Another Hot Summer Day

Posted on August 10, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Getting Snow’s stall all set for his return! If you look carefully you can see the poodle’s reflection.

As the hot summer days continue (no rain since Fourth of Ju-LIE-as my momma would say), the heat index has tipped over 100 each and every day, Lauren has been readying the barn for the Snow’s return. In some sort of manic phase of activity, Lauren has stripped the hay stall, cleaning out cob webs, moving hay, moving pallets from stall to stall, leveling the floor, adding dirt, adding rubber mats, and (are you ready for this?) changing out the gates herself.

I was actually, shocked! More of her father’s genetic code must run through her system than what I thought. I did not even know that she could possibly take down on six-foot gate and replace it with a four-foot stall gate. We keep the hay locked behind higher walls and higher gates. So, Lauren had to remove the boards from the stall that will be Snow’s and then cut (with a saw) the boards to fit the new hay stall. I was just amazed.

I think Jordyn is going to be thrilled when we surprise her with Snow’s return to Six Meadow Farm. The stall is not done yet, we have a fan to install, plywood to set in the back of the stall and of course, shavings.

Dev suggested that next weekend when we have a horse show that Snow is attending, that we just take him home then. That will save an extra long trip to Dev’s to pick him up. We had planned to bring Jordyn down for a lesson on Labor day weekend and just, SURPRISE! Snow was home. Ally and her kids are headed to Denver to help Amber and kids celebrate their birthdays so Jordyn won’t even be in town when Snow gets here. Hopefully by the 21st or so, we can get the big surprise done.

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Meanwhile, I am continuing to work Pixie in hopes of turning her into an all-star hunter pony. She has been a little reluctant to work hard with heat. She has been getting extra time on the lunge line. I decided to try her over a small jump. She is young and never been jumped with a person on her back. She jumped the first time I asked and each time thereafter. We are going to get Dr. Criner out to check her alignment, back, and sternum. She does not like her back feet worked with and is still mareish when I tighten the girth.

Not perfect, but her first jump in Texas. She was totally willing to do whatever I asked.

DC will look at Bruno as well. We have scheduled Bruno’s first lesson at Dev’s. Lauren was telling farrier Roland last night as he marveled that Bruno still had his cast and shoe on, that she had ridden him eight times in the last ten days-and that was more rides than we had ever had since we have owned him. He seems to be getting physically stronger and easier to handle each time they ride.

Roland was watching him last night as he finished up with the horses, “He really is a great looking horse, I hope he does great things”. Ditto, Roland, Ditto.

Thank you for riding along. Going out right now (temp just dipped to a cool 99 degrees) to ride Pixie, Feather and Bruno. Good night to all of you!

Pedicure and a bath

Posted on July 28, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Pixie, all shiney and clean after her bath.

I had everything ready for the farrier last night; a bucket of water for him to use to form the cast, the mats swept clean, hosed down and dried, Bruno’s bell boot off, his hoof clean and Bruno, himself, worn out from a day in the hot sun. I was working so hard I never noticed my phone. There was a message that tomorrow morning would be better. Oh, well! When your farrier is making an over one hundred mile round trip for the third time in less than three weeks, you go with grateful, no matter when he shows up.

Bright and early this morning, with Lauren and Feather already seriously at work in the arena, Roland pulled in. He had been here with the vet just two weeks ago. They had hatched a plan to use a heartbar shoe with a pad between the hoof and shoe but then…there’s more, they used cast material (like on a broken arm) to wrap around Bruno’s hoof. The idea was to drive the hoofing nails into the cast instead of the fragile hoof wall. Dr. Criner gave it three weeks. Much to my horror, it lasted only ten days. But while it was on Bruno was 99% sound for the first time in 277 days (to be exact-that’s when he had surgery)! It was pretty amazing to see him go so well.

New plan today!! Shoe him with a straight bar shoe, add the equi-Pak (it reminds me of silicone putty you use to caulk a bathroom) to create some padding and then cast the hoof. We hoped it would last a little longer. Since Bruno needed his other feet done, Roland trimmed them all. Making it another first, as this was the first time since we have owned him he is being set with working feet! It is get over the surgery and move on, big guy, time. The long toes so many of you have commented about are gone.

He has a great pedicure, new shoes and I pray we have a Horse who is completely ready, willing and able to return to work! Do you have any idea my excitement when we actually jump this horse, this horse upon so many dreams we have built-all without EVER seeing him jump even once. I know I may be in for a big let down…but I so think he can do it!

After Bruno’s pedicure, I dragged lil Pixie out of the pasture for a bath. We have not paid enough attention to this one since she arrived from Florida. I washed and conditioned her long, beautiful tail. I scrubbed her body and legs. I was rewarded with pretty, silky pony!

Now, I am headed in to clean up from my day of pedicures and baths. Thanks for riding along! I see some trot poles and small Xes for these two soon. It’s going to be fun!!

His newly casted hoof, next to his untrimmed, too long toe on the other foot

In the Spotlight

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Exechorseluver

I don’t talk much about my job. I do financial things in an accounting department. But, I am really blessed to have a great job that rewards my work and allows me to have my lifestyle with my farm and horses. This month, our internal newsletter highlighted my story. I thought I would share it with you. One of my co-worker’s Kira, wrote it, and I thank her for such a nice write up.

Mickey, me and Feather

IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
CINDY DAVIS
When you think of horses, what comes to mind? Beauty? Speed? Possibly Derby Day, with ladies in fancy dresses and floppy hats, casually socializing while holding a Mint Julep? Even those who don’t follow horse racing know of the Kentucky Derby; but, behind all the glitz and glamour is a lot of hard work – more than you may think! No one can attest to this more than Cindy Davis, Sr. Advisor, whose workday begins with feeding the horses at 4 am, while most of us are still tucked quietly in our beds.
Cindy’s love of horses began at an early age and has inspired her to become active in horse rescue. Although no longer operational, through Alvin’s Sunscape Equine Rescue, a group she was very active in, Cindy has help place 12-16 horses in the last 13 years and one of which, was featured on Animal Planet’s “Animal Cops” in Houston.
With the help of her daughter, Lauren, this mother/daughter team currently cares for 6 rescue horses at their ranch in Wharton, TX – some real celebrities too! Bruno is an OTTB (off the track thoroughbred) race horse from New York, who stands 17.2 hands high (that’s 70” at the shoulders, y’all!) and weighs 1,500 pounds. Bruno also has a best friend on the farm, KoolKid, who in his prime was the Houston Barrel Racing Champion at the ripe age of 20.
Unfortunately, not all horses who find themselves at Cindy’s farm had such a glamorous beginning. Mickey, for example, was a rescue from Bartlesville, OK who was severely abused growing up. Upon arrival, Mickey refused to even take a single step – but, fast forward 9 years and a boatload of hard work, Lauren and Mickey were attending the Regional Qualifiers in “Jumpers”, a very prestigious event.
Additionally, seven dogs reside at the farm and numerous cats, most rescues as well. Asked why she doesn’t downsize and move closer to town, Cindy says with a shrug, “it is like coming home to a different world. I love my animals, including all their problems, insecurities and issues. But when they bring home the top ribbon from the latest show, it all means just a little bit more, knowing we did it with an animal that had no chance at all before we took him home.” All in all, life on the farm is a tough job, especially for a team of two, but the rewards are priceless.
Click here to watch Bruno in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRnlGx2BQ_s
(Bruno’s registered name is ‘Fiddler’s Pilgrim’. He is number 2 in post position, in the green and white silks)

Confidence

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Giant Bruno being confidently handled by five year-old Jordyn

I have been in this horse business a long time. I am not the rider my daughter is, I will never jump the jumps she jumps or understand as precisely the nuances of planning a winning round in the jumper ring, still I have learned many things of value over the years.

Jordyn was down over the hot, hot weekend. She helped clean stalls, feed, wash down horses and got to ride. Each time she does, she learns something new. Above, she had helped wash down Bruno as he was covered with sweat and dust. Like much of the country we have had crazy hot days and it has taken a toll on all of us.

Jordyn wanted to use the hose to spray off Bruno. Lauren did the sensitive places first and then let Jordyn spray his legs, back and stomach. Bruno, although big, is pretty well behaved. However, I think when we gave Jordyn his leadrope and said hold him, she probably had the odd mixture of “oh, my GOSH” and “I am going to die!” going on in her head. Obviously, Jordyn could not hold Bruno if he wanted to walk away, but I had confidence that he would stand quietly for Jordyn. And once Jordyn held Bruno for a few safe minutes, she had confidence she could hold him as well.

I read other bloggers and their escapades online. One lady, Stephanie, has an OTTB that she is bringing along after his track days. Stephanie actually found my blog first and has recognized my blog in a way I will discuss soon, but meanwhile, it allowed me to learn more about her experiences with OTTBs. Stephanie had a bad experience (okay, like the horse reared and almost landed on her) with her mare at the canter. She has been seeking the confidence to canter again.

I think we can all relate. When we have a bad experience, horse related or not, we tend to analyze the situration and swear we will never get in that position again. Then we worry, a lot. Then our worries fester, some more.

I do all those things as well. But one thing I know for sure, in a world where I feel less is certain every day, I know that accidents and bad things happen. But I also know, absolutely, that we must let go of that and focus on what is right with all we do.

I have had horrible, bone breaking falls. I always (so far) have had no doubt and no worries, that I would be back riding again as soon as I could. Okay, I could have a low IQ, lack the ability to assess danger or just be a thrill seeker. I do not believe any of those things apply to me. I have learned through horses, that I must do what I am confident in doing and not push, or worry about the things I am not.

I had Mariah, now Caroline’s horse, that was a big, strong young horse. She challenged me at the canter every time I rode her. This came not too long after recovering from a broken pelvis. I had NO desire to be hurt. So, what did I do? I worked Mariah at variations of the trot, fast, slow, turning, straight aways until one day when she broke into a canter, we just went with it. I had plenty of confidence to trot and none to canter. But I became the best trotter I could be with her. It also paid off tenfold in Mariah’s ability to turn on a dime.

Lauren came off of Feather at her lesson on Friday. They were schooling jumps higher and more difficult than previously. As they came through to the fifth jump, Feather cleared it fine but had to land and turn hard to the left to make the next jump. It was a zig zag moment and Lauren fought to stay on, but failed. She skidded up to the big fence at the end of arena. She had some road rash from the sand but seemed okay (subsequently we learned she broke her big toe which must have smashed against the stirrup iron).

Feather does not have much experience with people flying off her back. This was maybe the third time Lauren had fallen off of her. As Lauren fell, Feather bolted across the arena. In the whole fight or flight (Feather chose flight) mentality of the horse, with Lauren unexpectedly coming off, the banging of the stirrup hard against her side and the back blocks of the saddle ripping off, had to be very frightening.

We got the two of them back together and Lauren was to re-jump the jump. Often, a trainer might lower the jump or make it more inviting for the horse, but Dev left it at its current height and sent Lauren and Feather on their way. I have to say that I held my breath as they headed toward the jump. But the many, many successful jumps they had made over the last year and half paid off. They soared handily over the jump. Feather never hesitated.

The actual jump-the second time, both looking confident and strong.

I learned something about both of them here. Lauren has gone off Mickey more times than I care to remember. The falls were usually a little dramatic and getting back to work a little delayed (and I get it, I would not want to get back on either!) Lauren now had confidence in her mare. And this grey mare that came to us from Florida, sight unseen, well, she proved something as well. She proved she was brave, had heart and most of all, had confidence in Lauren.

Read the post about the OTTB Gugi here:

Peaks and Valleys

Watching the Race-A Bruno Story

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Off the track Quarter horse, Kid and off the track thoroughbred, Bruno, in the early morning light.

Yesterday, we rushed home from the horse show to watch the Kentucky Derby. I don’t know how many Derbies I have seen but I suspect it is over 45. Every year, as a child, my folks would attend a huge Derby party. My sister and I never missed the Run for the Roses either. About third grade, I started my obsession with Man O’War after reading the Walter Farley book and my interest in all things about racehorses increased.

My dad had quarter horses, although not running horses, but my uncle in Oklahoma owned or had stakes in several. I loved visiting their home and seeing the winner’s circle pictures lining the walls. I grew up just miles from Arlington Park in Illinois and followed the races daily every summer if only through the results in the newspaper.

Since then, I have owned an Arab that ran very successfully on the track (I didn’t even know they had Arab horse races!). I certainly have owned quarter horses that raced (including my current horse, Kid). I have owned four off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) including Bruno. So, this is not a new concept to me. I love being able to trace the lineage of my OTTB back in history. I love being an OTTB owner but until last night I had NEVER seen a horse I owned ever actually race on the track.

Oh, the marvels of the times we live in! Lauren and I got to talking about Bruno after the Derby. And in what is common for our evenings, I was in my room across the hall from her bedroom and we were talking back and forth from room to room. First, she asked if I was sure Bruno was born in 2007. I said, yes-what are you doing? She told me she wanted to look him up. I gave her the website I visit for pedigrees – www.allbreedpedigree.com

Next, thing she was asking me if I wanted to see Bruno run a race. Now, I had tried to find video of one of the four races that Bruno had run-but hadn’t been able to locate any. I said before that he had run to second place at Belmont Park in New York, but it was actually at Aqueduct Park. Still, New York though and still second.

It was actually just over two years ago, that Bruno, although big and slow out of the starting gate, thundered down the track from last place to take second. It was his best race, it was only one of four. Two weeks later in time, Bruno went to post again. I watched the video that showed the big horse dreadfully last, not even staying with the pack. It was the last race he ran. Was the hoof infection running rampant in his foot even then? I will never know why he started racing relatively late (at four) or how much his bad foot accounted for his inability to run. I will just marvel at the opportunity to see him run on the track at all, catching sight of his white nose and four white socks in the grainy video.

Really the biggest treat of the night was the unadulterated delight in my daughter’s face as she saw her favorite man on the track. Lauren was absolutely thrilled to see what has clearly become her favorite horse of all time (pushing Mickey out of his all-star role) roar down the track. Over and over (and we have now watched the video at least 16 times), like a child spotting their favorite Disney character in person for the first time, Lauren exclaimed with joy as her ‘Bru-Brady’ came out of the starting gate and onto to the track. As he mounted his challenge of the lead horses, Lauren sat mesmerized again and again that the horse on the track in New York was the same one she has cared for night and day for so many months.

Pretty exciting stuff, I must say. Here is the link to the video. Bruno’s registered name in ‘Fiddler’s Pilgrim’ he is number 2 in post position, in the green and white silks. Lauren swears he is much bigger than the other horses on the track, but I can’t see it clearly enough to tell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRnlGx2BQ_s

The dogs barking in the background are mine. Homemade video has technical inadequacies but tells the story. What an absolute delight to see your backyard thoroughbred coming down the home stretch, especially on Derby day when America all dreams of a owning a winning thoroughbred.

This horse has captivated the heart of my daughter. He has come so many miles (literally from New York to Texas) and been through so much. I suspect if he never gets any better than he is today, Lauren would love him and keep him the rest of his life.

A Birthday Outing to the Arena-A Bruno Story

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Bruno, six years-old today-the picture of health

Six years ago today, Bruno was born to be a race horse in New York state. Various adventures associated with a crack in his hoof have led him off the race track, to a big Houston hunter jumper barn with Sherre Sims, to our trainer Dev and finally to us. He came to us the first of November, 2012. I believe he has been at least a little lame for over two years if not longer while the infection simmered in his hoof. He certainly did not have four hooves without defects for quite some time-but except for a small space at the bottom of his hoof, he does today.

A little over four months ago, Bruno underwent surgery at Texas A&M Large Animal Hospital to remove infection from his coffin bone and his hoof. Until this week, over 120 days, he has remained on stall rest. You have heard the horrible stories of flooding rainwater, brilliant escapes and endless days. Today is a day for celebration and putting those issues behind us.

We got the okay for Bruno to get turned out of his stall for short periods. He has been thrilled to charge up and down the small paddock, bucking, kicking and being a horse. In recognition of his birthday, we decided today he could venture a little further out and visit the big, sandy arena.

I got the camera, opened the gate and waited for fireworks. Bruno was more interested in rolling in the warm sand, eating any stray grass and just sauntering around than he was in acting like a rodeo horse. But not at any time was there even a hint of lameness. I have to admit, if my shoulder/arm was not in a sling, I would have saddled up this boy today and taken a ride. Just a little walk, just a celebration of the goodness of life. Fortunately (probably) good sense prevailed, and I let Bruno stay unridden for a few more weeks.

I will just let the pictures tell the story today.

Getting his flowing trot back

A little attitude? He is not cutting his mane until his first ride.

And in the end, what better way to celebrate your birthday than a roll in the sand?

Happy birthday, big guy, and to many, many more!

Letting them go

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Daisy, once Sabrina, calming walking amongst the eventing jumps at Pine Hill

Who amongst us has not felt the pain of letting go? Be it our children off to college, our kids into the service or a horse sold on to another owner when you just did not mesh with each other. I recognize the first couple of examples are certainly more intense and heartfelt (or they can be) than letting a horse go, but letting a horse go after months or years of training together is often a bitter pill to swallow as well.

Lauren and I got to the show at Pine Hill Friday afternoon to find the horse once owned by our dear friend looking out of the stall at us.Her beautifully defined head was hard to miss as she looked expectantly at us for treats.

My friend is a barrel racer-a western rider- and this pretty mare, after extensive time and training was more suited to be an English mount than a western. My friend is a huge animal lover and each of her animals is like family to her. She asked me to help find this girl a new home in her discipline. The mare was at my farm for a while, in fact if you look at my banner picture on the blog she is running next to Mickey.

She was purchased by a great family and has done well with her new young lady who loves her perhaps as much as my friend did. It was a nice surprise to see them at the show. I sent the above picture to my friend. She was happy to see her old horse doing so well but a little sad as well that it couldn’t have been with her. I understand that feeling well. A year ago at this show we had Leo with us (the first big, bay in the banner picture) and we had quite a traumatic trailer ride home waiting for the MS150 bike riders to clear road in front of us. Leo has gone to a non-show family that doesn’t trailer him. I am sure he is much happier but I still miss the big goofball.

As a trainer, rider, horse lover, we invest so much of our time, energy, love, devotion and financial resources in an equine partner that learning when to quit and walk away is hard. It happens more than we wish and sometimes in spite of our best efforts. At this moment, Joey the big OTTB that we have followed from the rescue will make a move from Caroline’s loving care to Florida to an eventing barn where his size and speed should be huge assets. Another friend is looking to exchange one mount that should have been perfect (but just hasn’t reached the potential they hoped for him) with a new, better suited horse. And of course, who is a better poster child for the horse that has been moved around than our very own OTTB Bruno. He didn’t make it on the track, couldn’t cut it at one of the big barns and was finally sent our way by Dev, who did not have stall space to re-hab him. In his case, we hope we have found the answer to his hoof problem and he does nothing but continue to improve and have a glorious career.
But honestly, this is my life where things seldom go as planned, dreamed or hoped, so maybe he never really does much after his foot is fixed. I think Bruno, like Mickey, Kid and Snowboy has secured a place on our farm forever. Or as long as I can keep it running.

One of the hardest things we can do as parents, owners of horses or individuals is to embrace the love we have around of us when it is there with us and not to pine away about what might have been once it is lost to us. To encourage, grow and liberate that love so we have done our best to prepare whomever is important to us for the world. That day when we close the door to the dorm room or close the trailer behind our favorite horse for the last time rips our hearts apart. Letting them go, so bittersweet.

Oh, and maybe it is time for a new blog top photo. Seeing Daisy this weekend makes realize how much time has past.

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PostScript- Feather and Lauren were back in the hunter ring today and while all around things were improving, they are yet to be totally polished. They put in solid rounds over fences and the best flat class I have ever seen Lauren ride (certainly she had the best horse under her ever). We started working seriously on lead changes last Saturday at Dev’s, Lauren worked them hard this week and Feather produced them in almost ever instance today. Lauren rode second to Division Champion-Teri Bludworth, a solid, Houston pro. Feather had her highest placings ever and her first Reserve Championship ever. Yeah!

Look ma, one foot!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Bruno out in the second pasture, bucking with all his weight on his newly healed hoof! “Look mom, one leg!”

Bruno got to go out first thing this morning into the second paddock where I would not have to worry about him hitting the roof. It was a dreary overcast day but nothing was standing in the way of this big gelding, green grass and freedom. He dashed back and forth running with the pure joy of his thoroughbred heritage-the one that includes Seattle Slew and the big Secretariat. Many, many races were made back to paddock fence with sliding stops that would have caused envy to a reining horse. I caught the picture above as he bucked and ran. I am sending it Dr. Marsh and Dr. Criner to show them this guy is placing all 1350 pounds of his body weight on his newly healed hoof-AND it is holding up fine.

To watch him trot, canter and gallop without a single off-step was a miracle time for me. I remembered feeling so helpless/hopeless when it was determined he had to have surgery but to see him run today you would never know he had a problem, surgery or been out for months.

Okay, we are still a long way from a successful ride in the jumper ring-he has not had much training as a jumper because he was always having trouble with his foot. But this horse has totally enveloped Lauren with love. I had to remind her that this horse was not a pet and if he pushed her around, she had to bark back at him and re-gain his respect outside the stall. And we will have to see if the hoof holds up now that he is running and pounding on it. Lots of things to do before this is a total success story, but it a pretty awesome mid-point!

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My shoulder is healing. I am doing the daily exercises. It hurts. Sleep is always hard. My other shoulder aches all the time now as well, doing the work of both.

Lauren and Feather have a horse show this weekend. Pictures and updates to come!

My daughters, Ally and Amber, met in Orlando today. It will be a chance to piggy-back off Amber’s nursing seminar with some time alone with for the sisters. I keep thinking of my son-in-laws, in Denver and Houston, respectively, handling two children each without their wives. Wish I had a little nanny cam to watch how things are going but I know they will both have it under control.

PuppyGirl (the Yorkie) and Kona were having some fun times on the couch the other night. Talk about cute!

Face off!

The Escape Plan-A Bruno Story

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Bruno one day you will be free to run again! I pray!

As you will recall, Bruno and Kid are at the area Vet office for a few days while the roof extension is completed at home. I should have felt at ease with this plan but unless you have baby-sat Bruno you are not necessarily up to his tricks. When we got to the vet yesterday, we reiterated “DO NOT LET BRUNO OUT OF HIS STALL FOR ANY REASON! UNLESS THE BUILDING IS ON FIRE, BRUNO STAYS IN HIS STALL!”

We discussed that they could clean his stall but to watch out-he could push down a wheelbarrow and be gone in a flash. Kid was supposed to get his teeth done and we warned them to keep him in view of Bruno so Bruno would not get agitated. So many things we said but in the end you hope that just for a few days, the horse will stand quietly in his stall. He might even enjoy the parade of cows, goats, donkeys and new calves that show up at the vet each day. And if not, Kid was there across the hall, steady and true.

We talked before about Bruno watching t.v. to pass the long stall bound days (I checked and today is day 114 of Bruno’s incarceration) I am pretty sure he must have caught a few episodes of Hogan’s Heroes-a sitcom based upon prisoners of war trying to escape in Nazi German (who thought that would be a comedy?). But it was as each week, the prisoners would come up with one crazy escape plan after another. Well, Bruno must have caught the tunnel out of your cell episode.

I had made it until 5:00 pm. The guys had just left-finishing the barn roof right on time. Lauren had babysat for Ally as she had Lasik surgery today. I was alone. I got out to the barn to admire the work done and get Feather and Mickey in for dinner. I heard the phone ring as I filled water buckets but ignored it. Mistake! I got to the phone to see ‘missed-call-Wharton Vet Hospital’. My heart started pounding. I immediately called back but it was after five and went to the service. Then I stopped to listen to the message. It was the tech and he only told me to call the back line. If you work at a day care, a vet or an assisted living place, and you are leaving a message, start it with-“Your dog, mother, child, etc. is fine but we need to talk about X”, don’t just say call back on the other line.

Really nervous now, I get through to the clinic. I am placed on hold. Of course, I am. Then I am finally connected to the tech (in my brain I figured if it was really bad, the vet himself would have called but still). The tech tells me that Bruno is okay. Okay covers a lot of ground when an animal is at a vet hospital-like okay, now? or okay, in spite of his injuries or just plain, no harm, no foul, okay? Who knew? This is the story I got as my heart pounded and I silently prayed:

“At lunchtime, Bruno started digging. He dug through the stall dirt floor, through several inches of sand and finally into gravel. (At this point I thought I heard that he hit water and continued to paw.) When we came back from lunch he was eye level with the stall door, whereas, when we left he was three feet or so, taller than the door.”

I was panicking about his foot being submerged in water for longer than an hour as he continued to plunge it over and over into his escape hole. His injured hoof cannot get wet-and has not for 114 days! But then the tech assured me there was no water (I guess I just imagined that part)-just a three to four-foot hole that they were sure (right!) Bruno had dug only with his good hoof not with his bad hoof. Wow! But honestly, it could have happened at night and no one would have been there to see him. If Bruno had gone to Dev’s, he would not have been monitored 24/7! So, I took a deep breath and asked how bad he was. “Well, the doctor checked him and our farrier was here and Bruno did not appear lame at all!”. “We thought about giving him something to calm him down but by then he was all worn out and calm as a kid’s horse.” Of course, he was!

I asked what they thought got him going. Well, I was told he had gotten a little excited over the cattle (race horses do not see too many cows up close). But they thought it was the load of Belgiums that came in that really got him going. I was too tired and weak with relief to ask if he meant Belgium horses (are there Belgium horses in Wharton?) or Belgium cattle or goats, which I am not even sure exist. Perhaps, a bus load of Belgium tourists arrived. I had no idea and I did not ask.

I am glad the big guy got through another adventure safely (or safely I hope). I am a little (being honest here) happy that he acted up a bit. Unless you have been down this stall rest road, you have no comprehension what a horse can dream up to keep occupied day after day, month after month. I am sure you all think it is simple to keep a horse in a stall. But it is forever challenging-even for the pros.

Bruno impressed his keepers. I was told I got a free vet and lameness exam-really? Good they did not try to bill me for that. I was also told they had unbelievable pictures but in my relief stupor, I did not ask for those to be emailed to me. We will all just have to visualize the big, black horse, sinking, lower and lower below the stall door.

Oh, and I was also told, after bringing in several loads of dirt, sand and shavings, Kid was now in Bruno’s old stall and Bruno in Kid’s. Just so I would know when I came to pick them up in the morning, because you know, I had told them not to take him out of his stall.

Oh brother!

One Hundred Days-a Bruno Story

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Exechorseluver

105 days ago!

One hundred days have now gone by.

One hundred days since Bruno walked into the Texas A&M surgery suite and limped out.

One hundred days of being imprisoned in a 12 by 14 cell.

One hundred days of pain, of blood, of boredom and of faith.

One hundred days of trust, that his owners were doing the best thing for him.

One hundred days-of smells of great rains and smells of new spring grass.

One hundred days that have felt like a million and yet flown right by.

One hundred days of bandage changes and new shoes.

One hundred days of fresh shavings, constant food and water from his favorite girl, Lauren.

One hundred days of ups and downs.

One hundred days without a change watching the world from his window.

One hundred days of healing, of rest, of ease. No race track bustle here.

One hundred days of growing stronger, growing brighter, growing hoof.

One hundred days broken up by a few trailer trips to A&M and an emergency trip to the local vet.

One hundred days of sameness but one night lost forever to a bad drug reaction.

One hundred days that nearly didn’t come.

One hundred days of jolly balls, salt licks and a true best friend in Mr. Kid.

One hundred days of photos with friends and family. Of becoming an icon.

One hundred days later, the new hoof re-grown, almost competely.

One hundred days later, being one X-Ray away from being ridden again.

One hundred days later the dream still alive that this big OTTB will once again storm across the pasture.

One hundred days later still convinced that he will soar over the jumps and win some blue.

One hundred days later, we are weary but encouraged.

One hundred days from now where will we be?

One hundred days further-travel along with me.

Come back, big guy, come back!

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Tag Archives: OTTBs