Lacy, Echo and DG Griffin, are all working on different, developmentally appropriate things.
Lacy and I had a lesson with Steve Mantle at a neighbor’s arena. We focused on improving our left lead, softness, stops and bending. We got several great pointers and exercises to work on.
We may feel most at home on the trail but having her be balanced and responsive is important for her health and our safety.
I did some untracking, directional and speed control exercises in the round pen with Echo. We’ll start ground driving next. We also took a walk together, away from the other horses, because buddy sourness is no bueno, for anyone involved.
I want her to learn to feel just as comfortable in my company as she does being with her herd. That requires work, time and continued practice.
Little Griffin worked on being left behind, safely on the patience post. He’s learned to go on walks with me without worrying too much about where his friends are. Being able to feel ok all by himself doesn’t come naturally to most horses, so we practice that too.
Many of you have been asking about Cedar. She’s in EasyCare hoof boots on both hind feet and back in her pen. She’s doing as well as one could hope for given her diagnosis.
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster trying to figure out a way forward in the face of several different opinions, prognoses and treatment approaches.
The obvious is that yes, it’s an articular fracture, meaning it involves the joint above the fractured coffin bone and P2 is fractured as well but not dislocated. The outlook is less than great, less than good even. I’ve heard everything from “dead horse walking” to “we’ve had some success with these types of injuries” multiple times.
We’d be looking at 12+ months of therapeutic shoeing and rest, possibly a cast, likely PRP, pain management, regular x-rays. She’s supposed to see the vet again on Tuesday to rule out infection in the joint as that would most likely be a deal breaker.
Lots to figure out, we’re taking it one step at a time. Cedar and I and all of us at Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy are so grateful for the support you guys have shown, both through donations, hands on help, advice and so many encouraging and caring messages.
Tiny is alive and well and doing a great job looking after Echo and Griffin. He still fancies himself a band stallion, until it’s time for food and cuddles anyway.
Many thanks to Karyn Tessman Miller for the Best Ever Pad (it’s really been the best pad I’ve ever had and it made a believer out of Steve too; contact her directly to order yours) and to Rowdy’s Ropes for the loop reins with cowboy quick connects as well as the training halters and lead ropes. They see long days, real work and lots of mud here. I wash them when they need it and I get years and years of use out of them.
