Forethought

Last night I went out to do chores (as I always do) but knew I was in for extra chores because of this upcoming storm. Originally the weatherman had predicted rain turning into snow, which meant wet and cold horses. Not good.


The wind was pretty fierce and I knew I'd have to leave Junior in his outside stall until we got back from church so I threw a blanket to ward against the wind chill. He's definitely changed since we first got him. He's gotten less accustomed to my movements and I'm not sure why. I wonder if he's going blind but I don't see any drastic changes in his eyes or even any spots. But the older he gets, the more unsure of anything I do. He's taken to spooking at the hose when I drag it through his pen to fill the water tank. And now he's taken to not liking his blanket or even having me come close with his blanket (or come close to him at all). He used to be a riding horse so he's used to people approaching him with a saddle pad and saddle. It's all very weird. As the years progress, he's more uncomfortable with anyone but horses approaching him. He's getting a bigger bubble as he gets older.


I also pulled in Bo, Jim, and Rain so that it would be easier to put hay in after we got back. Of course we didnt' get home until 9pm. There's nothing romantic about putting hay in late at night. Luckily most of the herd was out on the pasture, which is a good indication that the bales were done. What was left is mostly chaff and I'm disappointed that there's that much chaff to deal with. I am apparently a hay snob because all of our hay in years past never had any chaff and the horses would polish it completely.


I'm glad we put hay in last night instead of tonight. It's much colder today and there will be more snow. It's better to be pre-emptive and get things done before the bad weather hits (although it hasn't gotten bad and maybe it's not going to be bad this time around). But I'm definitely glad to see new bales sitting in the drylot for the horses.


They have figured out how to pull the hay nets off the bales and that drives me insane. So what used to take just a few minutes to get the nets on, takes twice as long because I have to secure the nets to the hay rings. I need to device a way to keep the hay nets on without having to spend a half an hour tying them to the ring.


I checked Bo out last night a little closer before putting his blanket on. He's doing much better. The cut on his leg is healing nicely. I really didn't think it would heal this fast or this nice, what with it being so deep and in such a bad spot. There was no way to stitch it so I figured it would never heal,  especially with Bo's heart failure.


But I'm wondering now about Bo. His heart rate was elevated because he was at the vet's. He's uncomfortable going anywhere and we've only taken him to a few different places over the years so even though he loads like a dream, he stays home most of the time. We like to keep the horses as calm as possible which means they don't actually leave the Sanctuary all that often. I really thought after we got home from the vet that Bo wouldn't be around much longer. But he's proved me wrong. I think with a calm environment, he'll do just fine.


The air pocket in his shoulder is also diminishing. It covered his entire right shoulder, started to creep up his neck and wrapped around his entire chest. I was worried but there was nothing we could do. The body is an amazing thing. Bo's air pocket is starting to diminish. There isn't nearly as much air in his shoulder. In fact, last night before I put his blanket on, I asked him to move and forgot and pushed his right shoulder. It crinkled. It was a little creepy but there was definitely less air. So investigated more and there is less air everywhere. Even in his chest, there is less air. There's still a big air pocket in his chest but that too will go away in time.


I figured with Bo in heart failure and then a deep leg cut and air pocket, that would be the end of him. But his body, even in heart failure is taking care of him. Now it's my turn to take care of Bo. We are keeping the ulcers at bay by feeding him Ramona feed. It's not easily accessible but we'll do what we can to keep him fed. It's a mix of oats, cracked corn and I believe soymeal. He's not gaining weight but he's also not losing weight. I also started adding in a scoop of senior to see if that would bother him but so far it hasn't.


I have been keeping a watchful eye on Brego. With Ivan gone, Brego is lost. Zeke on the other hand knows that Brego is depressed and has taken him  under his wing. I'm a little worried that it would cause Bo problems but I think everything is ok. So now it's the three amigos and Lightening will show up every once in a while. With Ivan now gone, there is less harassing for Bo. Ivan liked to torment Bo so that's at least one less worry... I guess.


Brego is doing well. He's still depressed but he's moving forward. Ivan wasn't the first best friend that he lost. He lost Sam a few years back but he wasn't nearly as attached as he was to Ivan. But now that he's friends with Zeke, hopefully he can adjust. I worry though because Zeke is 25 and how many more years will Zeke be around. Poor Brego will lose another best friend. But it's part of Sanctuary life.


But overall, everyone is healthy and happy. A few of the hard keepers are tucked in their blankets although I'm sure I overreacted. Now to deal with super cold temps. I guess that's what happens in winter. Just glad I had enough forethought to get everything done last night instead of tonight when it's so much colder.

What Ivan and Bo Taught Me

I want to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and moral support after Ivan's passing.


I am no stranger to death. Running a Sanctuary for old horses means I am ever watchful of the day we need to say goodbye to one of our loved ones. It's only those that leave this world so suddenly that I am left in shock. I have spent the last few days quietly mourning Ivan's passing and getting back to the old routine. Life continues even in death.


I have run through all the scenarios: what-ifs, what should I have done differently, what did I do wrong. In the end,  it's the same conclusion. Ivan is gone and we must move on.


I am keeping a watchful eye on Brego. He, like me, is in mourning. Unlike myself, Brego lost his best friend, his sidekick, his companion. He is depressed and I worry for him. I worry for him like I worry for my own children. I can't explain to him that Ivan left this world. I can't explain to him that in time, he too will adjust to this change. I cant' explain. So instead, I spend a few extra minutes with him in this very crazy schedule called life and I hope and wish that he can bounce back.


Brego has now lost two best friends in the time that he's lived at the Sanctuary. His first best friend was Sam who we lost a few years ago to old age and ulcers. And now Ivan. How can I explain to him? How can I make him feel better? Only time will tell.


As I mourn for Ivan's passing, I also mourn for Bo's upcoming passing. I am keeping a watchful eye on Bo but I can tell that I am going to have to let him go soon as well. The thought breaks my heart. When the cold spell came, I put a blanket on Bo to ensure he stayed warm and spent his energy trying to maintain what little weight he had to keep comfortable. It's not doing any good. Bo is slowly losing weight. My brain is the logical one telling me to make a phone call now before the snow flies. My heart is holding on and can't bare to say goodbye. It's not even the passing of Ivan that is keeping me from making that dreaded phone call. It's knowing that he, like Ivan, is so very young. That life has handed him every shortcoming imaginable. Yet, instead of holding a grudge to all that has happened, we should take a page from Bo's Book of Life.         Be Happy.         Enjoy the good moments. They will outlast the bad moments. Surround yourself with those that you love and simply be (and preferably be happy in being). Bo is a wonder that I cannot explain. In all that has happened to him, he is still the happy horse. So making a phone call to say that he needs to leave this world is very difficult.


So instead I sit and worry. I mourn for Ivan's passing, I worry for Brego's depression, and I stress over Bo's impending departure from this world. I am simply taking each day as they come.


Ivan's passing is a good reminder. Never take anyone for granted. With the old horses, I know their time will near and I keep a watchful eye on them knowing that their time on this earth is limited. The younger horses (those that came to the Sanctuary before we set criteria on who could come in), are not on my radar. Yet, I sometimes take their presence for granted, as I do with others.


It is a reminder that you should live your life to the fullest. Being a socially awkward introvert, its' hard to be the one living it up at a party or making the most of every day. But I need to remember to appreciate the little things in life, those that are in my life and to recognize them for being a part of my life. It's a lesson I hadn't thought a young horse like Ivan could teach me.


Thank you Ivan for being the stubborn Thoroughbred and reminding me to appreciate all those that surround me in life. Life is a precious gift. Until we meet again...

Goodby Ivan

We lost Ivan last night.


My heart is broken. I can't understand how he could have left. He was young and one of the healthy ones.


I am struggling and running through all the scenarios to figure out what I did wrong. I messed up somewhere. He should be standing at a bale next to his best friend.


Ivan coliced Saturday. We had the vet out Sunday morning to tube and oil him, with minimal improvements.


I stalled him and I think that's my mistake. When I went to check on him Sunday night, he'd cast himself in the stall. They arent' perfect stalls but they work. But I should have given him the entire barn and not just a stall or sent him outside.


Either he hit his head while he was trying to get up or while he was down and rolling, he twisted his gut and threw a blood clot. Either way, he had serious neurological problems. There was no chance of recovery and this was confirmed by two vets.


It's my fault. If only...

I will not be online much this week. I am too heartsick over what happened. Maybe after the shock has worn off but for now...I can't breath let alone speak.

Side-By-Side

Where one goes, the other follows. This is the typical width and breadth between Ivan and Brego on any given day (unless they have their heads buried in the hay (and then they are only separated as far as the hay ring divider.

I don't typically have to look far if I find one, I'll know the other is close behind.

And yes, Ivan is much bigger than Brego. The pictures never do Ivan's size justice (not to say that Brego isn't decent sized), Ivan is just big.

And yes, the shed behind them is the one without a roof due to the EF2 tornado that missed us by a half a mile. This is exactly why you add hurricane straps to a roof (even if we are land locked and no where near a path of a hurricane. We DO have tornados). It's been a number of years since the tornado missed us and I am still, not so patiently waiting to put the roof back on but there are other fires to put out and it's still on the list, even if it's at the very bottom. Anyone want to help put it back together? We have enough material to get it back in working order, just need the extra help.

Stuff

So I got my wires crossed with the farrier and she's coming out tonight instead of last night. No biggie. Hopefully I can catch Zeke. He wasn't having anything to do with me until I had to get down and dirty with him. Old bugger. Too bad he doesn't realize I dont' intend on riding him any more. The problem is Lightening is rubbing off on him even more. I wish there wasn't such an age gap. I'd love to do some Liberty work with those two. They are insync and it's fun to watch them trot in circles together (as long as it's not around me).


Even Rain was getting in on the action of trying to play tag. Those darn Arabians.


Not much else happened last night. We went to a birthday party for a very good friend and supporter. It's so nice to get away and hang out with very good friends, some who I haven't seen in months. It reminds me that I need to slow down and appreciate some life quality moments with friends and family.


We got a bit of rain last night so I'm happy. I put Jim and Ivan's brand new fly masks on last night. Jim's is a special UV protection to help with his eyes. Both were a tad too big but oh well, right? WRONG! When I went out this morning, they both had their masks off and were mashed into the mud. So much for that. The XL masks are too big. I thought they would fit the big headed horses (Ivan, Chaos, and King). They are TOO big. So now I need to figure out how to improvise and make them fit. If only they had adjustable fly masks. The flies are going to get terrible pretty quick so I want masks on. I think I'll have to put them on in the morning and take them off when I lock them in at night. I have a feel Maverick took them off. But we'll see.


I am sure there will be more to chat about but right now I'm drawing a blank. Tomorrow at noon we will GO LIVE and talk about non-horse related but Sanctuary related topics. Anything you want to hear in particular?

Summer Pasture Time!

I spent Saturday scrambling to get the temporary fencing up so that I could release the big herd. I've been more than anxious to get them out on grass. The hay guy is worried about having enough hay, which makes me even more nervous. So having horses out on pasture means no more putting hay in! Hopefully with dividing the pasture, we'll be able to rotate enough and be able to bring the horses back to this section of the pasture later this summer. It'll also give me a chance to do some serious spraying.


I've been trying to spray at least once a week to go after weeds that have been long forgotten and are taking over. I'm excited to see the results. So much neglect over the past couple of years and I'm finally getting back to it. Not sure that I'll get to do any spraying this week but this week is going to be busy.


I wish I would have taken my camera last night to take pictures. There was some pretty sights last night out in the pasture. But for now, I'll leave you with a few pictures of the first day out to pasture.




Jim and King



Brego, Dude, and Chaos



Rain and Jim

Penny supervising the herd

Penny having a discussion with Brego (and Brego's shadow, Ivan)

Name Game Trivia Question #10 Answer

The resident Thoroughbred at the Sanctuary is....

Ivan

Name Game Trivia Question #10

Name Game Trivia Question #10:

What's the name of the resident Thoroughbred?

2017 Sanctuary Residents

Jim - 30 year old Tennessee Walker gelding

Maverick - 12 year old grade Quarter Horse gelding

Ivan - 16 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Dude (My Blazing Skip) - 20 year old registered Quarter Horse gelding

Chaos - 12 year old grade breeding stock paint gelding

Rabbit (Rabbit Choker Nikki) - 25 year old registered Quarter Horse mare

Brego - 12 year old grade Quarter Horse gelding

Zeke - 25 year old grade Arabian gelding

Bo - 16 year old National Show Horse (Saddlebred x Arabian) gelding

Mayhem - 7 year old registerable Quarter Horse mare

Junior - 29 year old Quarter Horse gelding

Skippy - 14 year old registered Miniature Horse gelding

Tommy - 15 year old Shetland Pony gelding

Lace (whitelacenpromises) - 22 year old (Need to double check) registered Paint mare

I Rode Ivan

I rode Ivan!!!

I know some of you are thinking, what’s the big deal? I took on Ivan back in August 2010 when he was advertised for $100 from a local horse flipper. I was able to track down a little bit more information and found out he’d been at a youth camp but I don’t know the reason for them letting him go. He’d come from a lady in Iowa that needed to rehome him and another horse. I took him on because he had a problem with his … umm.. man part. J I took him to the vet and he said it was cellulitis. There wasn’t much to do for it so just watch it. When I first got him, he never sucked it in but over the years he has and now doesn’t let it hang out all the time because the swelling has gone down.

But I digress. I’m stressed over not having a drill team horse and then Ivan gave me a sign. It’s a little weird. I sometimes say the horses tell me this or that. Like Zeke told me he was done with drill team. Of course he didn’t “SAY” the words but he let me know in other ways. Ivan did the same thing. I think he was itching for more attention.

I’d put blankets on last weekend when that terrible cold front came through and dropped the temps to -30. Well yesterday was 30. Yes, a 60 degree swing in temps. It’s tough to cope with. I needed to put a bale in (normally it’s two but for some reason they didn’t power through that other bale so I need to look at it during the daylight to see what’s wrong). But anyway, I was out and decided to halter him up, while I pushed everyone else out to get the bale in. I left Ivan and some of the others in the barn and when the bale was in and the hay net on, I decided to pull blankets and then hop on Ivan.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had never gotten on Ivan and even when I looked at him, I’d never talked with the actual owner or tried him out. I just bought him knowing that he was in danger of being picked up by a kill buyer. I couldn’t bring myself to let the local horse trader pick him up. I’m normally a reasonable person and can tolerate people but this horse trader I just want to punch in the face because he’s a snivlining little twit. But again, I digress.

So I left the halter on and put two lead ropes on and hoped for the best. Ivan is so tall I had to bring him over by the gate to climb on. He was actually way better for getting on than some of the other “broke” horses. I was a little surprised. I’m not sure if he knew what was going on or what. I always figured I’d have to send him to a trainer for a refresher before I got on (I apparently was feeling brave last night). But I threw a leg on before he walked off and then hopped on. Nothing. Good ol’ Ivan just stood there like a good boy.

He’s rusty. And when I say rusty, I mean super rusty but he was remembering pretty quick. I ended up just sitting there for awhile not doing anything because Ivan had pretty much locked up and wouldn’t move. I had all the other horses near so he wouldn’t be nervous and Brego was right there by his side the entire time. Chaos came over a couple of times to try and torment but left after I told him to go.

At first I was able to get Ivan to back up. He backs better than some of the other “broke” horses! Crazy how they remember certain things. After a little bit longer, I was able to get Ivan to walk around the bales and just putter. Super, super rusty but still you could tell he was starting to remember some queues.

I’m planning on hopping back on him tonight and see if we can repeat what we did last night. I was on cloud 9. I am always on the ground cleaning and feeding that I forget that I can ride a few of the younger horses that don’t have health ailments or lameness issues that render them pasture sound only.

I’m not sure if Ivan will work out for drill team or not. But I may end up scraping up the money (and going without for other things) to send him to a trainer to get a quick refresher. I’d love to be able to promote the Sanctuary with Ivan. There aren’t any other thoroughbreds on the team so it would be fun!

Here’s to trying new and exciting activities! Wish me luck that Ivan and I click and we can become amazing riding partners spreading the word about the Sanctuary.

Caption This

It's been awhile since I last posted. The paying job is going to make blogging a bit more tricky so the posts may be a bit more sporadic until I can dedicate more face time with the computer.

But in the meantime, I found these goodies in the ol' archive and figured I'd share. Can you caption this sequence of events between Brego (on the left) and Ivan (on the right)?

Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday is to almost a year ago. This Saturday marks one year from when our daughter was born. Time really does fly. Much less drama from when the first child was born but time seems to be flying even faster. I remember in the evenings when Mike would get home, I'd need to get out and get some fresh air and check on the horses. Always the sun would be making shadows on the land. I wish I would have had more time to take pictures (as I wish I had more time to take pictures now). Fall is my favorite time of year, I just wish I could pack up and move instead of endure a long winter (which I think we'll be heading in to...and I'm not prepared).

Dude and Ivan

Senior Tip Tuesday

Ivan, Jim, Maverick




Our tip for Senior Tip Tuesday:


Feed at more frequent intervals so as not to upset the digestive system. Two to three times daily is best.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday!

Ivan and Maverick from last summer

Throwback Thursday

Our Throwback Thursday picture is from almost a year ago. Ivan was just chilling enjoying a little bit of summer breeze.

Wishlist Wednesday

We wish for Ivermectric dewormer. We were four short and need to pick up some for the mares and Maverick. And Skippy probably needs another dose because he spit most of it out.


We are always in need of dewormer.

Ivan looking fat and sassy from last summer

Throwback Thursday

Finally found space on a computer to download pictures (so I can upload them...seems like a crazy thought).

This was just last weekend. The horses are patiently waiting for the pasture to green up. We desperately need the hay barn painted (and reroofed). Anyone want to help with either? We are slowly buying Ondura sheets to cover the hay barn. It takes 30 sheets per side. We bought 10 last week while it was on sale. We also need to scrape and paint it but in doing so, we need to replace boards. The previous owner ran cattle next to the building so it's in rougher shape than some of the other buildings. We've patched it together but it really needs more help. I'd love to reside it but for now, I'll be happy to repair the weak spots and get it painted and looking sharp. I tried painting some of it last year with left over paint I had from painting the garage. But there's a lot of work needed. Anyone want to help?

It looks like Rain and Ivan were volunteering your help! Brego was trying hide from volunteering.

Sanctuary Horses' Christmas Wish List

I was asked the other day by a good friend "What do the horses want for Christmas this year?" I guess I always have a running tally of what we need but I've never voiced it specifically. The horses tell me what they want but they get what they get when there's only so much money to go around. :-)


So here it goes....each horse's Christmas wish list.
(Sorry the pictures are outdated. I am not on the right computer with the newer pics)




Whitelacenpromises
I wish for a new blanket, size 78.  I'm new to the Sanctuary and would love to have a blanket to keep the chill away. I'd also love a bag or two of sweet feed. I'm a girl who loves her grain.

Rabbit
I wish for a new blanket, size 78. My old one is too big and I ripped it last winter. I'd also love a bag or two of sweet feed. I'd love a fly mask too for the summer months. The sunshine makes my eyes weep some days.

Mayhem
I wish for money to go towards my hernia surgery. Before I can go to school, I have to have my surgery. Any amount is helpful.  I'd like a salt lick too.

Tommy
I wish for a brand new halter and lead rope. My halter size is yearling. That way when we go to different community outreach programs, I can look nice instead of wearing my grungy halter. I'd also love to have a pedicure or two paid for ($30). Oh and I'd like a salt lick too. I don't lick them, I scrape them with my teeth!

Skippy
I wish for a brand new halter and lead rope too! My halter size is pony. I'm wearing Tommy's hand-me-down halter (and you know how dirty those Shetland ponies can get!). I'd also love to get a pedicure or two paid for before we go out and about to meet people.

Junior
I'd love for a bag or two of purina senior feed or Strategy. I'd also love a bag of Cool Calories to help me keep my weight on. I'd love to have a new over the fence grain bucket too. I'm a bit hard on grain buckets. I'd love to get a fly mask for this summer too. I'd love to have a water proof sheet. I have a heavy blanket but on those damp fall days, I'd like to wear a waterproof sheet instead of my heavy blanket.

Jim
Even though I'm the oldest and probably the grumpiest, I'd love a bag of senior feed. I'd love a brand new blanket or to have my old one fixed (the clasp on the leg straps broke so my blanket doesn't always sit right). I'd also love a brand new halter because Zeke wanted my old halter. I'd love a fly mask for this summer. The sunlight bothers my eyes and makes my eyes weep some days.

Brego
I'd love a brand new blanket, size 78. Depending on the weather, I squeeze into Jim's blanket or I wear a blanket that doesn't fit me as well and that I've stretched the leg straps out so it gets caught every once in a while. I'd also love a bag or two of Strategy. When March rolls around, I start to lose weight so having some Strategy and maybe some Cool Calories supplements might be nice.

Ivan
I'd love a brand new halter. My head is so big that only one or two of the current halters fit and I have to share with Chaos. It would be nice to have a halter all my own. Oh and to have a bag of sweet feed.

Dude
I'd love my very own blanket, size 78. I ripped the one hand-me-down blanket I used to wear. It would be nice to have a fancy blanket to call my own, especially since I'm the one in charge of everyone. I'd love a bag of sweet feed too. Oh and don't forget a fly mask. I don't want to deal with those pesky flies this summer.

Chaos
I'd love a bag of sweet feed and an over-the-fence grain bucket. That way no one can steal my grain. I'd like a fly mask to keep flies away during the worst of fly season.

Maverick
I'd love a big salt lick and a bag of sweet feed. I'd also love a fly mask for this summer.

Bo
I'd love a bag or two of senior feed and Strategy. Oh and some Cool Calories would be nice. I could always go for a new halter to call my own. I've never had a halter of my own, just hand me downs. I'd love a fly mask too for the summer. And a rain sheet. I have a heavy blanket but a rain sheet to keep the damp fall rain off my back would be wonderful!

So, that's the horses' Christmas wish list. I've scoped out some prices. At Tractor Supply, sweet feed is about $9, Strategy is $15, Purina senior feed is $19 (but we also use Dumor senior which is a little cheaper), and Cool Calories are $24 for a small bag and $50 for a big bag. Over the fence grain buckets are about $10 and salt blocks are about $5. I can't remember what halters are for price (we usually get hand me down halters from other people) Fly masks are about $15 and blankets range in price (but we are always shopping around for the best deal).

Meeting Time

I think the horses were having a meeting and the cat, Little One, was running the meeting.