I've been a busy littlekeebler the past few days. I've had birthdays to organize, presents to buy, kids to babysit, long drives to Montreal, work and many other things. My blog has been left slightly neglected.
Two birthdays are down, kids have been babysat -so I'm off the hook for a few weeks there and trips have been completed. Only a couple more days of appointments and work to get through and I can have a bit of a rest.
We drove to Montreal on Saturday - it's about 2.5 hours from home to get us downtown. Richard had a duathlon that he was entered in. I'm his support crew, so it is kind of fun. I secretly love big cities, even though I'm a country girl at heart. I love the grittiness of a big city - subways, restaurants, shops, the landmarks - all of that is fun for me for a short time. I'll edit this post tomorrow and put in a few pictures for y'all!
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Rusty had a farrier appointment today - I was a little worried about it, because he isn't always that good for the farrier, according to the previous owners. They had to twtich him for a trim and tranquilize him for shoes!! Crazy. He had his first trim with my farrier 7 or so weeks ago and was ok - nervous, but the farrier was patient with him. Today, I was expecting a lot of pulling and stuff, but Rusty almost fell asleep! He had a trim and front shoes reset. He didn't even blink with the nails going in! No twitch, no tranquilizer! We were sure that a patient farrier could trim him without any problems and turns out we were right! (Just a note on finances - a trim and front shoe reset is $84 here...)
I was so happy - I hate seeing a horse all stressed out. I also don't like it when a horse misbehaves for the vet or farrier. Rusty was so relaxed that the farrier asked me three times (jokingly) if I had given Rusty some drugs! This farrier is so great - I had about a million questions and he answered them all patiently. I also stuck around to watch the other trims he did and he would call me over to show me different hooves and the issues with each.
He also hot-shod one horse and I wish I had my camera with me - the smoke was kind of cool... I haven't seen that done before - except on tv, so it was neat. I really need to start bringing my camera!
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Rusty has one more appointment tomorrow - the vet. He is getting a check up for his ulcer. He seems to be doing really well, so I'm quite optimistic. He did stop eating on us on Monday, but the barn owner and I figured out that he was just sick of beet pulp! We are just giving him some pellets now and he is devouring them - so that is all good. I don't care what he eats, as long as he keeps eating it and keeps gaining weight!
I promise I'll take my camera tomorrow and finally post a few pictures! lol
Name That....
2 days ago
5 comments:
Has Rusty moved to his new barn yet?
Hot shoeing... looks kinda cool but OH that smell!! :x lol
Just a thought on Rusty's previous behavior, was he possibly in pain? I had a Paint mare that we had to drug to do her hind feet. She was a PITA just to pick out her back feet. Her heels were way too low. So bad that it caused her hock and back pain. Once her heels were at the right angle again she was fine. No more drugs, no more back pain!
No - he hasn't moved yet. Probably sometime next month if he gets the ok from the vet today.
I think he was in pain before - the previous farrier shoed a few other horses at the barn and was notorious for trimming way too short and then putting on a too-small shoe on top of that! Crazy.
My new farrier is really kind and patient and seems to know what he is doing, so Rusty's feet and his attitude about it are improving every visit... The new farrier also thought that maybe somewhere along the line a farrier had hit Rusty with the stand, or he got spooked and was tangled up with the stand. It's always a bit of a mystery to unravel when you get a new horse!
Good to 'read' you again, Laura. I missed you.
We've been busier now that our homeschool schedule is in full swing. Days are getting shorter and our mornings are busy, so I'm getting frustrated that I can't spend more time with my horse except for weekends. I don't like the arrival of Fall :(
I'm a Country Gal at heart, too. I don't mind visiting the city for a while and enjoying some of the aspects, but I can't wait to get back onto country roads and peace and quiet again.
Thank goodness you've found such a patient and wonderful farrier. Good for Rusty, too!
My Baby Doll does the same thing, amost falling asleep as she gets her feet trimmed.
We are barefoot here, so trims run $30.00 (if we pay cash). Not too bad.
I can't wait to read more about your husband's dualthon. Please explain what it is exactly and how he has to prepare, and what your role is. Sounds so interesting.
Thinking positive thoughts for a good outcome from Rusty's Vet appt.
~Lisa
Laughing Orca Ranch
New Mexico
Glad that Rusty has been doing so well. My Possum gets 4 shoes and falls asleep while the farrier works on him. He loves his farrier and they are good friends. Possum is also hot shod all the way around. It also toughens up the shoes since we have a tendency to make them into tin foil after 6 weeks. Hope the vet appy passes with flying colors and we get to hear about some riding stories from you.
Sounds like your new farrier has the magic touch. I am glad things are going so well with Rusty, I am looking forward to reading about your move to the new barn too!
Ouch on the bill - I only pay 75 for new shoes and slightly for a re-set.
But still within range of what a good farrier charges. Hope you are having a good weekend!
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