Our Sweet Boy

More sad news. Our polo pony, Trick, had to be humanely euthanized following a freak paddock accident in Aiken, SC. Mark is not exactly sure what happened, but it appeared that Trick somehow got his leg over something, pulled back, completely severing the tendon in his left front leg. As Mark said "Mom, as soon as I saw the injury, I knew it was hopeless". It never is easy having to euthanize an animal, even when it is obvious that there is no hope for recovery. It is always in the back of my mind "what if?" Could we have trailered Trick somewhere to have surgery? Mark said the tendons were like spagetti. How would Trick even get into a trailer? There are special trailers designed with hoists and other equipment to handle horses and large animals, but even with that, the type of microscopic surgery would have cost a fortune. Even if I had all the money in the world, would it be fair to Trick to put him through surgery and the recovery; to maybe be able to stand and walk? He certainly would never play polo again, and it would have been a miracle if he were even pasture sound. I can't speak for other owners of polo horses/Thoroughbreds, but it seems that once they can't play polo, race or have some use, they start to fade away. Polo or racing has been their life; it is what they know how to do; it is in their blood. Take it away, and what is there? All Mark and the vet could do was to wrap Trick's leg and give him pain medication until arrangements could be made for a backhoe. Mark sat on Trick's back, hitting polo balls, while Trick grazed. I know you're up there in Heaven galloping as fast as you can, chasing polo balls, and when the game is over you are napping in the shade. Twilight Trick by Clever Trick(Ice Capade) out of Glory's Light(Halo). Born in Ky on March 23, 1995. Raced until 6 years of age. Retrained for polo.Crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Oct. 20,2011.

Just for Fun

I read this in a book and wanted to share it with my readers.
Riding Anniversary Gifts For That Special Horsewoman
First year traditional gift is a paper product. For the horsepwoman a subscription to a horse magazine.
Fifth year traditional gift is silverware. Horsewoman-Saddle with silver nameplate
Tenth year traditional gift is a diamond. Horsewoman-riding blouse pin with diamond.
Fifteenth year traditional gift is crystal. Horseswoman-New truck.
Twentieth year traditional gift is Platinum. Horsewoman-High-quality show horse.
Thirtieth year traditional gift is diamond. Horsewoman-New barn.
Fortieth year traditional gift is a ruby. Horsewoman-New Hip.
Fiftieth year traditional gift is gold. Horsewoman-Back Brace.
Sixtieth year traditional gift is diamond. Horsewoman-diamond.

South for the Winter

Last Tuesday Mark announced that he may have a job in Aiken, SC. Wednesday evening it was definite, and he was to leave on Saturday. Having just spent 24 hours "camping" with Fancy I knew of all the things needed for 1 horse and 1 human. Consider what is needed for 5 horses and 1 human, plus the fact that it would be for at least 5 months, and Mark really wasn't sure what would be provided at his destination other that an apartment, 12 stall barn, and 10 acres of paddocks. He didn't even know if there were buckets in the stalls, or how cold the weather might get-should he bring blankets and rainsheets? Lists were made and items gathered, packed, piled, inventoried and washed. The trailer also had to go into the garage so the tires and brakes could be checked. We weren't sure if Divine Brown should travel that distance with her "bad" knee, so our veterinarian came by and performed a lameness evaluation on DB. Fortunately, she passed the exam, and we were informed that the warmer weather would actually be very helpful for her arthritis.It would be a 17 hour drive, so he needed someone to help drive. The first 2 people that agreed to go backed-out. Luck was on our side when Marks brother-in-law volunteered to go along on the trip. Tom and I were quite relieved as Joe has driven the truck and trailer in the past, was very good handling the horses, and had mechanical knowledge.
Because Joe would need someway to get back "North", airline reservations had to be made. Keep in mind that we had only 2 days to get everything done. It was a monumental task, but somehow everything fell into place. Horses were loaded at 2:30 AM Saturday, and off everyone went. Wow!! I had forgotten how easy it is to care for only 2 horses! I feel like I'm on vacation!

Camping

One thing I have always wanted to do, was to go camping with my horses. I suppose Mark or Tom could also go with us! Each October the local riding and driving club hosts a 3 day trail ride in nearby Barre, MA. Riders and their horses can camp-out; all meals are provided; there is some form of entertainment-this year it was a jousting demonstration. There are several well marked trails(13, 20 miles and any variation). As always, I volunteer, and rarely ride, unless it is to mark trails. My jobs for the weekend were to register riders, help with the meals, and "man" the lunch stop on the 20-mile trail. The weather was perfect, and we had at least 20 riders camp-out with their horses, and 60 riders on the trails. Since I was going to be at this event, I decided to have Tom bring our trailer, with Fancy and Mark's portable corral, to the field so I could try "camping". I didn't ride, but got to spend quality time with Fancy. At first I was afraid I'd be awake all night worrying about her escaping, but told myself that if she did escape, she wouldn't go far as she was in a big field with lots of other horses. Surprisingly I slept well, and Fancy being the sweet mare that she is, didn't nicker for breakfast until 7 AM. I can't wait until next year. Maybe, I'll even get to ride!

Vasculitis

I have learned of a new equine condition. Fancy didn't eat her grain one morning, nor her hay during the day. She had no temperature, but by the end of the day, she could barely walk, and her right hind leg was very swollen. I was not too alarmed, as she has always had a problem with this particular leg swelling. Usually the swelling would subside after she moved around. In this case the swelling only increased, and she became very listless, and still had a poor appetite. We initially treated her with Bute, but after 2 days of stall rest our veterinarion Vasculitis is inflammation of the walls of blood vessels. It's cause is somewhat of a mystery, though it is believed to be a reaction of the horses own immune system aagainst bacteria, virus, drug reaction, or reaction to an herbal. Vasculitis almost always occurs in one hind leg, very often the horse will have recurrent episodes in it's lifetime, and there will be "Scratches" on the affected leg. An appointment was scheduled with our veterinarians Buck Hill Veterinary Services. They were able to see Fancy the next day, and by that time Fancy had a fever of 103, and her entire leg was affected and the edema was spreading to her udder and belly. She was given Lasix--I know understand the statement "Peeing like a racehorse", 2 different antibiotics, and the use of steroids was discussed if the problem didn't quickly subside. Fortunately after 24 hours she was improving and even wanted to go outside into the paddock. Four more days of treatment, and she should be as good as new-at least as new as one can expect for a 28 year old horse!! Poor Fancy !!!

Artistic Creativity

Yesterday, Tom was looking out of the bedroom window and saw a rainbow of colors on the roof of our tool shed. Upon closer inspection, he realized each of the colored items was actually a horse grooming tool. After washing a bunch of brushes, combs, etc; I had set them on the shed roof to dry. Maybe I'll leave them there, and get an early start on holiday decorating!

Bit Warmers

I find it funny to see all the new horse-related products I can waste my money buying. I don't know about my readers, but whenever I am thinking about buying something frivolous, I say to myself "How many bales of hay would that money buy?"
Yesterday I saw an ad for "Bling Bit Warmers". The description of this product is: Add glamour(shiny material and sequins) to the process of heating up your bit before bridling.Heat 40 seconds in a microwave. Stays warm for 1/2 hour. Machine washable. Has 4 Velcro tabs at the corners for easy fitting on most standard bits. Suggested retail, $14.99 each. Shipping is $7.95 Now tell me how many people have a microwave oven in their barn? Who is going to see and appreciate your bit warmer with bling? Certainly not your horse. And, call me old fashion, but what ever happened to holding the bit between your hands, and huffing on it with your warm breath! Even holding the bit between your warm legs/knees will work. I don't know about you, but for $24.95 I'll buy 5 bales of hay, and NO your cannot have the name of my hay supplier!