tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47531021699367013942024-03-19T06:08:37.133-07:00My Life With HorsesDun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-28601675698690975512012-02-19T16:34:00.000-08:002012-02-19T16:39:52.142-08:00Long Road To Recovery for Cody<div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So, I’ve been really lazy about blogging lately. Though for the most part, I really just haven’t had much time. Cody’s knee surgery was three months ago, and……it’s been a long road, getting from there to here (hah, song lyrics, but they fit). And we have a long road ahead of us.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside with Lady day before she went lame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A couple days after coming home from surgery in November, Cody went three legged lame, refusing to put any weight at all on the leg she had knee surgery on. And a couple days after that, we found the reason why when one of her incisions started draining nasty bloody yellow stuff like crazy. Infection had set into one of her incisions.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">How or why it got infected, we have no idea. Infections after this type of surgery are rare, almost unheard of, especially showing up a week after the surgery was actually done. Not to mention the fact that she was on preventative IV antibiotics both before and after surgery the entire time she was at the MSU vet clinic to prevent any infection from getting in there. And the day she went three legged lame because the infection was apparently really brewing in there, she still had on the bandage that they sent her home in, per the clinics instructions, so it wasn’t due to leaving a bandage on too long, or being rebandaged in less sterile conditions at home in the barn. It was just one of those bizarre things. But then, welcome to my life, if it can happen, it will likely happen to one of my horses.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting Cody girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But on top of that, joint infections are very bad news to begin with, and the three legged lame part was even worse. Horses just can’t stand on three legs for very long, before that other leg breaks down, or bows tendons, or laminitis sets in. Heck, even Barbaro couldn’t beat laminitis, and he had the best vet care available.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But by some miracle, Cody has managed to pull through so far! They say Thoroughbreds have a lot of heart, and while Cody might be only half Thoroughbred, I’ve seen that “heart” and I’m glad for that Thoroughbred side of her right now. (<a href="http://dungotclass.blogspot.com/2011/11/nine-lives.html">And I still say she's part cat</a>, though she’s probably used up another life or two.) Even my vet keeps saying “she’s amazing, any other horse would have given up long ago”. I’ve called Cody a pansy in the past, because she’s so thin skinned and sensitive, but I can’t call her that anymore, she is one tough girl!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And thankfully I’ve had an awesome surgeon and regular vet to work with, and they have both been amazing working together on this. And thankfully Cody has been smart, and taking good care of herself.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my bucket while stretching her leg.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So we’ve been through four different antibiotics fighting this. The first week was three injections a day with two different antibiotics. I’m getting good with the muscle injections, poor Cody was a pin cushion. Then we switched over to SMZ tablets twice a day, and a long acting antibiotic injection once a week for five weeks. She’s still on the SMZ tablets and probably will be for a few more months. Infection that gets down into the joint and/or bone can apparently take up to six months of antibiotics to get it truly gone. We’re not taking any chances!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">By some miracle, the two joints in her knee above the infected one that she had surgery on managed to stay infection free!! But the infection did a lot of damage to the joint she had surgery on. Demineralizing and destroying some of the bone, and destabilizing the joint some. The x-rays we’ve taken of that joint to track it’s progress are just scary crazy looking! I’ll try to post them in another blog when I get a chance. The only good thing to this is, if there was any cartilage left in that joint, the infection has completely destroyed it, basically doing what the surgery did, so if she can pull through this without that other front leg giving out on her, we should get a solid fusion in that joint this time around.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you done with my stall yet mom?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I feel just awful that things have gone so wrong, making her recovery all the harder and longer. But Cody has been such a trooper!! Not once has she given me any indications that it was too much for her to handle or that she was ready to give up. And believe me, I’ve been watching closely. But she’s always been bright eyed and perky. Friendly and looking for attention or cookies from anyone who stops by her stall. And thankfully we have a fairly busy barn where I board, so there’s always people and horses to see coming and going or stopping at her stall to visit. Not once has she really gone off her feed, eating all the grain and hay cubes I can put in front of her. Pacing herself with her hay so she has hay in front of her to snack on 24/7. She’s remained in great weight and condition, and even gained some weight, and her coat is just glowing with shine. She did have some problems with all the bute, when she started getting picky about her grain (though still chowing the haycubes) and started pawing pretty aggressively and having that mildly colicky look. So we suspect an ulcer having started. But 8 days of Gastroguard and putting her on Succeed seemed to clear that problem right up in no time. And since she didn’t seem any more uncomfortable without the bute than she did with the bute, she’s been bute free ever since!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet new no bows!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">And so far not a trace of laminitis or tendon strain in that other front leg. That is truly amazing, unheard of! I’m so thankful! And Cody has been very good about taking care of herself, laying down a lot to get off her feet and give her three good legs plenty of rest. I know it’s usually not good when a horse is laying down a lot, but the vet and surgeon both keep saying “very smart horse!” And thankfully I have a great farrier to work with too. We didn’t even try trimming her feet when the infection first set in, she just couldn’t put any weight at all on that leg and there was no getting her other feet up to trim. By the next trim her feet were getting scary long, but we managed to get three feet trimmed while standing, then waited till she lay down for a rest, and thankfully she let my farrier lean and crawl all over her while she was down to get her good front foot trimmed too. Hopefully by the next trim, we’ll be able to trim all four feet standing.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Thankfully over the last two months, she has been trying to put some weight on that leg. Experimentally testing it, stretching it, resting it on the floor flat footed while she eats instead of just resting it on the toe, resting it flat and teetering little bits of weight on it here and there. We originally wanted to put her knee in a cast or splint, but until she’ll straighten it out and bear some weight on it, we haven’t been able to do either one. </span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/401067_10150484382184227_519379226_8844555_1061482784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/401067_10150484382184227_519379226_8844555_1061482784_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG, is that snow?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But over the last two weeks I’ve seen some definite improvements. Before if she walked forward she would hunch her back feet as far forward as she could get them, then hurry up and step forward with her good front foot as fast as she could, putting weight on her injured leg for the shortest amount of time possible and slamming her good front foot down hard in her race to step it forward and get off her injured leg. Not a good idea! So when I did have to move her in and out of her stall, we did it in reverse. And eventually started backing up and down the barn aisle a time or two to encourage her to use that injured leg some, without slamming her good front leg around. By backing up she could move her back feet back, then either brace herself on her hind end and slide both front feet back at the same time (which helped file her feet a bit on the cement floor), or eventually shuffle her front feet back in baby steps that still made her but some weight on her injured leg, but not for too long, and saved wear and tear on her good leg in the process. So we got pretty good at going places in reverse.</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First walk outside in 3 months!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">But two weeks ago, I noticed a change. She’s still not truly standing on it yet. And while she still likes to “put the parking brake on” a lot while she’s standing around, bending her knee and resting the toe, I have noticed her putting the injured leg down flat footed more often both in and out of her stall and putting some weight on it while she’s eating and standing around. And from the looks of her stall, she seems to be lying down a little less lately. But she can also walk forward! She doesn’t have to scrunch her back end up way under herself before she takes a step, and she can put weight on the injured leg a bit longer now in order to step forward with her good foot much more gently and no longer really slamming it around! It’s a small victory, but after three months of what seemed like little to no improvement, I’ll take it! So our short trips up and down the barn aisle lately have been in drive instead of reverse! And we’ve even made it outside on to the driveway a couple of times to go for a short walk out there, or go to a patch of grass to graze, or just to get out of the barn! Chain over her nose though just to be safe! Three months in a stall makes her a little bouncy outside, and we don’t need her doing anything stupid!!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So we still have a long road ahead of us, and probably another couple months of stall rest yet. With the weird weather and the deep mud/frozen rut pastures, I don’t dare put her out any time soon, and not until she’s a whole lot more sure footed anyway! Here’s keeping my fingers crossed that things continue in the right direction!</span></div><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/373805_10150449573619227_519379226_8684765_409580532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/373805_10150449573619227_519379226_8684765_409580532_n.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat and happy Lady!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So how’s Lady? She’s doing well. Fat, and happy, and very out of shape! She’s pretty much been on “vacation” all winter. Ride? I’d love to, but there just aren’t enough hours in the day. With working full time, and heading down to the barn twice a day, morning and night, to feed the girls, and medicate Cody, and clean Cody’s stall, and try to walk Cody a little bit, and redo three standing wraps and a knee bandage every other day or so, riding just isn’t in the picture right now. But that’s ok. Lady isn’t really a fan of arena work anyway, and the hard indoor arena surface limits what she can do because of her arthritis. So Lady can enjoy being lazy for a while yet, then hopefully by the time the weather is nice, Cody will be walking better, and Lady can go back to work helping me pony Cody for her walks.</span><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-32743258174681183322011-12-24T18:19:00.000-08:002011-12-24T18:19:10.791-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388631_10150447742454227_519379226_8674760_326456130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/388631_10150447742454227_519379226_8674760_326456130_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-23636395277613475352011-11-22T19:22:00.000-08:002011-11-22T19:22:19.973-08:00EntertainmentHow to keep a stall bound horse entertained. Cut some holes in a milk jug, fill with goodies, hang in stall!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/387453_10150385761504227_519379226_8469824_1247638978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/387453_10150385761504227_519379226_8469824_1247638978_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387197_10150385761604227_519379226_8469825_969101282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/387197_10150385761604227_519379226_8469825_969101282_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Earlier in the day, she flung it so hard she launched grain and cookies out of her stall and clear across the aisle!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376771_10150385761264227_519379226_8469822_833604480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376771_10150385761264227_519379226_8469822_833604480_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311831_10150385761724227_519379226_8469826_1712643633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/311831_10150385761724227_519379226_8469826_1712643633_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Caution: Beware of Cody and her milk jug. Projectiles in the form of grain or cookies may come flying out of stall at any time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/386635_10150385761809227_519379226_8469827_777193481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/386635_10150385761809227_519379226_8469827_777193481_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314607_10150385761124227_519379226_8469819_570330532_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/314607_10150385761124227_519379226_8469819_570330532_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-51275438302429328222011-11-20T15:53:00.000-08:002011-11-20T15:55:23.050-08:00Cody's SurgeryCody's knee surgery seems to have gone well. Though it definitely had some scary moments.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the clinic - 11-15-11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thankfully I was able to take the day off work, so after taking away all food except water after 10 pm Monday night and leaving her in a stall with no bedding for the night to make sure there was no temptation to eat bedding, we headed out with her Tuesday morning and arrived at the MSU vet clinic by 10 am.<br />
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Cody was going to be the last surgery of the day, and since I had the day off, I camped out with my book in a chair in her open stall door making sure she didn't eat any of her bedding so she didn't have to suffer wearing a muzzle, while she stood there with me either snoozing or poking at my head or my book now and then with her nose looking for attention.<br />
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She was a good girl while they got her IV put in. Not such a good girl while the students tried to put her meds in her eye for her eye problem. That is definitely a bit of a battle. Not that she's throwing her head around or anything, she actually stands there pretty well, but Cody can clamp her eye shut tighter than any horse I've ever met, and prying her eye open enough to get meds in there before she clamps it shut again is definitely a challenge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IV in, now nap time - 11-15-11</td></tr>
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But finally they came and gave her some sedation, then walked her back to prep for surgery. And I sat in my chair outside her stall with my book, waiting and worrying.<br />
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Finally Dr. Caron came out and said the surgery went well, and she was in the padded stall for recovery. Instead of doing five passes like he did last time, he did seven this time. So that should have cleaned up any cartilage left in the joint to encourage it to fuse all the way this time. And the parts that were fused were fused pretty solid with bone, so there shouldn't be any trouble with that part of the joint refusing itself. And hopefully it will be enough to get the parts that didn't fuse last time, to finally fuse this time. Time will tell.<br />
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But my heart just sank when they brought her back to her stall after surgery. I heard her calling on the way back to the stall, but what I saw when she came around the corner definitely had me thinking "OMG, what have I done to my horse!" She was still very drunk and shakey from the anesthetic, but she also basically couldn't walk on her leg. And it's really scary when the surgeon and the people working there are all saying "That's not normal! That's not good!"<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still shaky after surgery - 11-15-11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As soon as Cody saw me, she stopped calling and pretty much dragged the lady leading her down to her stall as she tried to get to me as fast as she could on three wobbly legs, weaving around like a drunk as they tried to slow her down, but she wanted no part of slowing down. When they finally made it to her stall, I stood aside out of the way since Cody was pretty unsteady on her feet, but then she refused to lead past me and go in her stall. So I went in her stall ahead of her and she followed me in. She calmed down some in her stall, but kept tipping and stumbling forward. She finally planted her forehead against my chest and just stood there trying to keep her balance.<br />
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Her degree of lameness and pain apparently was a first after this type of surgery, and very concerning. Dr. Caron ordered morphine for her right away, and also gave her a half and half short term/long term nerve block in her leg so she could stand on it as she finished waking up and make her more comfortable. And added another three bags of bedding to her stall to give her a nice comfortable place to lay down. He said it's the first time he's ever had to use morphine and a nerve block on a horse after this type of surgery. I felt horrible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking better the next day - 11-16-11</td></tr>
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But, apparently she had a pretty rough recovery this time around. It sounds like she started trying to get up a little too early, and fought them when they tried to keep her down a bit longer. And stumbled and tumbled a little in the padded stall. So they're wondering if she wrenched her leg trying to get up and stumbling around, and if that's where some of the pain was coming from. She also started calling for other horses, but since she was the last surgery she was the only horse back there, and started working herself into a bit of a panic and trying to pace when no one responded to her calls. So that's why she was still so out of it when they brought her back to her stall, as soon as they knew she wasn't going to fall down trying to walk, they brought her back a little earlier than normal, hoping being back in her stall and with me and the other horses would calm her down, which thankfully it did. Poor girl.<br />
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When I left that night, she was still a wee bit shaky, but able to stand on all fours and busy eating hay. But we'd have to wait and see what morning brought.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Give me cookies! - 11-16-11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dr. Caron called me Wednesday morning and said she was still more sore than she should be once the morphine and nerve block wore off, so she had another dose of morphine that morning, and he wanted her to stay another day. Apparently morphine can slow down gut function, so he wanted her there where they could help her right away if she started having any colic problems. Which I completely agreed! But thankfully they were able to wean her off the morphine and by that evening she was staying fairly comfortable with just bute, no colic problems, and was standing on that leg and walking on it gingerly, a little more normal for this type of surgery. When I went to visit her Wednesday evening, she seemed in good spirits and was happy to mug me for more of the treats I brought with me.<br />
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Thankfully Thursday she was staying comfortable all day on just bute, so she was able to come home that evening.<br />
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Trailering there and back was a bit of an adventure both ways. Tuesday morning was the foggiest morning I've seen in a long time. One of the awesome ladies that boards at the barn hauled her to MSU for me, and I followed in my truck, but even following a quarter of a mile behind the trailer, I couldn't see the trailer at all. I noticed the running lights on the trailer weren't on (brakes and blinkers worked, we checked those), so I called Nancy to see if she could turn them on so anyone behind her, myself included, could hopefully see the trailer a little sooner. Well, it seems her new Grand Traverse decides for you when to turn on the day time headlights, and the night time headlights, tail lights, and running lights on the trailer, and according to the Traverse, it was day time so we didn't need running lights on the trailer. Gotta love modern technology. I'm guessing the sensor on the dash needs to be covered so the Traverse thinks it's night time, but by that time we were finally on the express way and soon drove out of the fog.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anybody out there? - 11-16-11</td></tr>
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Coming home Thursday evening was another adventure. Another of the awesome ladies that boards at the barn was bringing her home for me. I met her at the barn to ride with her and we headed out. It was still day light, but would be getting dark soon. As dusk just began to set in, she turned on her headlights and bam, dashboard lights on the truck went out and no running lights on the truck or trailer! Headlights, brake lights, and blinkers was all we had. Blown fuse or something. So we got Cody checked out and loaded up as quick as we could, so we could try to make it home before dark. But we finally had to pull over because it was too dark to go any further without lights, and waited for my husband to drive out and meet us and follow us the rest of the way to the barn with flashers. Thankfully Cody was an angel in the trailer for all of this.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home sweet home - 11-17-11</td></tr>
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Sometimes I swear Cody and I are cursed!<br />
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<i>"It never goes smooth. How come it never goes smooth?" - Malcolm Reynolds (Firefly)</i><br />
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<i>"If we could bottle your luck, we'd have a weapon of mass destruction on our hands." - Edward Cullen (Eclipse)</i><br />
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Oh well, at least we can laugh about it now.<br />
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But Cody is finally home, and seems to be doing ok. She's tucked in a nice deeply bedded stall for 3 to 6 weeks of stall rest. And we'll see how sound she is in 6 months. Here's hoping and praying!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome home big girl! - 11-17-11</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And things were back to normal with the girls. Love each other one minutes, fight like sisters the next!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375551_10150376996099227_519379226_8439254_395435652_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375551_10150376996099227_519379226_8439254_395435652_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hay! - 11-17-11</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378617_10150379908749227_519379226_8449338_690259082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/378617_10150379908749227_519379226_8449338_690259082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laying down for a nap - 11-19-11</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-14850668829903324952011-11-19T06:01:00.000-08:002011-11-19T06:08:46.168-08:00Miss you little man!One year ago today we said good bye. Can't believe it's really been a year already. Just doesn't seem possible. I still miss you like it was yesterday. I miss you every day. Rest in peace sweet boy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.83363494226.84330.519379226&type=1&l=c834748fb0">Wayne - Haflinger Stallion - 1986-2010</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.464342134226.248197.519379226&type=1&l=52e80e58df">Wayne - 11-19-10</a><br />
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Let's call today "Hug your ponies" day. They're never with us long enough.Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-67041183303240678722011-11-12T18:17:00.000-08:002011-11-12T18:17:41.642-08:00Last RideIt was a beautiful day out today, so Lady, Cody, and I took our last trail ride together. At least for a while anyway. Life's been kind of crazy lately, and I haven't ridden in probably a month, but Lady is such a trooper, you wouldn't really know she's had a month off. And Cody seemed to enjoy getting out to pony along with us, though she was rather full of beans. She hasn't been out on the trails in a while and mixed with the crisp wind, she was practicing her little Cody explosion airs above the ground every now and then. It's nice to see some spunk, but she was usually a little ouch for a couple of strides after that.<br />
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So I say last ride, because it's probably the last time the three of us will trail ride together this year. The weather is getting yucky, the days are short, and Cody's knee surgery on Tuesday is going to land her out of commission for the winter. Though I'm sure Lady will be pulling lead horse duty often over the next few months to help hand walk Cody, but most likely in the arena on good footing while Cody's knee heals up. And here's hoping by next summer I'll be riding Cody and ponying Lady!<br />
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On the eye front, Cody's eye just didn't get any better over the weekend, and by Tuesday I noticed a small spot in the middle of it. So Dr. Collier came out Wednesday afternoon to check it out, and Cody's done a bit of a number on it. I don't recall seeing the spot over the weekend, so she thinks she might have scratched it rummaging through the burrs and weeds (which are now all successfully cut out of the girls pasture as of last Sunday), then proceeded to itch and dig it, and made it horse. But she's got a nice little round ulcer dug into the cornea of her eye. So new eye ointment and plenty of bute and a fly mask till things heal. Poor girl can't win. And it obviously hurts really bad, because trying to medicate that eye is a battle, but I think it might finally be getting a little better, or at least less ouchie, because she's actually been really good about letting me put the meds in her eye last night and again today. So here's hoping that heals up quick and easy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-78778330079342523272011-11-07T19:45:00.000-08:002011-11-08T04:29:24.018-08:00Nine LivesSometimes I swear Cody is part cat. With the number of times she's nearly killed herself, she's got to be. Though she's definitely used up some of her nine lives.<br />
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<a href="http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12165/1091847611049783889S600x600Q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12165/1091847611049783889S600x600Q85.jpg" width="320" /></a>There was the back leg through the high tensile wire fence that she very nearly bled to death from, having ripped open her hock clear down to the bone and joint. That was the injury that resulted in my taking ownership of her. More on that story <a href="http://dungotclass.blogspot.com/2010/09/dun-got-class-aka-cody.html">here.</a> She should have been broodmare sound at best if she survived, but by some miracle, she was rideable sound with only a small scar.<br />
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There was fillet o'knee, when she somehow managed to rip open a huge flap on the front of her left knee. Amazingly that one healed with only a hairline scar.<br />
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Then there was the Friday October 13th phone call five years ago. "Cody's hurt pretty bad. The vets on the way right now. How fast can you get here." Of course I was an hour away, that was a long drive. When I got there, there stood Cody in the cross ties, all four legs swollen twice the size they should be, all four legs cut and bleeding, some of the cuts nearly to the bone. Apparently she had laid down in her stall and gotten cast or something and couldn't get up, and proceeded to fight and panic and turn herself into a pretzel until she finally got back up. There was blood all over the stall, and the divider between her stall and Lady's (wasn't the most sturdy of stalls in this old barn cobbled together barn) had been shoved over so far in Cody's panic, that Lady was literally left with nothing but a standing stall that she couldn't turn around in. We had to take down part of the wall to get Lady out, because Lady's stall door was now the second stall door in Cody's stall. Thankfully Lady was unhurt and didn't panic, and Cody recovered with a few more battle scars.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/35620_467028599226_519379226_5789829_35094_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/35620_467028599226_519379226_5789829_35094_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And of course there was knee surgery last December.<br />
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So what's that, four out of nine?<br />
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Not to mention all her other bumps, bruises, scraps, cuts, near misses, and "Cody, what the hell now?" When it comes to accident prone, she is the queen, and has the battle scars to prove it.<br />
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More than once she freaked out while tied, pulled back, broke the lead rope and flipped herself over backwards. This was when I first got her and didn't know about this little panic attack bad habit of hers. Thankfully we broke that habit and she's much better these days.<br />
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There was the back flip out of the trailer. The barn owner was making two trips to haul a bunch of us up to the show at the fairgrounds. Cody was going in the first trip along with the barn owners mare and foal and another horse. After a battle (foals first time loading and mare wasn't very good at loading), mare and foal were in the trailer. But just as Cody and I stepped in to the trailer, foal panicked, mare went berserk, and Cody tried to back out of there as fast as possible, rearing, slipping, and somersaulting right out the back of the trailer. How she came away unharmed, I'll never know. Needless to say, we waited for the second trip, and somehow loaded with little drama. Though the whole affair was chaos with the barn owner who was about as nutty as her horse. Someday I'll have my own trailer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/164554_497174659226_519379226_6261732_7318959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/164554_497174659226_519379226_6261732_7318959_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
There was Lady and Cody vs the Gate, round 1. But that's another story for another day. And then Lady and Cody vs the Gate, round 2. Again, another story for another day.<br />
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There was the cowboy that decided to hobble her front feet to teach her to stop pawing. Can we say upside down pretzel. How she didn't break a leg, I'll never know. I was livid.<br />
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There was the hives attack, when she suddenly broke out in hives, that broke open into sores and got infected, all within a matter of hours. Most bizzare thing I've ever seen. Called the vet, vet came out, gave her antibiotics, said she could go back outside. Put her back outside the next day, and suddenly the hives came back twice as bad, which broke open into more sores and got infected, all within a matter of hours. Call the vet, put her back in the barn, hives went away, but nearly 50% of her body was covered in weeping sores and her eyes were nearly swollen shut. Still no idea what caused that, and thankfully it's never happened again. That definitely falls in the "what the hell" category. Along with the worse case of scratches I've ever seen on all four legs.<br />
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There was the kicking a fly while standing next to the gate and slicing her leg open almost to the bone on the bottom of the gate that no one realized was sharp till she cut herself open on it. The gelding that was determined to eat her alive, leaving her looking like an appy with all the spots of ointment all over her body. And the gelding that left a nice hoof print scar on her butt from his steel shoe. Come to think of it, that was the same gelding that just left a scar on my face with one of his steel shoes. Guess Cody and I match now.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/37439_406682389226_519379226_4610676_5059741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/37439_406682389226_519379226_4610676_5059741_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There was her attempt to slit her throat, thankfully it was on the opposite side of the juggler vein. And her punctured and ripped open shoulder. Old farm machinery in the pasture with Cody is a recipe for disaster, but try telling those old farmers that.<br />
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And there was the kick to the knee that resulted in knee surgery last year, and is now resulting in a second surgery to try to fix that knee.<br />
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Most recent boo boo, appears to be a scratched eye from scavenging around in the burrs and weeds in her pasture because the grass is dead and gone for the year.<br />
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I know there are many many more mishaps and close calls that Cody's had over these last 8 1/2 years. Too many to remember or mention them all, but those are some of the highlights.<br />
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So she's definitely used up some of her nine lives, but here's hoping she's still got a few more in her, and praying for another miracle. She goes in next Tuesday for knee surgery to try again to fix her knee.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/34601_406761899226_519379226_4613595_4401493_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/34601_406761899226_519379226_4613595_4401493_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/20957_302311104226_519379226_3568078_3116825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/20957_302311104226_519379226_3568078_3116825_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-77044550415660562492011-10-25T18:17:00.000-07:002011-10-25T18:23:15.223-07:00Steampunk?Ok, so I don't completely get the whole Steampunk costuming fad, and haven't ventured into it yet myself. But some of my costuming friends have, including my photographers from the <a href="http://dungotclass.blogspot.com/2011/10/step-back-in-time.html">Renaissance Photoshoot</a> of Cody and I (still waiting for the pics of Lady and I with the dress).<br />
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But in exchange for the Renaissance photos, Lady and Cody helped out with some steampunk photos (Cody for ground pics, Lady for mounted ones)........<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320064_10100115669773944_30314272_42279790_2147010812_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320064_10100115669773944_30314272_42279790_2147010812_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320283_10100115670003484_30314272_42279794_1454035750_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320283_10100115670003484_30314272_42279794_1454035750_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294728_10100115669878734_30314272_42279792_2126337157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294728_10100115669878734_30314272_42279792_2126337157_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305331_10100115670058374_30314272_42279796_2092352590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305331_10100115670058374_30314272_42279796_2092352590_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316413_10100115670128234_30314272_42279797_1782749776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/316413_10100115670128234_30314272_42279797_1782749776_n.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know you have a steady eddie when there is a highly modified noise making Nerf cannon involved and she could care less!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302357_10100115670262964_30314272_42279799_1544853407_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302357_10100115670262964_30314272_42279799_1544853407_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295907_10100115670397694_30314272_42279800_811631293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/295907_10100115670397694_30314272_42279800_811631293_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316568_10100115670602284_30314272_42279804_929408096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316568_10100115670602284_30314272_42279804_929408096_n.jpg" width="424" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Above pics (c) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/NewAgeDuchessDesigns">New Age Duchess Designs</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what the heck is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk">Steampunk</a>? Good question.....and one I seem to have a hard time answering when asked.....but it seems to be a combination of Victorian era meets Wild West era meets Steam Power era meets Science Fiction. The best example that everyone seems to come up with is Will Smith's movie "Wild Wild West". Lots of brass and gears and strange things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who knows, I may venture into it yet. I mean, Victorian era riding outfit gone steampunk? It could happen! And I have the horses to make it look good! Yeah, we'll see, I have many other costuming projects to finish this winter, and I'll be lucky to get through all of those.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though I must say, I think my favorite Steampunk costume that I've seen so far.......<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SteampunkFett">Steampunk Boba Fett</a>.....but then we already know I'm a Star Wars geek!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/59954_141514695893523_114966695214990_237422_99464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/59954_141514695893523_114966695214990_237422_99464_n.jpg" width="266" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ok, sorry about the total derailment! Back to your regularly scheduled program, with a little more horse and a little less weird......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/29777_115509958493997_114966695214990_109238_2928880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/29777_115509958493997_114966695214990_109238_2928880_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-19694996728766915482011-10-15T18:07:00.000-07:002011-10-15T18:07:35.398-07:00Blanket WashingToday was blanket washing day. Cody decided to help.<br />
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"Ok mom, I'll hold it down! You scrub!"<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316211_10150332286414227_519379226_8190338_1294895372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/316211_10150332286414227_519379226_8190338_1294895372_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312527_10150332285614227_519379226_8190333_1958572061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/312527_10150332285614227_519379226_8190333_1958572061_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318463_10150332285619227_519379226_8190332_478045351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318463_10150332285619227_519379226_8190332_478045351_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
Thanks Cody girl! Lady decided to stay out of the way. A little cold to be getting wet. But blankets are washed.....well, rinsed and spot scrubbed, way too cold and insanely windy to do much more than that today. Someday I'll actually do this during the summer instead of waiting till it's fall and cold. But now I can get the ripped ones sewn up, and finish getting them rewaterproffed for winter. Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-57009021272099059332011-10-13T20:43:00.000-07:002011-10-13T20:50:28.598-07:00Step Back In TimeSo this past weekend, I took a step back in time.....in a couple of ways...... Back to the Renaissance, and back to when I could still ride my Cody girl..... Well, in pictures anyway......<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293987_10100115671111264_30314272_42279812_1110945413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/293987_10100115671111264_30314272_42279812_1110945413_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started making this dress a few years ago. I picked out the fabrics specifically because the colors would go so well with Cody's beautiful red dun coat. And I was going to get pictures riding Cody in it when it was done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294747_10100115671305874_30314272_42279816_784471485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/294747_10100115671305874_30314272_42279816_784471485_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a few pictures taken on Cody in it a couple years ago, but it was still very much a work in progress at the time. It was wearable, that was about it. The bodice didn't come out right and needed to be remade, sleeves weren't done yet, beadwork was only half done, still needed to make the partlet and the caul for my hair. So we had work in progress pictures, but I wanted pictures on Cody with the finished product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313715_10100115671265954_30314272_42279814_2020703412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/313715_10100115671265954_30314272_42279814_2020703412_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And finally this summer, just in time for the festival season, I sewed on the last of the beadwork, tied on the bejeweled sleeves, put everything together, and after literally hours upon hours of sewing and hand beading, declared my first court gown officially complete!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300501_10100115671201084_30314272_42279813_831474576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/300501_10100115671201084_30314272_42279813_831474576_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>And I can no longer ride my Cody girl........<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310625_10100115671365754_30314272_42279817_1673393034_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310625_10100115671365754_30314272_42279817_1673393034_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Cody's knee never completely fused after her surgery like it should have. She's pasture sound, but not rideable sound. At least not yet...... After going back to see the surgeon and find out our options, I think we're going to try the surgery again. Dr. Caron has never had one of these fail before, unfortunately Cody had to be the first. But she is in great health and of sound body, the rest of her joints are fine, if we can just get the rest of that knee joint to fuse, she should be sound enough to ride again. As soon as finances allow, we'll try the surgery again (thankfully at a reduced cost). Probably end of this month, or first of next month. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320722_10100115671475534_30314272_42279819_91101917_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320722_10100115671475534_30314272_42279819_91101917_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
So here I am with my dress finally done, and I can't ride my girl. Yes, I have sweet Lady (and I did get some pictures riding her in the dress as well and will post some when I get them from the photographer), but this dress was made for Cody.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293916_10100115671445594_30314272_42279818_1117155518_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293916_10100115671445594_30314272_42279818_1117155518_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
I finally decided I was getting on my girl, even if only for a few minutes, and even if all we did was just stand there. I wasn't sure how it would go, she hasn't had anyone or even a saddle on her back in a year and a half since she first got hurt. And here I am climbing on her back in 10+ yards and several pounds of court gown. Maybe that was wrong of me, but she showed no signs of concern as I carefully climbed on her back off the mounting block. She honestly could have cared less. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305106_10100115671710064_30314272_42279822_1312540713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/305106_10100115671710064_30314272_42279822_1312540713_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
She even willingly walked off on her own without my asking and was happy to walk around, even if just slow and easy. And she hasn't forgotten a thing. She collected up so nice and light in the bridle. Even did some leg yield and side passing, remembered how to turn on the haunches and forehand with light aids. She was an absolute angel. I nearly cried. Heck, I am crying right now. I miss riding her so much!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320876_10100115671620244_30314272_42279821_1285537119_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320876_10100115671620244_30314272_42279821_1285537119_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Thank you Cody girl! It might have only been a 15 minute ride, but it was worth every second of it! You have no idea how much you made my day! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317382_10100115671540404_30314272_42279820_888178515_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317382_10100115671540404_30314272_42279820_888178515_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And how much I love that beautifully expressive face of yours. A noble steed indeed, befitting of the Duchess stature of that dress.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307264_10100115671824834_30314272_42279824_94752817_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/307264_10100115671824834_30314272_42279824_94752817_n.jpg" width="424" /> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Thanks big girl! I needed that.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294224_10100115671774934_30314272_42279823_274719905_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294224_10100115671774934_30314272_42279823_274719905_n.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
And if all goes well, we'll do this again in the spring....in more appropriate riding gear, out on the trails, with Lady as the pony and you as my mount. I hope and pray.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310110_10100115671869744_30314272_42279825_1484965383_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/310110_10100115671869744_30314272_42279825_1484965383_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yes, you can have some grass now! You deserve it beautiful!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>All photos (c) New Age Duchess Designs</i></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-60369264068121659952011-08-26T19:45:00.000-07:002011-08-26T19:45:24.502-07:00Cody's TurnWhile Lady's had kind of a crazy summer with sunburn and sweet itch, Cody's hasn't been much better either. Things have been pretty up and down with her knee. I'm not entirely sure how successful I would call her knee surgery. She's definitely not rideable sound, and at this point, I have my doubts that she ever will be. But I'm at least hoping for pasture sound, which she seems to be lately, though I'm worried how things will be once cold weather begins to set in, will she be too uncomfortable to make it through winter? I don't know.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/149100_466600034226_519379226_5784317_8207237_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/149100_466600034226_519379226_5784317_8207237_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At MSU after surgery in December</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But this summer she's had her ups and downs. Thankfully more ups as far as lameness than downs. She was hand walking 30 or 40 minutes 3 or 4 days a week ponying out on the trails with Lady and I without much trouble. Once she got warmed up, she seemed to move along pretty well. But Mother Nature kind of spoiled that with a long stretch of 90+ degrees with 100+ heat index. I didn't want to move much in that, let alone make my horses go for a walk in the hot sun. So cool hose downs and maybe a short walk were pretty much the name of the game. Lately, the skeeters will carry you away if you stray too far from the barn. But even without all the walking, Cody seemed to do ok on her knee. She had a weird week at one point where she was really sore, then seemed to bounce back from it. <br />
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A couple weeks ago she came galloping and bucking full speed all the way across the pasture trying to escape one of those B-52 Bomber flies. The last time she pulled a galloping stunt like that this spring, she was three legged lame for days, it took her a week to get back to where she had been as far as lameness. She was so worried about the fly attacking her and trying to get away from it, I wasn't sure if she remembered the gate was coming up fast, let alone be able to stop in time, I'm just picturing the wreck about to happen. This is Cody after all, and "disaster" seems to be her middle name. And sure enough, her head pops up, her ears fly forward, and that look of "Oh sh*t!" crosses her face as she realizes with the fence on one side and Lady galloping along on the other side, there's no where to go but straight into the gate. Somehow she managed to execute a sliding stop that would have been the envy of any reining horse and brought new meaning to the term "draggin' ass", and only bumped her nose on the gate. And sure enough, she was three legged lame from her antics (but she did get away from that fly and managed not to crash). Oh Cody. But thankfully she seemed to walk it off after a few steps, and an hour later, was pretty much back to her "normal" level of lameness. So that there is progress. Small victories.<br />
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She is due for x-rays again. The last ones were back in April I believe. But instead of having my regular vet do the x-rays again, I decided to take her back to MSU to see the surgeon this time. Since Cody seems to be the first successful failure of this surgery, I really wanted Dr. Caron to see her again and get his thoughts, what went wrong, has the joint healed like it should have, see if maybe there's something more than just the knee adding to her lameness, what more can I do for her to try to keep her as comfortable as possible to be a retired pasture pet, especially with cold weather a few months away. Thankfully I do have options still to try, such as daily bute or a different devil's claw and yucca supplement, joint injections to the other two joints in that knee, Adequan or Legend injections, maybe one of the magnetic/ceramic knee wraps, she'd probably benefit from seeing a chiropractor. <br />
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So she was supposed to go in to MSU on Tuesday this week, I couldn't wait to see new x-rays and see what Dr. Caron thought. Especially since last week, she started getting really lame again. Good thing she's going to MSU on Tuesday. It kept getting worse, by Saturday she was three legged lame, it took her forever to walk across the pasture to come in for dinner. I cleaned out her foot, and that seemed fine, no rocks or anything stuck in there. I couldn't find any heat or swelling in her knee, but she wanted no part of walking on it. I was just sick and heart broken, her knee was giving out, just like Wayne's did. I went home in tears. Sunday she was marginally better, at least walking on it, but still horribly lame. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vbajr-uNDtXopNF7HTbNs-xIhyphenhyphen3F0tFGLs4GFaeRK1K2BZwaz1znrZTi4Yt77Z_rPxpB5IN73uKyNq3P6e5frlM8lIB9fek0DXOWC8e0fhKdqwjrSrfcdHD9tZkahuOIEQvTrJiFk6s/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Vbajr-uNDtXopNF7HTbNs-xIhyphenhyphen3F0tFGLs4GFaeRK1K2BZwaz1znrZTi4Yt77Z_rPxpB5IN73uKyNq3P6e5frlM8lIB9fek0DXOWC8e0fhKdqwjrSrfcdHD9tZkahuOIEQvTrJiFk6s/s320/Picture+004.jpg" width="320" /></a>But when I went to pick up her foot to clean it out, I discovered a tiny weeping sore at the front of her foot on the coronet band! She blew out an abscess! No wonder she'd been so lame lately! I feel awful, and feel like an idiot, I never even thought to check for an abscess (yes, I clean and handle her feet daily, but I always have gloves on about 90% of the time that I'm handling my horses since a few years ago my body decided it was allergic to horse dander, so I totally missed the heat in her foot)! I just assumed it was her knee getting worse. But I have never been so happy in my life to have a horse with an abscess. An abscess is far more treatable than a knee giving out. And after a good cleaning and soaking, sure enough, there was the tiny pinhead sized black hole in her whiteline on the bottom of her foot where everything started. Poor girl! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>This is the first abscess I've had to deal with on one of my own horses. So I called my farrier, because I know he's really good with abscesses, there are some vets that call him to come and dig out abscesses for them. Since it had already blown out the coronet band, he probably didn't need to come dig this one out, at this point it should drain itself pretty well, so soak it twice a day to help draw everything out and call him in 2 days with a progress report, or sooner if it starts building heat again or she goes dead lame again and he'll come right down. And blow out an abscess she did. What started out as a tiny hole in her coronet band about as big around as the end of my little finger turned into about an inch and a half weeping sore by Monday night. Ouch! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEA9pQrnpnlCxCLZeMfErF7j6yyX4dPUHbCqEsyc3FCkaDWeSi2zofD1p1bCBGK8XnNgvePQy_thG4xqc4rmyGYhjRocKSaJmzE4XX8GcOKx7YxdTqQc4Ghh58wll0blxj7n5NHcuF8I/s1600/Picture+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxEA9pQrnpnlCxCLZeMfErF7j6yyX4dPUHbCqEsyc3FCkaDWeSi2zofD1p1bCBGK8XnNgvePQy_thG4xqc4rmyGYhjRocKSaJmzE4XX8GcOKx7YxdTqQc4Ghh58wll0blxj7n5NHcuF8I/s320/Picture+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But so far so good soaking twice a day. At least it's not oozing any more, still pretty angry looking, but not draining. And she's walking better, but still a little ouchy, but I'm not sure if it's because of the foot, or the knee, or both, with the knee problem added in the mix, it's hard to tell. And thankfully in a better mood the last few days, Monday night while crouching down to work on that foot, I felt the careful warning scrape of teeth across the top of my ballcap letting me know how she felt about the situation, along with several dirty looks. Yesterday the heat was finally gone in her hoof wall, but still some heat right at the coronet band, so my farrier said soak her a couple more days till the heat was gone there too to make sure we get rid of any infection. I also took pictures of it and emailed them to him. He said it looked like your typical abscess and looked to be starting to heal fine, just keep an eye on it and keep him posted. Tonight the heat in the coronet band was finally gone.<br />
<br />
So it's been a long week. Every morning has pretty much gone something like this (and repeated every evening):<br />
<ul><li>5:30 am - crawl out of bed</li>
<li>5:45 am - stumble to truck, hot water and breakfast in hand</li>
<li>5:47 am - eat breakfast on way to barn</li>
<li>5:52 am - arrive at barn</li>
<li>5:53 am - sweet barn kitty demands to be fed</li>
<li>5:54 am - furkids demand to be fed, Cody's pawing, Lady's weaving</li>
<li>5:55 am - both nickering at me "Feed the starving ponies!"</li>
<li>5:56 am - breakfast shortly, hold your horses!</li>
<li>6:00 am - one foot soaking</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299747_10150273107394227_519379226_7820414_2963042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299747_10150273107394227_519379226_7820414_2963042_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Needless to say, I am thoroughly exhausted after this week, and about to go fall in bed for the night! <br />
<br />
As for the MSU knee checkup, well, we rescheduled. There's no point in taking her in for a knee checkup if she's lame on that foot from an abscess. So we'll get her foot healed up, and then hopefully we can get a better idea of where she's at with her knee, or if there's something else in the foot that's adding to the problem. <br />
<br />
So the MSU trip will be in two weeks. And the furkids and I will keep trudging our way through this crazy summer. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320049_10150273106704227_519379226_7820411_5519175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" qaa="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/320049_10150273106704227_519379226_7820411_5519175_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy barn kitty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-86352083481809904682011-08-22T19:17:00.000-07:002011-08-22T19:17:49.396-07:00Holy Sunburn<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's been a crazy summer to say the least.......</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/44362_421895294226_519379226_4998119_8321831_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/44362_421895294226_519379226_4998119_8321831_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silly Lady and her freckles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I do love "chrome" on my horses, especially a blaze. Wayne had the text book perfect shaped blaze down his face. Lady's freckles in her blaze are just cute. And while Cody's blaze is more narrow and subtle, it's still perfectly pretty. But Cody definitely has one distinct advantage in the blaze department.....her blaze ends before it reaches that soft delicate peach fuzz nose, and the only white she has there is a tiny little diamond snip. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My poor sweet Lady and her nice big blaze. She usually gets a mild sunburn on her pink little muzzle every year (as did Wayne, though he at least had the advantage of massive forelock to help protect his face), but normally some sunscreen gets Lady through it till she "gets her tan on" and then she's fine till the fall when the "photo sensitivity sunburn" due to whatever it is she decides to eat every fall sometimes happens. But anywho, mild summer sunburn......not so this year. She fried. And I mean fried! Even with using 90 SPF sunscreen twice a day the minute she started looking a little pink on the nose. And of course I couldn't find a long nose fly mask to try to shade more of her face anywhere around town, so had to order one, which meant waiting a few days for it to arrive, and no matter how much I poured the sunscreen to her, she continued to fry. </div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252168_10150262313959227_519379226_7709246_4795372_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252168_10150262313959227_519379226_7709246_4795372_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collar and almost healed up face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Within a matter of days 3/4 of Lady's pretty blaze was burnt, peeling, angry red, weeping, and even the dark skin on either side of her blaze was showing signs of an angry red burn! She spent a couple days in the barn in Cody's stall just to get her out of the sun. I didn't even bother trying to put a halter on her head, just looped it around her neck, and finally gave up on the halter all together when I finally found a horse collar, which she's been wearing ever since, thankfully she's an angel about leading and tying. </div><br />
Since stalling her every day wasn't an option since she's pasture board, I waited on pins and needles for that new long nose fly mask to arrive, praying that would help shade her face, but it took forever to get here, holiday weekend and all that good stuff. So in the meantime, I went in search of zinc oxide, since the highest SPF sunscreen I could find wasn't doing a bit of good. I finally found two big bottles of zinc oxide sunscreen, and Lady ended up with lifeguard nose or the bald face paint look twice a day.....which she promptly tried to wipe off on her knees the minute I got out of distance to stop her. Thankfully if I could get her to leave it alone long enough to dry a little bit, most of it would stay stuck through her attempts to wipe it off, but we had a lot of white knees and legs in addition to white face. I guess she was going for the full bald face paint look with high white socks? Occasionally Cody had white stripes on her butt, as did the Richie waterer. But the zinc oxide definitely help turn the tide in the war against the sunburn, protecting her enough to at least keep her from burning more, and let her skin slowly begin to heal. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281897_10150243649804227_519379226_7524030_47870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281897_10150243649804227_519379226_7524030_47870_n.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunny ears!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Finally that new long nose fly mask arrived, complete with pink ears and her name embroidered on the front. It was perfect, shaded her entire face, right down to that normally soft pink skin right between her nostrils that was currently angry red and peeling. Finally shade for her face, and no more lifeguard nose.....she was such a good sport, but you could tell she was really getting tired of having stuff rubbed on her face. Day one with the new fly mask went great, you could already see the difference in her burn! <br />
<br />
Day two, not so good, she rubbed it off, went all day without it, and got fried. Ok, two can play this game little girl, say hello to your friend zinc oxide! War paint slathered on, then fly mask! Double protection, so when she took the fly mask off, at least she still had something protecting her from the sun. And an extra bottle of zinc oxide sitting out in the barn, so other boarders could have fun with face painting if she managed to rub off both the fly mask and the war paint while I was at work. Of course, Mother Nature didn't help much either, sneak attack thunderstorms that soaked her new mask to the point that it had to spend a day or two in the barn to dry out, then more rain to wash the war paint off her face while her fly mask was drying, and then hot hot sun. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267276_10150252830994227_519379226_7611288_1048542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267276_10150252830994227_519379226_7611288_1048542_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Lady girl, you're so naughty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thankfully the fly mask stayed on more often than not, though she likes the one ear out look, and seems to think the forelock hole is supposed to be an ear hole, but we finally won the war against the sunburn. Her skin is finally healed up, except for the occasional scratch now and then from trying to rub that mask off on something, and her hair is slowly growing back. Still no halter though, that skin is a little too delicate yet with only peach fuzz protecting it. But that was definitely the most bizarre sunburn I have ever had to deal with. And I felt just awful, because you could tell Lady was miserable. I'm not even sure what caused it, I know some weeds can make them photosensitive, but honestly, there's not much in their pasture and they were on the same hay and grain diet they've been on forever now, so who knows. But at least this time I know how to fight it should sunburn rear it's ugly head again. Long nose fly mask and zinc oxide seem to be my two best weapons....I'm ok with owning a part time bald face paint or war pony, and the "lifeguard nose" is just funny. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268925_10150231496114227_519379226_7407514_1680195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268925_10150231496114227_519379226_7407514_1680195_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salted pony anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Course, then we went straight from sunburn to sweet itch when good ole Ma Nature decided to crank up the heat for an extended period of time, going from low 80s to high 90s. Poor Lady sweats easy to begin with, so she was just wringing wet during the day, some evenings she was so covered in salt it looked like it had snowed all over her. And while her mane isn't nearly as long and thick as Wayne's was, apparently it was long enough and thick enough to cause her to sweat enough under there to create the perfect storm for sweet itch on the underside of her mane. </div><br />
And itch she did! I pulled in the driveway one evening after work to find Lady girl out by the shelter going to town itching her mane for all she was worth on the corner of the shelter. And when I brought her in the barn, she was itching like a mad woman on anything within her reach; post, stall, door, stairs, cross tie, me, Cody (that one did not go over well). She'd rubbed out half the underside of her mane and her scalp was a scabby, scaly, weeping mess. I guess this is where Cody's pitiful Thoroughbred mane is a blessing. <br />
<br />
So, braided Lady's mane to the opposite side for ventilation to get some air flow under there and slathered on the MTG. That didn't help much. She was still pretty itchy. And it made one heck of a mess down both sides of her neck. Time for a betadine shampoo. Did you know MTG will waterproof your horse? Seriously, even after three shampooings, the water just beaded up and ran right off her neck and mane like she'd been waxed or camp dried. Why can't fly spray stick like that? But at any rate, betadine shampooed and braided to the opposite side again, and still pretty itchy and not healing much. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185537_10150252831209227_519379226_7611289_6299345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185537_10150252831209227_519379226_7611289_6299345_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crooked, but still covered!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Then I remembered the mysterious yellow ointment in the plain white jar who's label only says "Scratches" that Dr. Irving gave me last year when I couldn't get rid of the scratches on Cody's legs. I have no idea what's in it, the jar literally only says "Scratches" on a taped on paper label. Looks like furazone, but he assured me there was none of that in there, and rambled off a few names of things that I don't even remember now, but it's a concoction of some kind that the MSU vet clinic apparently came up with, and whatever it is, boy does it work, it cleared up Cody's scratches in no time flat last year, and did the same thing for Lady's sweet itch, by the next day, her scalp was nearly itch free! And the skin on her neck where she'd rubbed some of her hair thin while scratching out her mane was turning pink with sunburn......yes, here we go with the sunburn again...... <br />
<br />
Apparently skin that has spent 17 years under the dark side of a mane doesn't like full time sun exposure. Oops, my bad, braids out, sorry girl. And of course, even though her mane was only braided to the opposite side for a few days, it decided to stay there. Skin's a little pinker and looking a little flaky peely. My poor horse! So back in braids to retrain her mane back to where it belonged. At least the braids gave her a little shade, and after a couple flaky peely days, her skin was back to normal, her scalp was healing up, her mane trained back to where it was supposed to be, and acclimation to the insane heat and humidity makes for a less sweaty pony under there, so hopefully no more sweet itch.....or sunburn! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285057_10150243489364227_519379226_7522638_6214249_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" qaa="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/285057_10150243489364227_519379226_7522638_6214249_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super models!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269471_10150243649659227_519379226_7524027_4887884_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" qaa="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269471_10150243649659227_519379226_7524027_4887884_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How come yours has a long nose and mine doesn't?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-12496427466151604002011-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:002011-07-05T20:02:53.365-07:00Beware of Soapy Tails!The other day I was washing Lady and Cody's tails, and of course they're swatting flies and leaving soap suds and conditioner here and there on their legs and coats and me in the process. And it brought back a funny story about Wayne......<br />
<br />
I took Wayne to a CMHA show up at the fairgrounds, and had him in the wash rack getting him all squeaky clean for the show the next day. And with that long thick flaxen mane and tail of his and those flaxen feathers on his feet, it took a few shampooings and some elbow grease to get him show ready. So there I am standing behind him, scrubbing, scrubbing, scrubbing and his entire tail in a full soapy lather, and one of those ginormous pontiac horse flies lands right on top of his butt! You know, those giant one inch bombers that the horses go bananas about?<br />
<br />
Wayne's tail went flying back and forth just as fast as it could go trying to swat that thing, and his back feet were doing the "get it off, get it off, get it off" dance! When it was all said and done, and the fly was finally dead, he was covered in soap, I was covered in soap (and spitting out soap), everybody around us got a little soap, and my glasses were stuck in his tail. <br />
<br />
Beware of soapy tails during fly season!<br />
<br />
I sure do miss my little man......<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/11855_208730874226_519379226_3182684_7265177_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" i$="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/11855_208730874226_519379226_3182684_7265177_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wayne babysitting a friends yearling colt, Summer 2003</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-13191657856291426642011-07-05T19:32:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:32:52.456-07:00Salted Pony Anyone?<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Was it hot outside today? According to Lady, yes it was! I know Lady sweats kind of easy, but dang! This might be a record for her! Darn weather!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268925_10150231496114227_519379226_7407514_1680195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/268925_10150231496114227_519379226_7407514_1680195_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-11017084632865227162011-06-25T20:10:00.000-07:002011-06-25T20:10:08.332-07:00Spring in Pictures<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Been having a hard time coming up with much to post lately, so we'll try this. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Our spring in pictures.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Last we left off, Lady had gotten new jammies. Well, Cody got new jammies too, a turnout sheet to match Lady's!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200341_10150123776544227_519379226_6662974_8037116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200341_10150123776544227_519379226_6662974_8037116_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They look so cute together! And yes, they are back together! Cody was on individual turnout for most of the winter from her knee surgery, and still is on "individual turnout" but turned out with just Lady. It's SO nice having them together again, and I think Cody is happy to have a friend back, and Lady having less grass to pig out on and less horses to push her around is a plus for her arthritis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216925_10150160815629227_519379226_6814524_3080819_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/216925_10150160815629227_519379226_6814524_3080819_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When there's not enough horses for everyone to ride, Lady's a champ to give a friend's daughter a lift for a trail ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216406_10150153137459227_519379226_6747522_5379223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216406_10150153137459227_519379226_6747522_5379223_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun new polo wraps!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222498_10150169198379227_519379226_6900501_7928477_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/222498_10150169198379227_519379226_6900501_7928477_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222798_10150169194369227_519379226_6900424_6993560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i$="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222798_10150169194369227_519379226_6900424_6993560_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I see those summer coats peaking through!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225146_10150175959614227_519379226_6964235_6249158_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225146_10150175959614227_519379226_6964235_6249158_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225562_10150175959609227_519379226_6964234_4868996_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/225562_10150175959609227_519379226_6964234_4868996_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Pretty foggy morning, but seriously Michigan? Turnout sheets on frozen ponies toward the end of May?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246656_10150192257144227_519379226_7075584_7949270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" i$="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/246656_10150192257144227_519379226_7075584_7949270_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cody's up to 30 minutes of hand walking....but who wants to hand walk a horse for 30 minutes. Ok, yes, the exercise is good for me, but it gets old quick. So, we pony several days a week, sometimes in the arena, sometimes on the trails! I get to ride, Lady get a light workout to keep her joints moving, and Cody gets her hand walking in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248836_10150211036074227_519379226_7247184_5350362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" i$="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248836_10150211036074227_519379226_7247184_5350362_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262751_10150211036149227_519379226_7247185_3261169_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" i$="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/262751_10150211036149227_519379226_7247185_3261169_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes, more crazy new polo wraps! They're addictive! Cody's pretty in plaid, and Lady's ready for the races in her checkered flag......ok, so her arthritis says absolutely not, but they're still cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248718_10150210152394227_519379226_7239962_84942_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" i$="true" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248718_10150210152394227_519379226_7239962_84942_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then there's little Pistol. Pistolero is a 4 year old Paso Fino gelding that belongs to a fellow boarder, who's been kind enough to let me work with him a few days a week, with ground work and riding, so I have a horse without "soundness limitations" to enjoy and practice my Downunder Horsemanship with, and little Pistol gets some extra work in to help with his training since he's still a bit green. And he is a little guy! Slightly taller than my Wayne was, but definitely not over 14 hands, and much finer in build. But he's been fun to work with so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251279_10150199481454227_519379226_7140998_4020777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i$="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251279_10150199481454227_519379226_7140998_4020777_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, there's our spring this year. </div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-54858416445010768352011-04-29T19:19:00.000-07:002011-04-29T19:23:58.904-07:00First Saturday In May!The first Saturday in May is almost here! Who's your Derby pick?<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/kM1k6N6OvSY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I do have some issues with the horse racing industry, I also can't help but love to watch these amazing animals run. And every year, I'm in front of the TV on Derby day, and again for the Preakness and Belmont. Every year I hope to see a Triple Crown winner, but so far, it hasn't happened yet. The last one was the year I was born, so don't remember it. But I've definitely seen some great Classic races! And maybe someday I'll get to see that Triple Crown winner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But for now, some of my favorite finishes in the Triple Crown races over the years!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Probably my favorite by far, the 1989 Preakness Stakes, with Easy Goer and Sunday Silence stride for stride to the wire:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://1.gvt0.com/vi/HoY_U8NTC7E/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HoY_U8NTC7E&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HoY_U8NTC7E&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though I adored Sunday Silence, Easy Goer was my boy (and Pat Day my jockey), and got him in the Belmont:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uV1Lau5hr6Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rags To Riches, coming from the far outside post and a stumble at the start to edge out Curlin in the 2007 Belmont Stakes, first filly to win it in over 100 years:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/gSnMxhNZYqs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long shot Lil E Tee finally giving the great Pat Day his first Kentucky Derby win in 11 tries in 1992. One of the biggest upsets in Derby history, and I couldn't have been happier:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5mBQxqtsyTc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Afleet Alex falling down to his knees at the top of the stretch and somehow picking himself back up and charging on to win the 2005 Preakness Stakes ("He's just that athletic and I was just that scared!"):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KfFzODoD7YY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Probably one of the first American Classics I really remember watching, the filly Winning Colors going wire to wire winning the 1988 Kentucky Derby:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/maKjghSxcAI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I always love the fillies, and Eight Belles ran her heart out in 2008. Rest in peace sweet girl:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/px6yCvoaPoU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Charismatic and Chris Antley in 1999:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ux4P5qD-sWA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The amazing A.P. Indy in the 1992 Belmont Stakes:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z061IQYHkFs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unbridled and his 92 year old owner winning the 1990 Kentucky Derby:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZQokZTsWMdg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mine That Bird, the long shot that came flying out of no where to win the 2009 Kentucky Derby:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hv8x9x5A49s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">War Emblem in the 2002:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2O0bf1xBmps?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-19288131780034413812011-03-24T18:21:00.000-07:002011-03-24T18:22:42.382-07:00Fancy New Jammies!<div style="text-align: center;">Lady got herself some fancy new jammies! A Weatherbeeta Orican turnout sheet! I loved the Fleur-de-lis on it, so had to have it! (Might have to see if I can find another one in Cody's size!) And Lady seemed quite proud of her new jammies, she struck a few great poses for the camera in between attacking the grass! She's such a cutie! <br />
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And so a little picture spam!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189931_10150119775389227_519379226_6625130_2189800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189931_10150119775389227_519379226_6625130_2189800_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198214_10150119776234227_519379226_6625136_241455_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198214_10150119776234227_519379226_6625136_241455_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198566_10150119775524227_519379226_6625131_8285779_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198566_10150119775524227_519379226_6625131_8285779_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197409_10150119775779227_519379226_6625134_5525255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197409_10150119775779227_519379226_6625134_5525255_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190285_10150119775669227_519379226_6625132_5540006_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190285_10150119775669227_519379226_6625132_5540006_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bummer it's far too cold for a turnout sheet right now, but soon. Though the mud is so god awful right now (as you can tell by her feet) that I might wait till the mud dries up a little bit before she wears her new sheet, since she still has the old one too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The English translation of "fleur-de-lis" (sometimes spelled "fleur-de-lys") is "flower of the lily." This symbol, depicting a stylized lily or lotus flower, has many meanings. Traditionally, it has been used to represent French royalty, and in that sense it is said to signify perfection, light, and life. </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>In the twelfth century, either King Louis VI or King Louis VII (sources disagree) became the first French monarch to use the fleur-de-lis on his shield. English kings later used the symbol on their coats of arms to emphasize their claims to the throne of France. In the 14th century, the fleur-de-lis was often incorporated into the family insignia that was sewn on the knight's surcoat, which was worn over their coat of mail, thus the term, "coat of arms."</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, she's a Rocky Mountain/Quarter Horse.....so she's rather American, but we can pretend she's French Royalty! lol!</div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-82885124427190815112011-03-23T19:50:00.000-07:002011-03-23T20:16:41.313-07:00Fall off the earth?Did I fall off the earth? No, just haven't had much positive or fun to report lately. I started this blog to share the fun I have with my horses, past and present, but it seems like things have spiraled toward the negative all too often lately, and a blog that's all negative is just depressing. And the past still hurts sometimes. I miss my Wayne something awful still.<br />
<br />
But how are the girls doing? So so..... <em>(if you want to skip to the fun stuff, head down to the pictures at the bottom, otherwise welcome to my horse life)</em><br />
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Cody's knee surgery has been anything but successful so far. We hit the 3 month mark on March 2nd and she's still dead lame. We've past the 3 1/2 month mark, and last Saturday she refused to put any weight on it. She's a little better now, but still not as good as she was, and even then she was anything but sound. <br />
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The vet came out Feb 1st and x-rayed her knee and sent them to the surgeon at MSU. He said the x-rays looked good, but behind schedule as far as healing. So we decided to give her till mid April or so and re-x-ray and re-evaluate, and see where we're at, see if it looks like things are healing or not. Dr. Caron says he's never had one of these surgeries not work, but I'm worried sick Cody's going to be the first and I'm going to end up losing her too. <br />
<br />
But I'm trying to keep my spirits up. She's had a lot of things going against her over these 3 1/2 months, that's for sure. This ridiculous weather, insane mud, rough frozen ground, deep snow, ice, ice, and more mud and snow, lack of sufficient bedding to pad the front of her stall, among other things. She's also the oldest horse he's ever done this surgery on, going on 17 this year. And then there's Cody's momentary lapses of reason from time to time. I had to quit hand walking her in the indoor arena, because every time we did she wanted to roll first thing, then would explode in a bucking fit as she got up and could hardly walk after that, so hand walking has to be done on the driveway....when it's not insane mud or sheer ice. And I hear she was trying to canter in her pasture the other day.<br />
<br />
So we're taking things day by day and we'll see what happens. Working on getting her weaned out of standing wraps right now, and hopefully out of a knee wrap soon. Trying to keep my chin up, but I worry. My luck seems to be in the toilet lately. Having just lost Wayne those few months ago, I'll be all the more heartbroken if I lose her too, and questioning my place in the horse world. How can something I love so much just go so completely wrong over the past year.<br />
<br />
Lady, she's doing ok. She started having some lameness issues in December (on top of some sudden major diarrhea issues that seems to have been encysted small strongyles and sand related, resulting in Panacur Power Pacs and Sand Clear for both the girls), so I gave her several weeks off, then slowly started working her on the lunge line, mostly at the walk with a little bit of trot to try to get her back into shape, but even doing that a few days a week and her lameness came back. Not real noticeable, but something just wasn't right. So I certainly didn't want to ride her. I haven't been on the back of a horse in three months. I think this is the longest I have ever gone without riding since I first bought Wayne back in 2002. A little depressing.<br />
<br />
But I did get very lucky, since the vet student that used to board with us (and who's wife used to use Lady for riding lessons one day a week), got Lady into MSU for me for the musculoskeletal rotation he was on. That was pretty exciting! Lady went up to MSU for the day, and Jesse and the rest of the students in his group went over her from head to toe. Basically a full lameness exam. Flexion tests, movement on straight lines and circles on hard and soft surfaces, nerve blocks to pin point painful spots, and about 50 x-rays of her knees, hocks, and front feet, and consultation with the two vets overseeing the students. And since it was a learning experience for the students, I didn't have to pay a dime for any of it!!! <br />
<br />
What did we learn? She has some pretty good arthritis in her left knee that was causing the lameness I was seeing. So I'm now three for three on screwed up left knees. At least Lady's most likely isn't from getting kicked in the knee like Wayne and Cody, it's probably just wear and tear, but still, what are the odds? Apparently I have no luck when it comes to knees. Makes me scared to even think about ever own another horse someday, at least not while I'm still having to board anyway.<br />
<br />
So when our vet came out a couple weeks ago to do vaccines, we injected Lady's knee to see if that would make her a little more comfortable. It seems to have helped, but then I haven't done much with her lately, either haven't had the time with doctoring Cody, or this rotten weather has left me unenthused about doing much of anything. I did work her on the lunge line for a bit on Sunday, but that didn't go as well as I would have liked. My intention was just to walk and a little trot, but Lady had her barrel horse brain on and was a complete dork ripping around at the canter and cross canter, head tossing and galloping a couple times for a good 10 minutes before she finally settled down to her normal self. She looked and was moving great!!! But was very sore the next day. Maybe this weekend I'll get her back out and try again.<br />
<br />
Thankfully her hock arthritis doesn't look any worse now than it did from the x-rays taken a year ago of her hocks. For now, I skipped injecting her hocks, since last summer she did pretty good on them, and if old man winter would just GO AWAY, I think that would be a big help too. But we'll see. She'll be 17 this year too, and from the history we've been able to piece together of her life before I got her, she seems to have been used pretty hard at a young age, so I guess it's to be expected. <br />
<br />
But hopefully I can at least keep Lady trail sound. And pray that I can get Cody healed up and sound again. These last 5 months have been really tough.....<br />
<br />
So to keep this from being a completely depressing blog entry, some pictures of what the girls have been up to lately......<br />
<br />
Cody gets some love tonight from sweet Miles (be sure to check him out at <a href="http://milesonmiles.blogspot.com/">Miles On Miles</a>):<br />
<div align="center">Thoroughbred Kisses</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190666_10150118906114227_519379226_6619690_2953647_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190666_10150118906114227_519379226_6619690_2953647_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199100_10150118905754227_519379226_6619685_2418053_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199100_10150118905754227_519379226_6619685_2418053_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Lady finally got some shipping boots of her very own, instead of always having to wear Wayne's pony shipping boots, which really were way too small for her! And she got to try them out on her trip to MSU!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188413_10150104313114227_519379226_6490244_7076586_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188413_10150104313114227_519379226_6490244_7076586_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cody is determined there is grass under that snow somewhere if she just digs far enough!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/164554_497174659226_519379226_6261732_7318959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/164554_497174659226_519379226_6261732_7318959_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/167795_497174804226_519379226_6261734_6142909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/167795_497174804226_519379226_6261734_6142909_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The girls discover the new mirrors in the indoor arena! Lady was a little puzzled....then curious.....then didn't really care, she took it in true Lady form. She's so darn cute!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189796_10150117321014227_519379226_6604852_1559382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189796_10150117321014227_519379226_6604852_1559382_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, that looks like me?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197049_10150117321309227_519379226_6604856_4435007_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197049_10150117321309227_519379226_6604856_4435007_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who's that pretty Lady?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cody was a bit more dramatic. Typical of Cody. She did the stop dead and whip the head around with a bug eyed stare, then had to go check herself out.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198053_10150111842284227_519379226_6557867_4262680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198053_10150111842284227_519379226_6557867_4262680_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whoa, who the heck is that?!?!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188310_10150111843509227_519379226_6557881_5195499_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188310_10150111843509227_519379226_6557881_5195499_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mirror mirror on the wall.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-58048912531117262712011-01-07T19:23:00.000-08:002011-01-07T19:26:09.271-08:00Cody's Knee X-raysSo the vet student that used to board with us got me copies of Cody's knee x-rays from her two visits to MSU. These are all before surgery. Can't wait to see x-rays in March after it's healed and fully fused!<br />
<br />
How's she doing? So, so. She has good days and bad days. It is a three month healing process, as that is on average how long it takes for a broken bone to heal, and basically her surgery destroyed the cartilage between the top and bottom bones of the injured joint so the two bones will now fuse themselves together into one. <a href="http://dungotclass.blogspot.com/2010/12/welcome-home-cody.html">Better explanation can be found here.</a><br />
<br />
It's been a month now, but Dr. Caron warned me that I won't see much improvement in lameness for 2 to 2 1/2 months, and she won't be sound until 3 to 3 1/2 months. So it's hard to say how she's doing, because she's definitely lame. <br />
<br />
She was doing pretty good there for a while, I almost had her off bute, but then we got a nice one day thaw, just enough to rut the pastures up something awful, then it froze solid again and the horses can barely walk on it. And she's been awful sore again since that freeze. I'm sure the uneven ground isn't helping much, and some of it might be sore/bruised feet, since she is a thin soled tender foot. But if I leave her in a stall for more than 12 hours, she's even more sore than she is on the uneven ground outside. <br />
<br />
So I guess this is the bad part about doing surgery in the winter, but on the up side, it keeps her from moving around too much and doing anything too stupid. So, it's still a waiting game........<br />
<br />
<em>(pics aren't the sharpest since they are scaled way down)</em><br />
<br />
Cody's right knee from the December visit the day before surgery, looking very nice and neat and clean and arthritis free, looking how a normal knee is supposed to look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs018.snc6/166800_484911159226_519379226_6097469_4386332_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs018.snc6/166800_484911159226_519379226_6097469_4386332_n.jpg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Cody's left knee after getting kicked in the knee back in Feb 2010. The first one is basically the same view angle as the one above of the right knee. The top ones are from December the day before surgery. The bottom two are from the June visit when we finally found the problem. You can see the arthritis and the collapsing lower joint. That lower joint that is such a mess is the one that is fusing itself now after surgery, and you can see from the flexion x-ray that bottom joint doesn't move much at all, it's the other two joints that have all the motion.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs041.snc6/167124_484911329226_519379226_6097471_1496803_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs041.snc6/167124_484911329226_519379226_6097471_1496803_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs032.snc6/166267_484911069226_519379226_6097468_2789902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs032.snc6/166267_484911069226_519379226_6097468_2789902_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs786.ash1/167605_484911394226_519379226_6097472_6707699_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs786.ash1/167605_484911394226_519379226_6097472_6707699_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1354.snc4/162652_484913519226_519379226_6097489_8296505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1354.snc4/162652_484913519226_519379226_6097489_8296505_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs776.ash1/166638_484913559226_519379226_6097491_3213828_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs776.ash1/166638_484913559226_519379226_6097491_3213828_n.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-77957239126998038872011-01-06T18:40:00.000-08:002011-01-06T18:40:39.787-08:00Room with a view?A little post I had written on my lunch hour at work back in November. I had intended to post it after I got home from the barn that night, but that was the night I discovered Wayne's knee was giving out, and I knew I had to put him down. So I was far too upset to even think about posting. I found it while cleaning out my email today, so thought that I would share. I still miss that little bugger........<br />
<br />
Room with a view?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, no, Wayne's stall doesn't have a window to the outside world. The only stalls with windows are the ones across the aisle from him, and the windows are a little too high up for him to see out anyway. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/45726/1087066776038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/45726/1087066776038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airs above the ground?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Not that that would stop him from looking out it, if his behavior in the past is any indication! The window in his stall when we boarded at Scheid's was too high for him to look out, but that didn't matter. If the window's too high, just stand up to look out it! I can't count the number of times he'd hear something outside, and go check his window, which gave him a nice view of the pasture. It was a pretty comical sight to see Wayne standing on his hind legs, front legs tucked and resting against the wall for balance, while he peered out the window to keep tabs on things. Of course, I never had a camera handy when I needed it.<br />
<br />
But I guess when you're short, you find ways to make up for it. A little too smart for his own good at times. When he was stuck inside because somebody was turned out in the pasture at Scheid's that he couldn't be out with, it wasn't uncommon for him to stand straight up and pop his head up over the top of the wall to try to see what was going on in the pasture from time to time. Or, since they had open front stalls, he'd stand up on his hind legs, rest his tucked front legs against the top of the stall front, and hang his head out into the aisle to try to get a better look outside. Use the window to check one side of the pasture, hang out into the aisle to check the other side of the pasture. That one used to freak people out, because they always thought he was trying to jump out of his stall! Freaked me out the first few times too, till I figured out he was just having a look outside, then going back about his business. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/19746/1087065861038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" n4="true" src="http://inlinethumb35.webshots.com/19746/1087065861038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two step anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I should have made him a trick pony. He can do a pretty nice Levade, just not on cue. Not only is he good at standing up, but he used to be good at kneeling down too. I haven't seen him do it much in the past 3 or 4 years, I think because of his bad knee, but in the past it wasn't uncommon to see him kneeling all the way down on his knees and reaching his head as far under the fence as possible to eat, because the grass is always greener on the other side! When his previous owner still had him and kept him in a tie stall, Wayne discovered the hole in the front of his stall under his manger by the floor, and we often caught him kneeling down and reaching through that hole to help himself to the hay on the other side. There was never any chaff laying on the floor in front of his stall. It was always licked clean in a nice little semi circle around that hole!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So probably a good thing he doesn't have a window in his stall right now! Just the hay door in the bars so he can hang his head out in the aisle to see what's going on.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/47186/1087067583038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://inlinethumb19.webshots.com/47186/1087067583038356767S600x600Q85.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't do anything.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-73607065507419463172011-01-01T20:11:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:11:22.431-08:00Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011Goodbye 2010. I'm glad to see you go. Other than getting married, you were a most unkind year, especially to my furkids. I spent more time out of the saddle than in the saddle due to lameness and/or injuries to 3 out of 3 furkids, and you took my sweet Wayne away from me. <br />
<br />
Hello 2011. I hope you are a better year. A year without major drama and roller coaster rides would be nice. To spend more time in the saddle on both Cody and Lady would be a plus.Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-3537499534224635332011-01-01T20:02:00.000-08:002011-01-01T20:03:51.577-08:00Cutiest Christmas PresentCutiest Christmas present ever. This little guy was on my totes in the tack room at the barn when I went down to see the girls Christmas day. I grinned like an idiot and cried all at the same time. Thank you Sarah! A plushie Wayne couldn't be more fitting! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1375.snc4/164736_481697989226_519379226_6039148_7808385_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1375.snc4/164736_481697989226_519379226_6039148_7808385_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1382.snc4/163411_481698014226_519379226_6039149_1770612_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1382.snc4/163411_481698014226_519379226_6039149_1770612_n.jpg" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He even has feathers on his feet!!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs261.snc3/27727_388309919226_519379226_4133621_4744872_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="291" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs261.snc3/27727_388309919226_519379226_4133621_4744872_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-55555779532897973432010-12-29T20:12:00.000-08:002010-12-29T20:12:21.094-08:00What Legend Is Your Horse?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found this website in one of my horse magazines, and had to check it out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylegendaryhorse.com/default.aspx">What Legend Is Your Horse?</a><br />
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Wayne:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONcL3HAFFFkO76mtZkjcFQDWPu00sLyU1jEEa8h6-4rkLBbBchODtSD9gN-7Ti-7zNlTECI1za8nhXa1nkUCuNnp5Vv06KNbEc8CWXmKm2OZu2Lhi8ilBs_qK1dhjLUxJ-eGgf87jMHQ/s1600/Wayne.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONcL3HAFFFkO76mtZkjcFQDWPu00sLyU1jEEa8h6-4rkLBbBchODtSD9gN-7Ti-7zNlTECI1za8nhXa1nkUCuNnp5Vv06KNbEc8CWXmKm2OZu2Lhi8ilBs_qK1dhjLUxJ-eGgf87jMHQ/s400/Wayne.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lady:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPnTFi7aWSAG_FKbpSHuSyCOu-CEIJdReTxJ_p9aqTjgc8pa4M5YWY5L1fqRF028Jc0VTW9NQ6pwOBRyXj0DTcmZr0DF8LzKyps4I6G56bsUbsSD3rKejZ3az9cuZWw0NfapZM5sQ1sE/s1600/Lady.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPnTFi7aWSAG_FKbpSHuSyCOu-CEIJdReTxJ_p9aqTjgc8pa4M5YWY5L1fqRF028Jc0VTW9NQ6pwOBRyXj0DTcmZr0DF8LzKyps4I6G56bsUbsSD3rKejZ3az9cuZWw0NfapZM5sQ1sE/s400/Lady.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cody:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak0euWXf75ij_ziVIDdmLhIOWPEUtc2ubvA5Sz0Ii6clhXXFIRUuXH8SEz0e8HBUxrCamnslEFjxN2UA4xBhSDKgEv0Ju6Myb8BqUn28dyPYvkevnrAZNJEXtR1Ovx80fMaiB9oOp8vE/s1600/Cody.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak0euWXf75ij_ziVIDdmLhIOWPEUtc2ubvA5Sz0Ii6clhXXFIRUuXH8SEz0e8HBUxrCamnslEFjxN2UA4xBhSDKgEv0Ju6Myb8BqUn28dyPYvkevnrAZNJEXtR1Ovx80fMaiB9oOp8vE/s400/Cody.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-90038243620622952802010-12-28T20:57:00.000-08:002010-12-28T21:03:08.301-08:00Horses, Renaissance, Sewing, and.....Star Wars!?!?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I love being a seamstress. I never used to be one. I think it was 2004 before I made my first attempt. I started going to the renaissance festivals more and more with friends, and dressing the part in borrowed garb. I wanted to get some of my own outfits, but they were way too expensive to buy them already made, especially considering you can make them yourself for literally a fraction of the cost, but I had no idea how to sew. My first outfit, I bought the fabric and had someone make it for me. I wanted another outfit, but that still meant paying to have it made.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>I finally said what the heck, how hard can it be, and took the plunge. I bought the cheapest sewing machine I could find, some cheap fabric, and a skirt pattern and headed home. I had no idea how to sew. Had never used a sewing machine before in my life. And really had no one that could teach me how to do any of it. But I read through the manual to figure out how to set the machine up and how to thread the darn thing and attempted to decipher the "greek" on the pattern pieces and instructions. I was flying by the seat of my pants and figuring it out as I went, and thankfully being an engineer and fairly mechanically inclined, sewing actually turned out to be pretty easy, at least for me and my oddly wired engineering/programming brain, it's all simple logic, like putting together a puzzle, and what I didn't understand, I could usually figure out after some thought and a little trial and error. And before I knew it, I had two new skirts! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://l32.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc3/hs178.snc3/20557_238025144226_519379226_3328186_6094154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://l32.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc3/hs178.snc3/20557_238025144226_519379226_3328186_6094154_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Ok, I can do this! Next project, pirate garb! I tested the waters, so might as well jump right in the deep end! I picked up tips and ideas here and there from friends that made their own renaissance gear, and paid more attention to the construction of various garments, and soon, I had made my first full outfit! And my sewing skills exploded from there! I have quite an array of completed renaissance costumes in my closet, and several in progress. And have gone the full spectrum of renaissance garb, from simple wench garb, to the courtly dresses of the nobles with all heavy layers and corsets and pleats, etc. Throw in a little Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings for good measure, and a bridesmaid dress! It's been a fun journey to improve my skills and see what all I can create. And with so many ideas in my head...... And for the most part, I'm pretty much self taught. <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=137204&id=519379226&l=ae54dcfb22">My Garb Closet</a> <a href="http://mistresskristin.deviantart.com/gallery/">The Garb Gallery</a><br />
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This blog is about my horse life, right? Well, eventually my new sewing skills branched over into my horse life. Wayne started that, Cody helped it along, and now Lady gets in on the fun too. Wayne had a long full tail that I kept trimmed and inch or two above the ground, but his tailbone was actually docked like a draft horse (a fad the Haflinger breed went through for a while), so it was amazing that he grew any length of tail at all, let alone down to the ground! Considering the massively thick tails on his offspring, I can only image what a beautiful tail he would have had if his tail had not been docked, but hey, I was more than happy with what he had, and his mane definitely made up for anything this tail lacked. But when your tailbone is docked, yet those flaxen tresses on it hang clear to the ground, it's a little difficult to get that nice blonde tail out of the way of them road apples! So unless you wanted a tail that was flaxen at the top, and road apple green and gross at the bottom, a tail bag was required in the winter, and frequent washings, lots of show sheen, and the occasional tailbag in the summer! <br />
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Then along came Cody, who has that long thick lush tail that is the envy of any show horse. No fake tail required here! And while she had a superior summer fly swatter, in the mud season it collected mud like you would not believe and could leave every thing it touched plastered with the gooey stuff, and in the winter, the ice balls on the end of that thing was like getting whipped with a cat of nine tails if you were standing in the wrong place at the wrong time! Not to mention the destruction the mud and snow reeked on the end of that beautiful tail! Tailbag is a must in the mud and winter months on that show tail! And to protect it from the tail chewing goats at one place I boarded at, who seemed to prefer Cody's tail over all others! Go figure. Mmmmm....yesterday was show sheen, taste like cowboy magic today! <br />
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And Lady, well, she pretty much had no tail, it just hung to her hocks and was pitifully thin. But thanks to Wayne and Cody, I'm a little obsessive about beautiful long locks on my horses, so my furkids all get tailbags in the winter, and by summer, they all have beautiful fly swatters for the fly season. Even Lady has a pretty tail to the ground now. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1359.snc4/163112_479674414226_519379226_5998497_5389430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1359.snc4/163112_479674414226_519379226_5998497_5389430_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>But tailbags only last so long. Especially with the geldings in the next pasture reaching through the fence and ripping them off my girls, I swear the goats talked them into it so they could have a snack!! And you can only repair a tailbag so many times before there is just no repairing left to it. And while tailbags used to be like $5 a bag, it seemed like they took a sudden price increase and you were lucky to find one for under $10 a bag, and then there was shipping. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So how hard can it be to make one of these things? And it's gotta be cheaper than $10 a bag! Well, I bought a yard of lycra for $5 and got 7 tailbags out of it! You do the math! I will never buy a premade tail bag ever again! </div><br />
My horses are usually pretty darn easy on their clothes, unless there's a blanket ripper in the pasture, but rips still happen. And soon my sewing skills paid off there too, and my poor sewing machine was fixing their winter blankets, sheets, slinkys, shipping boots, polo wraps, splint boots, fly masks, hay bags, the list goes on and on! If it belongs to my horses and is sewable, I've probably fixed it, sometimes more than once! And they all still have their original winter blankets, that are still going strong at 7 to 8 years old, even with the patchwork of repairs on them! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs278.ash1/20557_243029159226_519379226_3352732_5814322_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs278.ash1/20557_243029159226_519379226_3352732_5814322_n.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I miss that sweet furry little face.....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And this year I ventured into making show shirts for Western classes and selling them on ebay. Though at that point, I had to break down and replace my sewing machine. But I sure can't fault that $70 very basic cheapest one I would find machine! I put that thing through 6 years of hell, getting dragged down to the barn and repairing stuff for my horses (and sometimes other people's horses), and yards upon yards upon yards of fabric for costumes and misc clothing repairs, and getting dragged around to many a stitch n bitch with friends! But it was definitely getting a little on the wore out side, and if I was going to be making shirts to sell, I needed something a little more dependable. But on it's last leg or not, that old machine is still going, and been relegated to the horse repairs, because those filthy dirty horse clothes aren't coming anywhere near my new machine! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs694.snc4/63438_471633794226_519379226_5860545_6552902_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs694.snc4/63438_471633794226_519379226_5860545_6552902_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>So this summer I bought a new machine, and upgraded a couple steps up from the old one. Oooo, this baby is nice! And I've been punching out show shirts over the past several months, which actually turned out to be easier to make than I thought they would be! It's been a lot of fun picking out fabric and adding all the bling, decorating each one a little different from the next! Almost makes me want to show western pleasure again.....almost! They don't sell on ebay quite as fast as I had hoped, but it's usually a nice little profit when they do, and an added bonus to put toward the horse hobby or sewing hobby, since I seem to have two rather expensive hobbies!! I suppose I could do a little bit more with marketing my shirts to get them to sell better, rather than just putting them on ebay, but honestly, I'm not looking to make a career out of them. I already have a career job, and a husband and horses, so my time is pretty limited already, I don't need another added pressure. So I have fun creating them as I feel like it/have time for, and when they sell, great, and if they don't, well, eventually they will. <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=176847&id=519379226&l=c711991ebb">Show Shirt Made So Far</a><br />
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But one of the added bonuses of making show shirts, is left over lycra fabric (and cheap lots of remnant lycra) make great tailbags! I have tailbags coming out my ears, so my furkids are definitely sporting some of the coolest/wildest/loudest tailbags in town! And I have more than I will ever use, so off they will eventually go on ebay too!! <br />
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And sometimes it's fun to combine the horse and renaissance hobby, even if only for pictures! I mean, what's a musketeer without her loyal mount! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs109.snc1/5085_92601199226_519379226_2078256_7816820_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs109.snc1/5085_92601199226_519379226_2078256_7816820_n.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
Or taking a ride on the castle lawn (ok, so the castle is actually photoshopped in)! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs105.snc1/4898_90579734226_519379226_2049279_3301633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs105.snc1/4898_90579734226_519379226_2049279_3301633_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=88158&id=519379226&l=681bfae8c6">More Horses and Garb pics!</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And as soon as my gold and burgundy court gown was even remotely wearable, I had to have pictures riding Cody in it, because the fabrics in that gown couldn't match Cody's coat more perfectly! It's definitely still a work in progress, it needs sleeves, and a few mistakes fixed, and a new undershirt, since Cody completely destroyed the undershirt that day with green slobber stains that didn't come out, but I work on it as I feel like it, and hopefully next summer I will be up on Cody's back again, and there will be more pictures to come! <br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=90772&id=519379226&l=54a142f5e5">More Nobles on Horseback pics!</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs108.snc1/5076_95371654226_519379226_2124340_3682894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs108.snc1/5076_95371654226_519379226_2124340_3682894_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Though lately I've been a bit bored with the western pleasure shirts (have a few stocked up waiting to sell) and the renaissance projects, so I've switched gears a bit toward movie costuming for something new to try. And needless to say, my inner geek is having a ball...... <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ajediquest.blogspot.com/">A Jedi Quest blog</a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs109.snc1/5085_92601509226_519379226_2078262_2892373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs109.snc1/5085_92601509226_519379226_2078262_2892373_n.jpg" width="313" /></a>Hmmm....western pleasure and horses, that works. Renaissance and horses, that works. Star Wars and horses?!?! Well, Obi-Wan had Boga, I guess I have Cody! Yes, I am a geek, the cowgirl look is merely a disguise! </div><br />
*insert slight move of hand here* <br />
<br />
This is not the geek you're looking for..... <br />
<br />
You can go about your business...... <br />
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Move along......Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4753102169936701394.post-50567505263205053832010-12-24T18:05:00.000-08:002010-12-24T18:05:45.668-08:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkjlMm3Z6AvveRK7kEkI9DIG0kqfixITD4qy4RMtApuwrCsR7cs4xbVE590OtPrp-4PguLTA0S8VD_l1Q6OpP2aRn4bO6npEIzbM_0nK3mnKqm6Qh4GG5NFy1nPRY1arffb6ujIRndf4/s1600/Wayne+Christmas+Card.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkjlMm3Z6AvveRK7kEkI9DIG0kqfixITD4qy4RMtApuwrCsR7cs4xbVE590OtPrp-4PguLTA0S8VD_l1Q6OpP2aRn4bO6npEIzbM_0nK3mnKqm6Qh4GG5NFy1nPRY1arffb6ujIRndf4/s400/Wayne+Christmas+Card.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Dun Got Classhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17501877307183730606noreply@blogger.com2