Happy Sunday

Posted on November 10, 2013 by Exechorseluver

First time with his stitches exposed-looking great.

Today was a wonderful day! The horses renewed their friendships, Bruno back with Kid, who felt well enough to follow him to the arena. Kid was glued to my side when he quit following Bruno.

I took off Bruno’s fly mask for the first time. He had some dried blood on his face but the wound looked great, healing very well. I gently rubbed his big forehead. I am sure it has itched and he dropped his enormous head down so I could easily reach him. His forelock was tickling his incision so I put it up in a little bun. Very stylish!

I love Kid extending his 32 year-old leg, like he is trying to show Bruno what to do.

We were also celebrating the one year anniversary of Bruno joining our family. He has not been worked since his head injury in late October. Bruno was a little hard to handle. Lauren does a great job riding this horse. She has grown as a rider. Big Bruno was full of himself. Old Lauren would not have stayed on or wanted to try.

Bruno with all four feet off the ground, Lauren is maintaining a pretty position and disposition.

Feather and Mickey (who is still confined to the paddock) renewed their love, grooming each other over the fence. Feather had her first ride since the rain set in a couple of weeks ago. She looked relaxed and fluid. I think the time off was good for her.

I was happy to have Kid, alive and healing, standing beside me in the warm sun. And of course, Kona was posing for the camera as well. Gee, maybe the Texans will break their NFL record losing streak. Dare we hope?

Try Again

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Those of you who do not see my additional posts on Facebook, all I can tell you is, it has been a little rough. You knew about Bruno smashing his face into a shatterproof light fixture. A lot of blood, an emergency visit from the vet and 12 stitches above his eyes.

Meanwhile, Mickey continued to be lame with multiple abscesses in his hoof. Then yesterday morning, I arrived at feeding to find a circle of blood a couple feet wide and just as long. Examination noted it was in Kid’s mouth. I awakened Lauren. We got him cleaned up and I made the 70 mile trip to work. I was just getting settled into a pretty good working routine when Lauren called to say Kid was bleeding profusely again. He need the vet quick. She set out with Kid and the trailer. I left work in a hurry trying to make the vet as fast as Lauren. As I drove along, I just knew, this was it. The 32 year old horse was dying. Either he was losing too much blood or stitching a wound inside his mouth was going to be too expensive and too painful.

Dr. Criner holding up Kid’s lip for examination

I had cried all my mascara off long before I got to the vet. I was thinking back to Kid’s first years with me. I discovered I have Kid longer than any horse in my long, horse history, over ten year had past. He is the best behaved horse I have ever owned. I was already thinking about what a huge blow his passing would be. Granted, he is of the age where I know it is coming, but I wasn’t ready for it now.

When we got to the vet, Kid had lost a lot more blood in the trailer. I still thought there could be no happy ending to this story. Old horse gushing blood does not a good ending make! Our Mickey spotted his old friend, Kid, and neighed to him!

Dr. Criner (DC) got some pain/tranquilizer meds on board and got to looking at his mouth that she keep calling macerated. We were trying to find if he had bit his tongue (like off) or knocked out teeth or what. Finally, with Lauren having the special duty of holding his lip to stem the bleeding, we were able to watch DC push her finger all the way through the flesh and out the other side of Kid’s lip. It was horrible.

Kid was stumbling about like a drunken sailor now. We moved him out the grass so he would have a soft spot to land if he went down. In the end it was decided it would be impossible to stitch the wound. We got some heavy duty antibiotics on board to ward off infection. Kid told me it clearly was not his day to die!

We waited as the bleeding clotted off and Kid was awake enough to trailer home. I watched Mickey come out to load, sound as can be. Then I paid off both Mick’s and Kid’s extensive vet bills and we headed home.

Feather was perpetuating a rumor at the barn to Snow and Bruno, that if you went off in the trailer you were not coming back! Pix left a week ago. No sign from her. Mick left Monday and he was gone. Now, Kid had left just this morning. But she was neighing louder than any of them as the trailer pulled in with the weary boys.

I appreciate everyone’s concern and well wishes. I pray we are done with the vet for awhile and so does my checkbook!

Not Complaining, well maybe…

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Little Mickey flying fast and high!

One of my favorite all time pictures of Mickey and Lauren. She is giving him a little pep talk before a jumping class.

Rain is always the enemy of Six Meadow Farm. I know we need it to grow pastures, flowers and hay but a little goes a long way. It has been a rainy fall. Dev called to check if Lauren wanted to go to a lesson. He asked if Feather and Bruno have been doing well in their workouts. Well, Bruno has a chipped bone and stitches in his face so that is keeping him off the work rotation and it would be impossible to work anyone anyway, with the rain that has fallen and fallen some more.

There was a window on Sunday, where we could have probably taken Feather and Snow out on the fairly dry hay roads. But Lauren was out hunting (I never thought I would utter those words) and with the time change the day ended before we got the ride in.

Mickey, as discussed over the last few weeks, came charging out to the pasture after rain on October 14th and twisted his horseshoe side-ways ripping nails through and into his foot. Lauren made an attempt to pull the nails out. By two days later, Mickey was seriously lame. We did the prep for hoof abscesses (wrapping, soaking, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics). He was x-rayed and found that one of the nails had broken off in the hoof. Five days later he went to the vet and shoer. They got the abscess open and draining. They removed the nail. Mickey was sent home with a hole in the bottom of his foot. We were told by both the farrier and the vet, to keep him in a couple of days, the abscess would drain, he should get better and then could go out. He did not come home with the hoof bandaged or with instructions to bandaged.

Hoof abscesses (think giant pus pocket in the foot) are common. I can honestly say that I have never had a horse with an abscess in all my years of horse owning. I know many people who have a whole abscess care path down to a science. I am not one of them. I took the vet and farrier at their word.

However, while Mick did improve, he never got where he could walk without pain on that foot. I talked to Dr. Criner on Monday and she felt it was time for her to see him.

My life with vets is tricky. I live in a rural area serviced by a hometown vet practice that does everything from cows to ferrets. It is a nice facility. I think all the vets are TAMU grads but it is not a horse (especially performance horse) specialty hospital. I also use Dr. Lynn Criner, a hunter/jumper rider, who is a horse specialist, who is not part of this group (who made the great catch on Bruno’s hoof) but she is 50 miles away with time commitments that do not allow her to run down to Wharton each time something happens to my horses. Like when Bruno had blood streaming down his face, that was not a time to wait for Dr. Criner to make a trip to Wharton. Even if Bruno would have been fine, Lauren needed immediate assistance and Wharton Vet provided that.

So it is hard! Just like doctors don’t always treat the same thing the same way, neither do vets. Probably if I had taken Mickey back to the Wharton vet, he might have done exactly what Dr. Criner did-at least I can tell myself that!

Lauren and I drove Mickey to Dr. Buff Hildreth’s vet practice on rainy Monday evening. It was pouring as we loaded him, pouring as we walked him painfully to Buff’s barn. He would stay over and Dr. Buff and Dr. Lynn would examine him on Tuesday.

Upon examination, poor Mick had at least three and perhaps four areas of infection in his single hoof. I got some amazing pictures of pus running from his hoof (I am only sharing one-you are lucky!). I got video too if anyone wants to see a simulation of a volcanic eruption of pus from a horse’s hoof-just send me a note and I will forward it to you. After the fine ladies of vet medicine cleaned, poked and pushed infection out of the hoof, Mickey was much happier. Yesterday he got to be just like Bruno with a fancy shoe with a surgical plate that we can unscrew and clean his sore ol’foot as directed.

Of course, this comes at a time when Mickey who has been enjoying a sort of semi-retirement was due to go to Dev’s to be leased by another rider. Finally, he gets a job and then look what happens! But he should be good to go in a month or so and Dev is being very gracious about waiting for him.

Dr. Buff started in on precise, detailed instructions on how to use the surgical plate. Little did she know, we had totally perfected that with five months of Bruno hoof care. I understand that she might be a little hesitant given my care of this hoof abscess but when we move on to stall rest, surgical plates and hoof wraps, we have certainly been there done that!

Blue skies are once again lighting up my windows and the rain hopefully will not descend again for at least several days. I hope Mickey and Bruno continue with their recoveries. Thanks for riding along!

Kona Picture-contact info

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Exechorseluver

I wrote about this amazing picture by talented artist Amber Brooks previously but failed to give the contact information. I could not be more pleased with her work, her customer service, or her end product. Amber will being doing a drawing of Lauren’s horse, Feather, for Christmas.

If you want an Amber Brooks original of your horse or dog, you can contact her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/amber.powellbrooks

Thanks!!

Don’t Blink

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Bruno, his stitches covered with his fly mask, interested in what I am bringing to his pasture.

Bruno, his stitches covered with his fly mask, gleaming in good health, is interested in what I am bringing to his pasture.

There was one glorious moment on Sunday, when I was standing in the pasture, the blue sky running on forever, the horses contentedly eating the green grass, Bruno helping with the chores, Kona and Lula by my side, the rest of dogs safe in the backyard, all my kids and grandkids healthy and happy and mom relatively sane that I thought my life is amazing! And it is.

When I blinked again, I saw that Mickey was still walking with a serious limp, rain was on the horizon, the Texans were losing yet another game (at least they looked better doing it) and I had a ton of work to do.

But the moment in the pasture was a good realization for me. I tend to get worked up and overwhelmed with the things I need to fix instead of acknowledging the things that are right and good in the world. I was on my own Sunday. Friday night spent in the hauling of Pixie to Pine Hill and the associated nerves that accompany the selling of any horse.

Saturday dawned with lots of horse chores to catch up on after several days of rain and Jordyn and Kendyll coming to visit for the day. Immediately after we picked them up, we headed to my mom’s. She recognized the kids (although I do not think she has ever understood Kendyll’s name). We closed the door to her room and just let Kendyll roam as a toddler does, picking up everything from shoe horns to empty “Boost” bottles as she created a path of destruction across her great grandma’s room. Lauren turned on the popular “what does the fox say” song. We all got up and danced along. Even momma! I tried to get Lauren to video this moment of quality family entertainment but she failed to capture the essence of four generations of dancing fools. Momma had a great time.

My mother and her great-granddaughter, Kendyll, having a serious conversation.

Later, Lauren went off with Blake for opening day of deer season and I was left with the kids. A friend came by and I think he was shocked by the general disarray of my house. Kendyll had taken out most of my books and spread them about. I asked which dogs he wanted to see (he takes care of them when we travel) and he said all of them. Then we had seven excited dogs, two children and a hundred books in the living room. What a mess!

The rescued kitten, Levi-formerly Esther, is much improved and certainly going to be around for the long run. He is absolutely enamoured with the Yorkie, PuppyGirl and they play constantly. It is a flying ball of grey kitten and long-haired Yorkie, rolling, flying, biting and scratching from one end of the house to the other!

Can you tell where dog ends and kitten begins?

I think Sunday’s calm, beautiful demeanour was soothing to me after the hectic days I have had. I am hanging on to the image of Bruno and the blue sky stretching out with endless promise.

Pixie heads east

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Lauren making her way up the hill from the Pine Hill cross country course on her last ride on Pixie

Some horses I buy with the clear intent of working them, training them and then selling them on. Because my heart inevitably gets caught up in this process it is not near as neat as I describe it. When Pixie first came from Florida, from the same folks we bought Feather from, I was not at all sure if I would move her on or try to keep her as Jordyn’s show pony. Snow is great, but at age 20, his best show days are past.

Pixie is four years old. A time in a horse’s life that a lot is learned. Pixie came to us with a smart, inquisitive mind. I rode her a lot in the first months. I enjoyed her. She was quiet, pretty easy to handle and at 14 hands not a long fall to the ground. But she needed finishing. Her canter was likely to be peppered with a few bucks. Her stopping was a little inconsistent. Off Pixie went to trainer Sarah for six weeks of basic training.

As usual when horses return from Sarah, they are vastly improved and this was no exception. That is the best time to sell them. A truck I needed to pay taxes on, some staggering unexpected vet bills along with Christmas coming fast, made me decide to try to sell Pixie before either Lauren or I screwed up anything good Sarah had done. It is always hard to figure a price and with all the quick interest and even faster sale, you have to wonder if I did not underprice her. I got a fair price from Dee, had paid vet and trainer fees and just wanted to cover that. Still it is hard to let go of the “I should have asked double for her” thoughts running through my brain.

We drove Pixie the hour or so to Pine Hill. It was insanely busy with Eventing starting tomorrow. I really had no clue what Pixie would do amongst hundreds of horses, trailers, riders, kids and general pandemonium. From the minute she came off the trailer to the time we left, she was calm and quiet. I am not sure ANY of my other horses would have done so well. First there was a vet check up, which involved the usual things like temp, heart rate and hoof testing. Pixie had no prior issues but you never know what the vet will find.

Then there was the ever popular, hold the pony’s leg up (one at a time) tightly coiled for a couple minutes then drop it and make Lauren trot away with her. The idea is to see if the pony has sore joints and steps off lame. We had not tried this at home so I had no idea what to expect, but she passed all four feet with flying colors.

Next, we saddled her and took her down to the beautiful, nationally respected cross country course. Gee, one time I had taken Pixie out on the hay roads but never had she seen so much open space, and so many other horses and riders. She was great! By the time we ended I did not care if they bought her or not as I was super impressed with this young pony and her quiet mind.

But in the end, we left and Pixie stayed along with her pretty pink halter we had bought just for her. She will spend the next few days getting to her new home with vet Katie in North Carolina. A forever home. A perfect ending. So why did I still have tears in my eyes as we drove away? I will miss you pretty, pink pony. Head east now to the start of a new life. God Speed Pixie girl!

Pixie looking eastward

Pix and I at our first off-site adventure

How momma’s changed

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Exechorseluver

This is not meant to berate or belittle my mother, I have loved her dearly all my life, but the woman I have loved has changed over the years.

My mother was the quintessential 60’s house wife. My dad had a busy, important job with the airlines and she was supposed to be a top cook, hostess, housekeeper and mother. I cannot imagine doing all she did. Perhaps because she had so little control over so much of her life, she was a little obsessive about her food and meals. If you went out to a meal with my mother between say 1961 through 2012, you were in for an event. She would not like where she was seated. Too cold, too drafty, too something, you were probably going to be asked to change seats with her. Before anyone could order, she had to know what they planned to eat. And no matter what she ordered, whatever you ordered would be what she wanted.

After all the food came, something would not be cooked to my mother’s specifications. While we waited with our food, hers was returned to the kitchen. I remember one trip to Hawaii where each morning her eggs would go back to the kitchen as not done enough. On vacation day four, my father had it! He took the boiled egg to the head waiter. He told them to go cook it like a hockey puck! That worked!

The second issue that has played into almost every family event since Amber’s birth over 30 years ago, was that my mother had a bad stomach. Schedule a christening, a big night out, Christmas dinner with friends and mom would be in her room vomiting with what we dubbed ” special occasion flu”. I will never understand it.

Forget Mexican, Italian, Indian or any spicy food, mom could not manage it. The amount of antacids, stomach drugs, and medical care were astounding. And rarely was there a night when more than just milk and crackers were all she could manage. One Christmas Eve, I found her vomiting in bathroom. I thought it was the latest special occasion flu. Except there was blood everywhere. I thought she would die on Christmas Eve. She had a bleeding ulcers that let her spend the holidays getting blood transfusions.

So what’s my point? Today as a treat I took a McDonalds milk shake to her. Since she has moved into the center, she has not been sick to her stomach once. Not one Tums has made it’s way down her throat. She excitedly tried to decide if she wanted a tuna or ham sandwich, neither of which she would have eaten before. Like ever!

It is nice to see her happy to try most anything and be excited about it as well. I have relatives that would not recognize my mom eating what she is now. I guess this is a HUGE plus to her life with dementia. It has effected her personality making her calmer, gentler and accepting. While I miss so many things about my old mom, the one that would have remembered my sister and dad. I am thrilled with this little lady that told me just today that her cranberry juice was the best thing ever, well maybe. That Quaker Oats cereal bar was outstanding as well.

You have taken so much from dear momma, Mr. Dementia, but I am grateful her stomach doesn’t churn with anxiety related issues. Not a sign of her old ulcers. I am happy that in a small town, she finds the food outstanding. I will take this little piece of happiness in the midst of the darkness.

Thanks for riding along! Bruno with his face full of stitches is feeling better. Mick walked across the paddock on a hoof that was still sensitive but way better. Even the tiny kitty is seemingly, finally on the mend. Pixie is off to Pine Hill to be looked at tomorrow. I hope they love her like we do (and she leaves in their trailer as their new horse). Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

momma showing off her new shoes and drinking a Boost (says it is the best drink ever!)

Shot to the head-a Bruno Story

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Exechorseluver

A phone call from Lauren is often a bad thing. We have recently had more than our share of vet expenses and I am not including any of the money we spent on OTTB Bruno at Texas A&M. Lauren was babysitting Kendyll and wandered out to barn to let her see the horses. Instead she saw blood, and then more blood. She found Bruno with blood streaming down his face.

Upon conversation with one another, we decided with the amount of blood, exposed bone and Bruno recent reluctance to load in the trailer, we would call the vet out to our place. I started my race home.
the shatterproof glass casing-I think Bruno hit it from the bottom with great force.

Best we can figure, because Mickey is not testifying based upon advice from his lawyer, Snow B. Go, esq., is that while the boys were confined to their adjoining paddocks (due existing injuries) they started playing a horse sized game of Red Rover. I believe Mickey tried to crossover the fence line to Bruno’s side when Bru reared to stop him. The ceiling is only about 14 feet high. I specifically ordered shatterproof globes for my barn lights. Well, the fixture was in fact shatterproof, but Bruno must have hit the light fixture straight on like a giant jack hammer. The bulb inside the globe shattered as did Bruno’s face.

By the time Lauren got outside (it had been about two hours since she had been out to check on them) it looked like the worst of a gory movie site. She was notably distressed as we discussed alternatives. I called the vet. He said he was on his way. When the vet arrived, he had not seen Bruno yet. When he did, he remarked, “Holy crap!! That is bad!”

By the time I got home, Dr. Poehler was finishing his well designed twelve stitches in a upside down rainbow shape between Bruno’s eyes. He was cleaned up as well as was possible. Dr. Poehler was not convinced that Bruno’s bone was not broken but there was not much that could be done about it.

Bet ol’Bruno is nursing one hell of a headache! I wonder how long this will set us back? Thank you for the outpouring of well wishes from so many of you. As always thanks for riding along!

what’s left of the light fixture (the glass cover is perfectly fine)

Kona

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Above is a drawing rendition of Kona that I commissioned from a talented artist in Georgia. Like many breeds, poodles come in the color blue. It is deep navy, blue-ish almost black color. Dobermans and Aussies may have blue coats. To the untrained eye, Kona looks black, although after a summer in the sun, he has brassy, bleached tips on his hair, kind of like a Hawaiian surfer.

I realize getting a picture done of my dog is a little self-indulgent. But I saw (and bought) a picture that Amber the artist did of a poodle and I knew I wanted one of Kona done. It is so awesome! I could not be more thrilled. It is not finished yet but know it will so wonderful.

I bought Kona on my birthday. He has been so great as a companion to me, walking each night, staying by my side as I take the horses from pasture to pasture. We have perfected the trail ride with horse and dog. Another great thing is that if Lauren wants him to or not, he will climb up and through the dog gate to join her at the barn. Although, some may dismiss him as just a poodle, he is big enough to provide protection to her as she is alone on the property.

My friend Kathy makes fun of all the pictures I take (always looking for the next blog subject). Somehow no matter what my plans are, Kona manages to get in the picture. You can go back through my FB or blog pictures and find Kona in many of them. It is kind of like the old “Where’s Waldo?” game.

I love all my pets, horses equally, but clearly Kona is a special guy. It would be hard to imagine my world without him. If you ask Lauren who her favorite dog is, despite her deep love of Yorkie, PuppyGirl and her corgi, Sneaky, her answer is the poodle.

Lauren on Pixie with Kona right by her side

I take him along to most horse shows. He stands in the viewing area with his eyes darting around focused on the horses, clearly watching, moving and turning his head so he can catch each turn. I have six other dogs but a lot is perfect for me with Kona.

I can’t wait to get my drawing! Next, will be a drawing of Feather. That should be amazing too! Amber the artist specializes in dogs and horses. What a great holiday gift. Contact her via Facebook if you are interested.

Kona caring for Kendyll

Guest Blog-Ruby Moments

Posted on October 26, 2013 by Exechorseluver

I am cross-posting a blog from a rancher wife and mother from SW Idaho. This is a recollection of her memory of a childhood event and initially she is writing from the perspective of that child. Made me think of my dad, my daughters and my grandchildren and the love I have felt for them all. Thank you Rachel for allowing me to cross post. If you have not read her “25 Things I want my Ranch Kids to Know” you should! You can find on her blog as well.

Ruby Moments

Be sure to leave Rachel a comment if you enjoy her work!