The vet came yesterday and the farrier came today. The vet appointments are always quite the experience; you never know what to expect. I'll tell you about Jasper (aka: Pony) since his time with the vet is always the most dramatic/nerve-wrecking. He is very wary of people he doesn't know, and tends to freak out when he thinks that they are going to harm him somehow. The vet ended up forgetting that they were supposed to be quiet when they first got there so he doesn't hear them. So, Pony ended up hearing them talking along with their truck pulling up (we had the barn doors closed so he couldn't see them though.) He already knew something was up due to the fact that they were still in 20 minutes after they had eaten. So, as soon as my sister and I walked in with the initial sedation he was already pretty wired. His head was up, his eyes were wide, and started backing up. We tried to distract him with a bucket full of apple slices, but he was pretty jumpy. However, surprisingly, he didn't react as badly when he felt the needle prick him. He jumped a little bit, but it was over rather quickly. Last time he bent the needle and we had to try again with a different shot. The vet then came in and decided to let him relax some.
The other horses were all fine, except for Glory. She's the baby of the barn, a yearling now. She was pretty freaked out. As soon a the vet took her lead rope she started trying to run away. They ended up having to twitch her... poor baby. She didn't react to the shots, but she was pretty scared.After all the other horses were done they went back to Jasper. They had to give him another sedation (this time through the vein.) He freaked out somewhat when they came into his stall, and tried backing away with his head up. But, the most he did was flinch when they stuck him with the needle. He used to charge forward, and try and run away from them. My poking him with the toothpick seems to have worked somewhat. They waited until he was pretty out of it, and then floated his teeth and gave him his vaccines. I cleaned his sheath after they left (he peed while I was in the middle of cleaning it, lol.) I'm glad it's over though. It's very nerve-wrecking and I always feel really badly for Pony. But, he did much better than last time. I really need to find away to get him used to/not as afraid of new people.
This morning Pony had a fever of 102.9. The vet told us some of them might, from the vaccines. But, there was going to be a heat index of 105 today, and I didn't want him out in the hot sun. So, the majority of the horses ended up in their stalls with they lights off, and the fans going. I also went out about every two hours and sponged them off. I also gave Pony some bute to help lower his fever, and by the end of the day it was successfully down to 99. The farrier also came today. Pony is absolutely fine with the farrier. He's remembers him, and it is his feet that is handled... nothing new, nothing scary. Glory, on the other hand, threw a fit when it was time for her one back hoof to get done. She wasn't scared like yesterday; she was mad, and did not want him touching her. She tried running, and then she tried kicking, and then she tried leaning her weight against him. She actually ended up falling over. I think after yesterday, she just wanted to be left alone. It gave me a glimpse at the demon foal she used to be. She used to kick, rear, and strike out at us almost daily back then. She's mellowed out a lot since then. I'm quite glad the whole traumatic vet experience is over and we wont have to deal with it for a while.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
NKOTBSB Concert!!!
We went to see BackStreet Boys and New Kids On the Block last night! They were amazing! The BackStreet Boys were my favorite band when I was like 10, so it was really exciting to get to see them perform. It was also my first big concert. I went and saw Carrie Underwood a couple of years ago, but that was at the state fair so it wasn't very big. Anyway I had a blast, and I bought a t-shirt (which was like 40 dollars!) I only knew a couple of songs from NKOTB, but they were still pretty good. After the concert we went and stood out by the tour buses and got to wave to them. They were all standing around talking to each other. And, I know I sound like a total fan girl saying this, but it really would have made my night if I could have touched or hugged one of them, lol. I remember cranking up the music and dancing around my room when I was 10 or so. So, being able to see BSB for the first time brought me back to my younger days. I have some pictures, but they aren't on my computer yet; I'll try and post some next time, if I remember.
As for the horses, they are all doing pretty well. Although the flies and the heat are making them somewhat miserable. Lightning's hooves are already chipping from all the stomping. Last year it got so bad that he was lame off and on from how far back they chipped (he also got thrush at some point.) The vet is coming out on Wed. to give shots and all. Pony isn't going to do very well with that. He is very wary of people he doesn't know, and he freaks out over shots. He doesn't get aggressive, but he rears and tries to bolt. I've been jabbing him with a syringe (that doesn't have a needle.) And, I'm going to poke him with a toothpick tomorrow. Usually my sister and I have to try and sedate him while the vet hides outside. Once that is done, the vet will come in and give him another round of sedation through the vein. He gets everything done at once... vaccines, his teeth will get floated, and then I'll clean his sheath. I'm able to clean his sheath without him being sedated, but I'm able to do it extra thoroughly when he is out of it. He used to get his teeth floated by our dentist, but he ended up having to come back several times just to get him done. So, now he just gets done by the vet. Hopefully all will go well (crosses fingers!)
As for the horses, they are all doing pretty well. Although the flies and the heat are making them somewhat miserable. Lightning's hooves are already chipping from all the stomping. Last year it got so bad that he was lame off and on from how far back they chipped (he also got thrush at some point.) The vet is coming out on Wed. to give shots and all. Pony isn't going to do very well with that. He is very wary of people he doesn't know, and he freaks out over shots. He doesn't get aggressive, but he rears and tries to bolt. I've been jabbing him with a syringe (that doesn't have a needle.) And, I'm going to poke him with a toothpick tomorrow. Usually my sister and I have to try and sedate him while the vet hides outside. Once that is done, the vet will come in and give him another round of sedation through the vein. He gets everything done at once... vaccines, his teeth will get floated, and then I'll clean his sheath. I'm able to clean his sheath without him being sedated, but I'm able to do it extra thoroughly when he is out of it. He used to get his teeth floated by our dentist, but he ended up having to come back several times just to get him done. So, now he just gets done by the vet. Hopefully all will go well (crosses fingers!)
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hay!
Well first let me start off by saying that Sunday was a very depressing day. Our barn cat, Tigger, was hit by a car that morning. Our neighbor, from down the road, pulled up to tell us that he was laying on the side of the road. We buried him near the barn. I really miss him. He was a great friend that always kept me company whenever I was outside. He was always in the barn with me, and would keep me company when I was in the garden picking vegetables. He would lay on my lap and keep me warm in the winter while I was waiting for the horses to finish eating. I really really miss him. I think I'm taking it worse than I did when my other animals died. I think because, with them, I had time to prepare; they were sick and weren't going to get better. I saw Tig the night before happy and healthy, and the next day he was gone. I don't really want to look at any pictures at the moment, but I do believe there is one of him in my second or third post that I've ever typed.
On another note, the same neighbor who told us about Tigger, cut our hay fields on Sunday. He's an awesome neighbor who has been a big help to us since we've moved here. On Monday the hay was flipped, and last night it was baled. We got just under 300 bales. However, they each weighed around 65-80 pounds, which is more than the average bale of hay. We had loads of help from neighbors, family, and friends. The country is great, everyone helps each other out. In fact before we did our hay, we went and helped another guy (the one who baled our hay) finish with his hay. Some of the hay is a little on the green side, so I really hope it doesn't mold. But, unfortunately, it is supposed to rain today, so we couldn't give it another day to dry. I actually just got in from raking up some of the loose stuff that got left behind from the baler (in almost 90 degree whether.) It is hot hot hot outside!
We still have another field to cut. We should get another 100-200 bales off of that. I don't know where we are going to put it all. Our one tall shed is full. We have two small hay loft type areas in the barn that are empty. But, I think we are going to have to fill up the two empty stalls like we usually do (one is already has some hay in it.) This is only the first cutting though, and if the second cutting is as good as the first, then we might have to clear out another shed. Hopefully none of it molds; if it doesn't, then we might be set for winter. It will be great if we don't have to buy any! We also have to make sure the hay doesn't get too hot (especially the green ones,) or else they might catch fire. Last summer we didn't get very much hay, but this summer we have a ton!
On another note, the same neighbor who told us about Tigger, cut our hay fields on Sunday. He's an awesome neighbor who has been a big help to us since we've moved here. On Monday the hay was flipped, and last night it was baled. We got just under 300 bales. However, they each weighed around 65-80 pounds, which is more than the average bale of hay. We had loads of help from neighbors, family, and friends. The country is great, everyone helps each other out. In fact before we did our hay, we went and helped another guy (the one who baled our hay) finish with his hay. Some of the hay is a little on the green side, so I really hope it doesn't mold. But, unfortunately, it is supposed to rain today, so we couldn't give it another day to dry. I actually just got in from raking up some of the loose stuff that got left behind from the baler (in almost 90 degree whether.) It is hot hot hot outside!
We still have another field to cut. We should get another 100-200 bales off of that. I don't know where we are going to put it all. Our one tall shed is full. We have two small hay loft type areas in the barn that are empty. But, I think we are going to have to fill up the two empty stalls like we usually do (one is already has some hay in it.) This is only the first cutting though, and if the second cutting is as good as the first, then we might have to clear out another shed. Hopefully none of it molds; if it doesn't, then we might be set for winter. It will be great if we don't have to buy any! We also have to make sure the hay doesn't get too hot (especially the green ones,) or else they might catch fire. Last summer we didn't get very much hay, but this summer we have a ton!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Desensitizing the Pony
Yesterday, Pony came in off the field with a big scrape on the inside of his one back leg. Nothing serious, but enough that I wanted to put something on it. So, I go and get the purple woundcoat stuff. About a year ago I tried to use furral on him and he freaked out. I used to use it all the time when he got hurt, but he woke up one day and decided that it was really scary. So, yesterday I decided not to use the usual ointment and to try the spray. The first time I sprayed his leg he flinched. I didn't get all of it covered, so I went a second time and he started crab stepping away from me. And, then, he kicked up at me. His hoof actually connected with my hand the one time (just barely though.) He wasn't being aggressive; he was trying to get the spray away from him. For all he knew the can was going to spit out a snake at him with the noise it was making. And, in a way, it did when the spray actually hit him. He is fine with flyspray and being hosed off and all, but he is, apparently, afraid of aerosol sprays.
So, now I am working on desensitizing him to the spray stuff. I'm going around making a "chhhh" noise to imitate the sound the spray makes. He gets all tense at first and then slowly relaxes. I've been making the noise all the time, when I feed him, brush him, flyspray him, and when I'm just leading him around. I also took the can of woundcoat and imitated the noise it makes while moving it up and down along side him. (I didn't actually spray him though.) His head would go up, he would get all tense, and have this OMG expression on his face. I would do it for 10 seconds on one side, give him 20-30 second break, and then switch to the other side. After a few minutes he was way more relaxed and wasn't reacting as much. He even worked up the courage to touch the can with his nose and investigate it (which is pretty good since he would try and move away from it whenever I would take a step towards him with it before.) So, I think, in a couple of days, he will be much better with it. We worked through his fear of flyspray a couple of years ago, so we will work through this too. However, it does make me realize that I need to start desensitizing him to more stuff, and make him more "bombproof." On another note, his birthday is next week; he will be 6. My little boy is growing up so quickly!
So, now I am working on desensitizing him to the spray stuff. I'm going around making a "chhhh" noise to imitate the sound the spray makes. He gets all tense at first and then slowly relaxes. I've been making the noise all the time, when I feed him, brush him, flyspray him, and when I'm just leading him around. I also took the can of woundcoat and imitated the noise it makes while moving it up and down along side him. (I didn't actually spray him though.) His head would go up, he would get all tense, and have this OMG expression on his face. I would do it for 10 seconds on one side, give him 20-30 second break, and then switch to the other side. After a few minutes he was way more relaxed and wasn't reacting as much. He even worked up the courage to touch the can with his nose and investigate it (which is pretty good since he would try and move away from it whenever I would take a step towards him with it before.) So, I think, in a couple of days, he will be much better with it. We worked through his fear of flyspray a couple of years ago, so we will work through this too. However, it does make me realize that I need to start desensitizing him to more stuff, and make him more "bombproof." On another note, his birthday is next week; he will be 6. My little boy is growing up so quickly!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Preakness and Horse Stuff
The Preakness was yesterday! I swear one of these years I will go there; Pimlico isn't that far from where I live. Animal Kingdom didn't win, so no chance at a Triple Crown winner. He came in second though, and if the race was just a little bit longer, he would have won it. Oh, well maybe next year; I at least hope that there will be one Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. I'm quite thankful that no horses were injured in the Preakness. Archarcharch, who was injured in the Derby, and required surgery, is doing well. He will be retired to stud at Spendthrift Farm.
So, you know the halter I had bought Pony about 3 weeks ago? Well, the leather part broke. I found it laying out in the middle of the field. Thankfully it was a breakaway, so he didn't get hurt with whatever he did. Although, I can quite imagine one of the other horses just grabbing it and yanking it off his face lol. So, now I have to go and try to get a replacement leather thing for it. They don't need to wear their halters anymore though, while turned out, since they are now out on grass more than just a couple of hours. (They are easier to catch now.)
My horse is such a sweetheart though. Last night he walked away from the other horses to see me. He leaned his neck against my side while I scratched his withers. He dozed off while I rested my head on his neck, and we just kind of stood like that until I had to go back inside. It was one of those awwww moments. lol
Another random thing that I thought I would mention is that Canter USA is having an online auction to raise money. The auction ends tonight at 8:00 pm though. Not very many people have bid, last I checked, but there aren't very many items. Some of the items include: a Ralph Lauren vest, Zenyata and Empire Maker halters, jewelery, riding pants, different riding lessons and clinics, and some other things. So check it out.
Canter USA
So, you know the halter I had bought Pony about 3 weeks ago? Well, the leather part broke. I found it laying out in the middle of the field. Thankfully it was a breakaway, so he didn't get hurt with whatever he did. Although, I can quite imagine one of the other horses just grabbing it and yanking it off his face lol. So, now I have to go and try to get a replacement leather thing for it. They don't need to wear their halters anymore though, while turned out, since they are now out on grass more than just a couple of hours. (They are easier to catch now.)
My horse is such a sweetheart though. Last night he walked away from the other horses to see me. He leaned his neck against my side while I scratched his withers. He dozed off while I rested my head on his neck, and we just kind of stood like that until I had to go back inside. It was one of those awwww moments. lol
Another random thing that I thought I would mention is that Canter USA is having an online auction to raise money. The auction ends tonight at 8:00 pm though. Not very many people have bid, last I checked, but there aren't very many items. Some of the items include: a Ralph Lauren vest, Zenyata and Empire Maker halters, jewelery, riding pants, different riding lessons and clinics, and some other things. So check it out.
Canter USA
Sunday, May 15, 2011
2 More Days!
As the title suggests, there are only two more days of classes left!! I have a test on Monday though, and I am procrastinating greatly which is why I am typing this. Although I am listening to the music I need to be able to recognize. Right now I'm listening to Stravinsky. Once I'm done classes I'll have 3 finals, and then it will be summer!
The horses are now up to about 4 hours of grass time during the day. More grass = less hay = money saved. Glory, our yearling, got kicked yesterday by the horse she gets turned out with. The 23 year old decided she wanted to be with the other horses, and threw a tantrum. Poor Glory was all confused and then got all nervous. Her leg was only a little bit swollen last night, but this morning it was worse. So, we cold hosed it again. She really isn't favoring it all that much though. She's putting equal weight on all four. We gave her some bute too, so hopefully it looks better by tonight.
I cant wait to have all the time in the world this summer. I'm going to work with Pony everyday. I do want to look for a job though. I need to start saving up money. I need to buy a new laptop. The one I have now is about 7 or so years old. It's been holding up great, but is starting to slow down. I cant decide between a PC or a Mac. Right now I have a PC, but I've heard great things about Macs. Any opinions?
The horses are now up to about 4 hours of grass time during the day. More grass = less hay = money saved. Glory, our yearling, got kicked yesterday by the horse she gets turned out with. The 23 year old decided she wanted to be with the other horses, and threw a tantrum. Poor Glory was all confused and then got all nervous. Her leg was only a little bit swollen last night, but this morning it was worse. So, we cold hosed it again. She really isn't favoring it all that much though. She's putting equal weight on all four. We gave her some bute too, so hopefully it looks better by tonight.
I cant wait to have all the time in the world this summer. I'm going to work with Pony everyday. I do want to look for a job though. I need to start saving up money. I need to buy a new laptop. The one I have now is about 7 or so years old. It's been holding up great, but is starting to slow down. I cant decide between a PC or a Mac. Right now I have a PC, but I've heard great things about Macs. Any opinions?
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Kentucky Derby!
The Kentucky Derby was run just over an hour ago! I love horse racing, and every year I look forward to the Triple Crown races. I haven't really been following racing lately though, and I didn't really research any of the horses that were entered. I really wanted Pants on Fire to win though, mainly because it would have been awesome to have a female jockey win. However, Nehro was the name of the horse that was really jumping out at me. Nehro finished second and Pants on Fire got ninth. In case anyone missed it Animal Kingdom was the winner. ArchArchArch was pulled up and has a small fracture to some bone whose name I can not remember. He should be ok though. They said he will need surgery, but it is not life-threatening.
After the Derby we went and fed the horses. We've been slowly reintroducing them to the freshly grown grass, and they can be pain in the butts to get off of it lol. They see us coming and book it to the opposite end of the field. Last year Pony let me catch him, but this year he has to gallop a couple of laps before he decides it's time to go in the barn and eat his food.
I finally bought new leather cleaner! Last night I cleaned Pony's saddle and bridle. My saddle is a really old Theo Sommers saddle that I got for free (my aunt, who doesn't ride, bought it at a garage sale and had it sitting around.) Luckily, it fits both my and my horse nicely. I had never heard of the brand until I got it, but it's really nice. I also bought Jasper a new halter; its blue with green and lighter blue designs. Maybe I'll get a picture of it on him and post it. I also bought him glittery blue bell boots. He tends to overreach when he gets to running really fast. He got a few nicks that way when we were introducing them back to the grass last year in the spring. He looks all cute in them!
After the Derby we went and fed the horses. We've been slowly reintroducing them to the freshly grown grass, and they can be pain in the butts to get off of it lol. They see us coming and book it to the opposite end of the field. Last year Pony let me catch him, but this year he has to gallop a couple of laps before he decides it's time to go in the barn and eat his food.
I finally bought new leather cleaner! Last night I cleaned Pony's saddle and bridle. My saddle is a really old Theo Sommers saddle that I got for free (my aunt, who doesn't ride, bought it at a garage sale and had it sitting around.) Luckily, it fits both my and my horse nicely. I had never heard of the brand until I got it, but it's really nice. I also bought Jasper a new halter; its blue with green and lighter blue designs. Maybe I'll get a picture of it on him and post it. I also bought him glittery blue bell boots. He tends to overreach when he gets to running really fast. He got a few nicks that way when we were introducing them back to the grass last year in the spring. He looks all cute in them!
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