Ulcer Treatment Day Three and Other Stuff

Sam is slowly making baby steps to recovering from his ulcers. I only wish that I would have caught it sooner. He still only picks at his food. I have a blanket on him to keep the chill away but I'll need to start checking him daily to gauge his weight loss. I'm afraid what little he eats, he'll be losing weight. We are already on to day three of ulcer treatment. I didn't see as noticeable discomfort tonight as I have the last few nights. He didn't bring tears to my eyes tonight like he did Friday night. Friday night I was at a breaking point, and as Sam laid curled up (as curled up as a draft horse can get), I sat with him trying to bring him comfort (although I'm not sure he really wanted it). Like any mother, all I wanted to do was give him a great big hug and take the pain away. I wanted to tell him that he would feel better soon and that he should eat no matter what to stay strong. But all I could do was sit there and let the tears run down my cheeks, to freeze where they would, and not cry too loudly in case that would upset Sam more.

I know I'm over protective of my horses and that's why I prefer to have a sanctuary instead of a rescue. I know there are good people out there who will take just as good care of their horses as I. But situations change, things happen, and all too often a horse is usually the first thing to go as they are seen as "extras" and not as a part of the family. But the horses of Borderlands aren't just horses, they are family and will remain so even after they are just memories. I know that I am near max capacity and without additional help/donations, I cannot take in any more family members. But it breaks my heart to know that there are so many good souls out there that just need to be given a chance.

I look at each member in the herd and think about their characteristics and personality. Each is different and special in their own way (even as naughty as they might be). Each individual gives the herd a new dynamic and I cherish the time I spend with them. Maybe I'm a hoarder, maybe I'm obsessive, but I want more individuals, to learn their life story as best I can, and to watch them grow old and enjoy the leisures they so deserve. I need to remember the Starfish Story but on the other hand, I also don't want to turn a blind eye to the millions that need help.

So I'm asking for your help again. What are ways to promote rescue? What are ways to educate people on over breeding? What are ways to highlight rescue horses? I have a few ideas and I hope to bring some of those ideas to light in the next few months. I am only one person but no one can achieve greatness without the help of others.

It's been awhile since I posted any horse pics. I need to remember to take the camera out. Here's a few scattered pics I've taken.

Mayhem

Jim doing his weird standing on three leg stance he does when excited.

Queen -- "Where's MY food. I'm the queen of this pasture so feed me!"

King - taken sometime this summer. We used to ride in a tom thumb but he used the shank as a nook (sp?) so I switched him to an egg butt snaffle and he's been ok ever since.