Queen Coliced

Queen scared me last night. I'd spent most of the day inside relaxing after all the hubub of the day before (Handi-Rider/Horse Power Horse Show and Cowboy Way Drill Team performance). When I went to do chores last night, Queen was curled up by the hay feeder snoozing. I didn't really think much of it. She tends to be curled up snoozing a bit more after spending a month with Flower earlier this year.

When I walked past her pen again, Queen was up. Didn't really think much of it other than to note it in my head that she had been down. I brought Queen her grain and fed the two blind horses and continued on my way to do other chores. I also pulled her canvas sheet. The only time I can put a blanket on or pull a blanket off is when she's side tracked with grain. She did give me the evil eye as I was pulling the sheet off though.

When I walked passed the pen again, Queen was down. Warning sirens went off. She never lays down after eating her grain. Because the other two eat right along side her, I had no idea if she'd eaten any of her grain or if Thor had stolen all of it.

I finished up all my other chores (luckily I was pretty much done) and ran to the house for banamine. After giving her a dose of banamine, I pulled her out of the pen and started walking. Let me tell you, Queen is an old girl who's been around the block. She doesn't like to walk much as it is with her arthritis and if she says she's not walking, there is no amount of coaxing, pulling, pushing, or yelling that will get her to move. We walked from the pen, past the house, down the drive way and turned around. When we got just past the barn, Queen decided she'd had enough walking. I knew she needed to keep moving but there was nothing I could do to get her to budge.

She looked at the grass but decided that didn't even look good to her. So we stood there, both not feeling well. Me trying to figure out what to do for Queen, and Queen trying to figure out what to do to make herself feel better. She's felt ishy before and I think she knows how to take care of herself. We didn't really move much for about five to ten minutes and then Mike appeared.

He tried to get her to move too and I guess by that time she was willing to take a few steps. But after only a few feet, she decided enough was enough and laid down. I went in search of a blanket while Mike stayed with her. She didn't roll, but simply curled up. I debated on whether it was possibly ulcers instead of colic but she'd not shown any signs of ulcers in the past and this was the same routine she'd done the last time she coliced on us. I threw the blanket over her to keep the chill of, although laying on wet ground didn't really help keep the chill off (but that's just my thinking). After a little coaxing, Queen heaved herself up, I secured the blanket, and Mike started walking her. After the first pass, I could already tell that Queen was feeling better. Mike and I both figure the banamine must have kicked in. He walked her down the driveway and back, and you could tell that she felt much better. By the time they reached me, she was fighting the lead rope trying to get to the grass.

When we were standing there evaluating Queen earlier in the grass, she wouldn't have anything to do with it. Seeing that she wanted grass (and knowing better than to give her any), we at least knew she felt better. I'm sure Queen has coliced before and worked through it. I think it's gas colic but I could simply be spouting out uneducated info here. She had gut sounds so I didn't think calling the vet would do any good. The last time she coliced, 30 minutes after administering banamine, she was up walking around and feeling much better. So we both figured we'd give her banamine, walk her, and then decide if we'd call the vet.

Luckily Queen is doing much better. Mike checked her last night before I went to bed and she was standing around snoozing. This morning when I went out to do chores, she was snoozing until she saw me and then walked over to see if I had anything. She's such a love. Let me give her a kiss on the nose and chat with her for alittle bit to brighten my day. I watched her to see if there were any signs of discomfort, which there weren't any. I got the impression that she wanted out on grass. I gave her a blade of grass, a kiss on the nose, and headed on with other chores. But she's a hawk when it comes to watching me. Any time I come around that pen she keeps her eyes and ears on me. I know she wants out of that pen and onto grass. But we'll have to work our way slowly back to grass after this last colic. She's the only one who's been on grass so far this year. The last few days have been so crazy that I haven't had a chance to pull her and let her enjoy the grass.

Who knows why Queen coliced. Nothing had changed in her environment in over a week. Luckily it was a mild colic and there were no lasting effects. I worry so much when someone doesnt' feel 100%. I can muddle through not feeling well, but I hate it when one of the "kids" doesn't feel good. At least the stress level is a little bit lower this morning. I'm going to keep a close eye on her throughout the day just in case there's any relapse, but I doubt there will be any.

Amazing Savanna Update

I was happily surprised to see a picture of Savanna tonight. Gentle Spirits really has a knack for bringing horses along with their education.

This past Tuesday was a year ago that we pulled Savanna from a horse auction, starved, with a yearling filly by her side, and pregnant. Next month will mark her 2011 colt's, Jett (aka Prize) birthday. 

I am blown away by the progress that Savanna has gone through. She looks amazing. There's been a lot of hard work in getting her to where she is right now. She's been given food, love, shelter, and now education.



I was so excited to see that tonight, Gentle Spirit's volunteer not only saddled Savanna but backed her for the first time. She is going to make someone a very amazing horse. You can really see the change in her eyes. There used to be a look of weariness and resignation. Now there is a look of curiosity. Seeing these types of pictures really lifts my spirits and gives me hope that there is good in the world.

Weather and Prep Work

We’ve had gorgeous weather the last few days. I get a little spoiled doing chores in 80 degree weather. And to think, it’s only the end of April. In years past, I would still be in my coveralls and here I am wandering around in shorts.

Unfortunately, the nice weather only lasts a few days around these parts. A cold front is already moving in this morning. I haven’t paid close attention to the weather but I’ll have to tonight to make sure I know when to put a sheet on Queen. She’s the only one I worry about getting wet. She doesn’t have the ability to warm up and dry off. I need to go in search of Rabbit’s sheet she managed to take off. I keep forgetting to go look for it in her pasture. Apparently she’s not the type of girl who requires a massive wardrobe.

I had thought about pulling Maverick out and working him last night but I opted to work on the pasture instead. I know it’s only the end of April but the grass isn’t coming back as quickly or as thickly as I’d like. So Mike and I headed out to the pasture to do a little bit of fertilizing. I don’t think we can afford to have someone come in every year and fertilize it so we are trying to come up with a solution that is in our price range. I think we may have come up with something but it’ll take a little bit of fabricating to get it to work. I’ll leave that part of the problem for Mike to solve. I cause the problems, and he fixes them! Works for me anyway! I’ve been meaning to spread even just one little bag of fertilize on a small portion of the pasture for a couple of weeks now. I don’t know how much good it’ll actually do but I’m willing to try just about anything these days.

I need to spend tomorrow afternoon/evening getting Zeke and the trailer ready for this weekend’s Handi-Rider/Horse Power Horse Show. The drill team is performing and I think I’ll try my hand at a couple of classes. All proceeds go to Horse Power so no qualms at helping out such a good organization. Unfortunately, the weather is supposed to be nasty but at least we’ll be inside so it won’t be a bother. I’d rather have nasty weather outside so I don’t feel guilty about staying inside for an entire day. We are supposed to have a trail ride on Sunday but we’ll see what the weather is like and if I can handle a second day on horseback.

Knock on wood, it’s been pretty quiet at Borderlands. I’m sure I’ll jinx myself for saying that. It’s nice having some quiet downtime after so much hubbub last year. I think this is a year to recoup and re-center my focus and spirit so that we can go in with guns blazing next year. Rescue/sanctuary work is mentally and emotionally exhausting and it’s not an easy job (although I’m sure it looks like it from the outside looking in).

I’m about ready to pull Jim off my watch list. Once he’s on pasture, I’ll definitely pull him off my watch list. The beet pulp has helped put the weight back on and I think the pasture will top him out and he’ll be plump again. I put Zeke on the watch list only because he burns through so many calories during drill team practice and performances. He’s pretty much had an entire month off and will have had only one ride since the Horse Fair. His past is going to catch up to him faster than others. How anyone could have starved him, I’ll never know. All I can say is that I’m glad I wasn’t witness to his starving. Makes me angry just thinking about it.

Bo is still on my watch list and probably always will. Queen is also on the watch list permanently. She’s going downhill a little bit but I think once she’s out on pasture, she’ll perk right up. She was made at me last night that I didn’t let her out on the grass while we were in the pasture. Thor is also on the watch list but what I’m seeing now is simply what he’ll look like from now on. Age is starting to catch up with him. I am pulling Babe from the watch list. She is fat and sassy. Of course, she keeps her head buried in the round bale 24x7 these days so it’s hard to justify keeping her on any watch list.

Mike went out last night and groomed down a majority of the horses. I’m sure some of the horses were in heaven getting groomed. The winter coats are flying these days. Even Rain, who never had a decent winter coat, is shedding out what little he has left.

Unfortunately, Skippy is NOT shedding out. He’s still a walking furball. I asked the vet a couple years ago if there was something wrong with Skippy. He said some horses just don’t shed out very well. I hope it doesn’t get too hot too fast for him. But we may break down and shave him. Depending on if Babe sheds out more, we may have to clip her too. I haven’t had her tested but I have a feeling she has cushings. I need to do a bit of research on it to see what I can do to improve her condition, if anything. But I expect Mike and I will be practicing our shaving skills early summer on those two.

I’ve also started Skippy on his antihistamine medicine. It’s different than the antihistamine that Rabbit is on for her heaves. Skippy is on medicine to help with itching. Every year it seems to get worse. He’ll itch the hair right off his face, neck, and chest. No one else has the issue so it’s nothing contagious or dangerous to the herd. It’s just something Skippy has. I’ve already noticed that he’s rubbed the winter fur off his face. Hopefully the medicine will start working fast. Otherwise, I may go in search of a gigantic bottle of calamine lotion and see if that works. I’ve tried aloe vera but that doesn’t do anything. I’ve also tried nitrufurizone, which seems to help just a little bit. I want to nip it in the bud immediately so I’m willing to try anything.

I’m hoping the weatherman is wrong about the weather. I don’t mind a little bit of rain but I hope it’s a warm rain. There’s simply too much to get done before this weekend to have nasty weather.

Jett Update

Last night Mike and I dropped in on Jett (formerly known as Sir Prize). Boy has he grown! He has definitely turned into one handsome little man! Hard to believe that a year ago today, we pulled his momma and sister (and him) from an unknown future.

Jett’s owners have done so much work with Jett. I am blown away by what a little gentleman he is. He’ll stand tied and loves to be groomed. He practically fell asleep during his grooming session. He still has the baby fuzz which makes him just so darn cute!

He looks almost identical to his mother, Savanna. The only difference I noticed is that Jett doesn’t have a touch of brown around his muzzle like Savanna. But everything else is the same. The beautiful black coat, the black tail, and a black mane with just a touch of red at the tips to break up the contrast.

I am so glad that we were there to start Jett out in life the right way. I am even gladder that his owners stepped up to take him and give him the education to make him a fantastic horse. I already see so much hard work put into him. There is no doubt that Jett is an amazing horse.

Jett will always be on the small side, but in looking at his mother, I don’t think he was given the “tall” gene. When he grows up, he’ll definitely be a “tall drink of water.” Thank you again S. for giving Jett a home and an education. I also want to thank Gentle Spirits again for taking Savanna and giving her a chance to find just the right person, and to continue with her education.

I really am blessed to have such good people in our lives (and in the horses’ lives). From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Playing Catchup

I’m not sure how the time got away from me this month. I’m barely keeping my head above water at my paying job. But that’s part of the working world right? Besides being swamped at the paying job, I’ve spent more quality time with the family.  My family has been there to support me physically, financially, and emotionally and now it’s my turn to return the favor. I was once told I didn’t have my priorities right and that I should be more focused on trail riding than rescue/sanctuary work, or even my family. All I can say is that I feel bad for those people who think that family shouldn’t be first and foremost.  And if that means I miss some event because I need to be with family, too bad. The door is always open to join our family in whatever activity; there’s always food on the table and a welcome smile.

There were three auctions this weekend I had contemplated attending. But I hadn’t hardened my heart against the loss I would feel at not being able to do anything. I refuse to be the type to put my head in the sand and ignore what’s going on. I don’t believe in the “out of sight, out of mind” philosophy but I am emotionally drained this month after a few non-horse related activities. There is only so much heartache a girl can take.  I am still considering going to the May 5^th horse auction in honor of Savanna, Sahara, and Prize (aka Jett) but we’ll see how prepared I am.

It’s difficult to go to the auctions when I know I can’t do a damn thing. As it stands, I had to turn down two 25 year old geldings last week. I simply cannot bring any more in until after my health improves. It’s frustrating because those oldsters are the ones that need the retirement home and deserve the rest and I can’t even offer that to them right now. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating. If someone would be willing to sponsor either or both, we could have considered taking them in but as things stand now, we cannot take any more in. It’s frustrating to see the need and not be able to fill it. There’s a saying in a Pixar movie that I keep tucked away in my brain, “See a need, fill a need.” The frustrating part is seeing the need and not being able to fill the need.

On the happier side of sanctuary life, I did get a chance to take Jim out for a quick mile ride the other day. Unfortunately, that was about the extent of my riding ability for now, short little bursts are about all I can handle.

Last night I walked around the corner to see Jim poking Maverick in the shoulder with a stick. The minute Jim saw me, he dropped the stick and acted like he hadn’t been doing anything wrong. I can’t figure Jim out. He’s so aloof and wants to act rough and tough but really he is a prankster. It’s fun to watch him torment Maverick (because Maverick needs it)! Of the two, I would have sworn Maverick to be the prankster not Jim.

The night before, I watched Maverick cut Chaos. It wasn’t the cutting like I’ve seen in the past where Maverick keeps the other horse away from the herd. Maverick was literally spinning on his back end like a cutting horse to keep Chaos where he was at. Now if Maverick had gotten down low to cut Chaos, I would have fallen down in shock.  I think with the proper education, Maverick could really be an amazing cutting horse. I figured I’d end up turning him in to a team penning horse but after seeing his moves the other night, I think he has a knack for cutting. I need to do a little bit of asking around to see if someone would be willing to try him out on a cow. Maybe I see something different than what others see or would feel while riding. But I’m too curious not to try it out. Anyone a cutting horse expert that wants to try Maverick out on a cow?

I am still debating on taking Jim to the HorsePower/Handi-Riders Horse Show this weekend. They have a gaited class but having not ridden him that much and him being out of shape (and my health not being in tip top shape), I’m not sure it wise to show him this time around. Our drill team is riding during the break. I’m looking forward to it. It’s been awhile since being around all those wonderful ladies. So much horse wisdom and so much kindness. It just amazes me and lifts my spirits. It’ll be my highlight of the week.

Last night we pushed a round bale in to the blind pen and let Queen wander the yard. She hasn’t been out since last week. She and I had a disagreement on her manners so she had to stay in the blind pen all of last week.

Chaos and I also had a disagreement on his behavior last week too. He ended up going into the timeout/naughty pen last week. The grass is starting to shoot up but I won’t let them out on the pasture. The pasture isn’t coming back and the minute I let them out, I won’t be able to catch them. But Chaos doesn’t care about that and managed to push on the fence. Two weeks ago, he decided that he would join the blind pen and eat off the round bale (which upset both Babe and Thor). Chaos  managed to wiggle his way into the blind pen twice before I got smart  about the fencing. Then after realizing there was green grass, he managed to take down a portion of the fence (and jump the other portion) to get to a pasture that is off limits for this year. What’s worse is that he took King along with (thank goodness he didn’t take the entire herd). I went out to do chores in the morning thinking I could do chores quick and head in for some family quality time. Nope, I had to wrangle Chaos and King back into the drylot and do some fencing. Chaos went into the timeout pen after that for a few days. But when I let him back into the drylot, he once again got past my temporary fencing (but luckily didn’t jump the fence again). I know he’s just bored but it’s so frustrating to find horses where they shouldn’t be. Luckily he’s behaved the last few days. I really don’t want to find him standing in my front lawn (which is where Queen goes when she escapes).  Let me add one caveat. We don’t have loose horses all the time. We do live on an old farm that used to run cattle and for anyone that’s been around cattle, you know that you can’t have anything nice. Cattle destroy fencing and we are slowly but surely replacing all of the fence. But it takes time and money, of which we are limited on both.

I’ll be glad for summer when the herd can be out on the pasture. I’m hoping to start the big herd on grass soon. I typically fence off a portion of the lawn and put them out there for a few minutes every  night. It’s easier to handle them when they are on the lawn rather than the pasture. If they don’t want to be caught in the pasture, there’s no way I can catch them. That’s not the case when I have them out on the lawn. I know I sound all hick by saying they are on the lawn but that’s just what it is. Guess I’m a hick.

I am excited for tonight. I am swinging by to see Jett (aka Sir Prize). It’s hard to believe that he’ll be a year old next month (May 10^th).  Of course, it’s hard to believe that tomorrow marks a year for Savanna. A year after escaping that hell she called life, she now has such a bright, bright future. She’s really come a long way. I have to thank S. for taking Jett and giving him the opportunity to grow. He is such an amazing little boy. Also, a huge thank you to Gentle Spirits for taking Savanna in to try and find her a permanent home that she so desperately deserves. That poor girl has seen more in her short six years than some horses see their entire lives. Just looking at the pictures of Savanna from this past weekend and the pictures of her the day after we pulled her from the auction shows the massive changes she’s gone through.  It goes to show what love and consistency can do. My hats off to Gentle Spirits and S. for all their hard work and dedication.  I am truly honored and humbled by all that you do.

Savanna - One Year Later

It's hard to believe that it'll be a year this Tuesday that we pulled Savanna, Sahara, and our little Sir Prize. Savanna has come a long way in a year. I have to give my huge compliments to Gentle Spirits for stepping up and giving Savanna the needed time and special handling to really shine. Savanna has really come along way in the past year. I'll leave you with pictures from this weekend of Savanna.





Bo's First Ride

I realize these aren't the most flattering and my riding abilities aren't the greatest but I was so excited to share pictures of Bo I couldn't resist. Don't judge the riding, just enjoy Bo under saddle.

S came out to ride Bo first. She's such a brave gal. She was willing to risk a buck where I'm not due to my health. Bo saddled up just fine but he's a little hard to bridle but knowing a little about his past, it makes sense. We'll work on bridling and some day he'll come around. We've worked with other horses that had similar issues that in the end were resolved.





Riding Bo is almost like riding Zeke although taller and a little lankier. It was such a joy to hop on and ride Bo. I can't wait to really show him off. He has such a nice and relaxing walk and a super comfortable trot. S was even brave enough to put Bo into a lope and boy does he look pretty! I wasn't brave enough but that's typical for me. I'll stick to walk/trot for awhile but I'm sure we'll be racing around soon enough.





Mike was really impressed with Bo too! Bo has such long legs that he covers a lot of ground but really doesn't take huge strides. Trotting is the same way. Mike really liked how Bo looked at a trot and he covered so much ground at a collected trot. I'll be interested to see how much ground he can really cover at an extended trot. I may have to put Bo to the challenge and see how fast he can go at a trot compared to Zeke and/or Jim.





I had such a grumpy day Wednesday but after watching Bo behave so beautifully under saddle and then being able to hop on and ride made my day. In fact S and Bo made my week. I can't thank S enough for all her generosity and kindness. I am so blown away. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Thanks you S for all you've done. I'm such the proud "Horse Momma" right now. I can't say enough good things about Bo.





I'll leave you with just a few pictures from tonights first ride on Bo. Again, please don't judge the riding. I realize I don't have good form or even ride correctly. I'll not deny that I have no good riding habits (totally self taught and riding with stirrups that are too long). But I couldn't resist sharing pictures of Bo under saddle. I think he's going to go far.

We both havea goofy look on our face. I'm sure I was prattling on about something. Again, not the most flattering of pictures (for either myself or Bo) but I couldn't resist sharing.