Diagnosis :'(

Last Friday was vet day. I took everything equine in for their annual. My old ladies were perfect and didn't even need to be floated. I am so grateful for that.


Anabelle did pretty darn good, too. Loading her was an experience. I walked her to the trailer and was about to get her in using leverage when she saw my mom behind her and she forcefully
declined. I caught her again and patiently walked her up to the trailer one step at a time. When she was close enough for me to wrap the lead around the trailer, my mom came behind and convinced her going in was easier. She jumped in and we were ready to go. It took no contact with the lunge whip or ugliness from us at all. It is obvious that she has been rushed into the process before and is unsure it is safe. We unloaded at Dr. Motl's and tied her in the pens
while we worked on the girls. I am very impressed with everyone's behavior considering the MAJOR construction going on a few feet away and ambulance sirens blowing by at the most inappropriate time. They all did great. When it was time to load up, dad led Anabelle up to the trailer. As she got close, she sped up and took a running leap in the trailer. She was ready to go home!


Diesel went to see Dr. Volkmer at Bay City Vet Clinic. I really like him. He's an equine specialist
and is very good at his job. Diesel was sound after flexion tests but showed signs of pain with pressure to the hoof. X-rays confirmed a moderate case of navicular. There are several large cysts on the bone. We are attempting to slow down the disease with Adequan injections and treating the pain with bute. Next time he is shod he will get aluminum shoes with a 3 degree wedge. Dr. Volkmer thinks we can keep him somewhat sound for awhile. Interesting fact: Diesel weighs 1,345 lbs. He's a beast!


This news is devastating. I now have 3 lame horses that need special care. Getting another horse is not possible until I am down to just 1. I hope this is many years from now. Once a horse is mine, it is mine forever. It is the only way to ensure their life is good.


The good that came out of all of this is now we know what causes his intermittent pain. We can help him. And he is a very good patient. This month he gets an injection every 4 days, afterwards,
once a month. I'll try a ride this week since I have time off for the holiday. Every moment counts. Appreciate your time with your loved ones, you never know when it is your last ride. My life is blessed.

Driving Me Crazy

The horse life is full of joy and pain and aggravation. I brought Diesel home from 3 months with the trainer. He is ready to go conquer the world. And the first thing he does is become lame. We thought it was long toes. Or, possibly, a bruised sole. Two weeks later, it has not improved. I will be trying out Bay City Equine Clinic next week. Hopefully, we can solve this problem that has presented itself in the past. I still think he's a big cry baby and it's not quite as bad as he makes it out to be. And, I still think something major is going on. I pray it is not navicular.

I have this fancy, new saddle and no horse to ride. How frustrating? I have this amazingly talented horse who I cannot ride. How frustrating? I have a magnificent older beast that I cannot ride because both of her tendons are damaged. How frustrating? I have a kind, sweet dramatice mare with a bobbley head that I should ride, if not for cold weather. How frustrating?

I have 3 unique and special horses, including one that is the horse-of-a-lifetime. I am blessed to spend many joyful years with 3 perfect horses. I am so lucky. Especially, for every extra day I get with Miss Priss. She is the love of my life. Don't tell Kevin! He might not understand.