looking a long time and not found anything close to right.

Tuesday, the day after Bruno died, Lauren started reading me Facebook ads for horses. One caught my attention as it was the right price, nearby, pretty, and looked quiet in the video. Talking to the owner, I realized I had known her for some time from working horse shows and watching her ride.

For someone deep in grief over my momma and my big horse, something about this pretty mare with amazing tail spoke loudly to me. We brought Libby along to try the mare out. By the time the owner had finished putting the eight year old through her basic paces I was sold. Libby rode her fine, but the decision was already made.

Felt so great to get my tack out and ride my horse!

Two days later, the Zippo Pine Bar/Hancock bred Quarter horse is in my barn. She is a blue roan, named Zip a Blue Valentine, whom I have named Kalani, which means sent from heaven in Hawaiian. Jordyn kept asking me if the mare was taking Bruno’s place. No one can ever take Bruno’s place. This is a totally new and different beginning with a completely different partner. Loving Kalani does not diminish in any way my love for Big Bruno.

First trot!

So, this horse is not a rescue, not an OTTB or OTQH, simply a backyard horse, looking for her next family. Perhaps this time I was the one that needed to be rescued from dark days and a broken heart. Kalani has come to bring joy back in my life. I am so happy and grateful.

Oh the joys of owning a wonderful horse!

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Thank you for the literally thousands of well wishes and extensions of sympathy you have sent my family and I. Thank you for always riding along.

p.s. Jordyn was my great partner today and the talented photographer of all these pictures.

Bruno is Gone

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Exechorseluver

The majestic Fiddlers Pilgrim, aka Bruno.

It has been almost two years since trainer Dev called me to ask if I would take a horse he had that had some hoof problems. At the time, I told my vet, Lynn Criner, that I would give him two years. I had forgotten that conversation until she reminded me yesterday. It has been a long two years.

Just a short re-cap-

Bruno was an off the track thoroughbred bred from racing royalty A.P. Indy and Hansel.
AP Indy, grand-sire of my Bruno
He was a staggering 17.2 hands high and weighed over 1650 pounds in the best days.
Bruno
He was brave, stoic and strong.
Bruno has been treated for hoof infections for at least four years. I suspect maybe longer.
He had surgery to treat a massive infection to his coffin bone in December 2012.
Lauren loving on Bruno after surgery at Texas A&M.
Bruno spent over five months on stall rest
He came back from the surgery alternately sound and lame for the last 18 months.
During that time Lauren got to spend two weeks with him in a focused jumping program-it was wonderful for both of them.
Bruno at the trainer’s in December.
Amelia turned him into a dressage horse and we watched him stretch and reach new limits under her tutelage.
Look at the stretch in this canter!
Hoof problems plagued him regularly.

When Amelia left on vacation in July, the hoof infection was back with a vengeance. We would clear the infection in one hoof (or so we thought) only to have it re-surface in another. There was not a moment except last Tuesday where he was without severe pain. I enlisted the help of my vet and farrier and we tried multiple types of antibiotics, pain killers, shoeing adjustments (really pads on his now bare feet). I even ordered over $200 of corrective padded, glue on shoes for him just this last Friday.

Bru’s feet wrapped up once again.

But no matter what we did, this beautiful horse was not pain-free. If I could have asked him, as the orthopedic surgeon asks Lauren each time we visit what her pain level was I know it would have been over a 5, even on the best of days. Last Tuesday, which was to be Bruno’s last good day, he went with me to have pictures taken in the bottom pasture. He was not pain-free but he could get around.

Bruno as a background for Jordyn and Kendyll

By Wednesday morning, he was racked in pain again, lying in the far corner of his stall not able or willing to get up. He would eat and drink if he had heavy doses of IV drugs on board, otherwise he just laid silently in the shavings. We had been treating his good foot but now the infection was running hot in his bad foot-the one he had surgery on.

Dr. Criner has been out for hours each day. Taking x-rays, administering IVs with pain killers and antibiotics. There is no solid, one, overwhelming reason why this young, gallant horse is so sick but we cannot get him better.

By Friday, Lauren and I both discussed it and knew we could not let this go on much longer. His pain levels were tremendous. We had identified at least eight separate sites of abscesses in his left hoof. His right hoof was infected as well. You could smell the thick stench of infection as you entered the barn hallway. We told Dr. Criner, and she agreed, that we would not let this continue past Monday if we could not get a major turn-around or resolution.

Meantime, it was a lot like watching my mother slip away to death in hospice care. We were losing Bruno day by day, hour by hour.

Together, Lauren, her friend Libby, my friend Gaylyn, Dr. Criner and myself stood by Bruno and held him as he was humanely euthanized today. It was time to release him from pain.

I don’t know why Bruno came into my life. Maybe because I could do so little to help my mother and felt so helpless watching her slowly drift towards death over the years she was here, that Bruno came so I could prove to myself that I tried everything in my power (and my pocketbook) to make him whole again. Sadly, that failed as well. Grief enfolds me tonight. Maybe I just needed to meet this proud, handsome, puppy-dog of giant and have a gauge by which to measure every future horse I meet. I do not know.

The horror of Lauren’s recent injury, mother’s death and now laying this huge horse down to die make my heart brittle. To love deeply is to hurt deeply. It will be awhile before I stand straight and tall overcoming the weight of my injured heart. Bruno, I loved you so…I am so sorry you are gone.

Bruno looking me in the eye.