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  Discussion on Arthritis of the Cervical Spinal Cord
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Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 20, 2004 - 2:55 pm:

Do you have an older horse that seems stiff but lameness does not localize to a leg? Perhaps arthritis in the neck's spinal cord is responsible. Here is a report on a fairly easy treatment. Diagnosis would be based on finding a reluctance to bend the neck, increased stiffness following flexion, and supported by radiographs.

Technique for equine cervical articular process joint injection.
Vet Radiol Ultrasound. 2004 May-Jun;45(3):238-40.
Mattoon JS, DrOst WT, Grguric MR, Auld DM, Reed SM.
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, 601 Vernon L. Tharp Street, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Degenerative changes and osteochonDrOsis of articular processes are common sources of stiffness or pain in the equine cervical spine. Temporary relief of the clinical signs related to these maladies may be achieved by injecting corticosteroids into the joint. This is routinely done by ultrasound-guided needle placement. The cervical articular processes and joint form an easily identifiable sonographic landmark, a step-like echogenic surface described as having the appearance of a "chair."
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Aug 25, 2004 - 10:06 am:

Dr. O.,
My horse has cervical arthritis and has had this
procedure done. It has really helped him-it makes a huge difference in how he goes under saddle. I had thought that maybe this was a relatively uncommon diagnosis/treatment, but it doesn't sound like it from your article. How long can you conceiveably continue injecting the joints in the neck?
Thanks,
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Aug 27, 2004 - 8:26 am:

It is not the article you disagree with Mary, it is the authors of the above scientific report. I too was surprised to see them call this a common diagnosis, so I believe we have a group of researchers who have been looking for the problem. It will be wonderful if this does turn out to be a common but poorly recognized cause of stiffness in older horses as we can help the condition. THere is no hard and fast number here Mary, there is an entitiy called steroid arthropathy when too much is given steroid is given too often and the horse continued to work on the injection. However recognition of this problem back in the 60's caused a rebound problem: too little steroid use which caused a lot of horses to have unneccesary pain. We are now straigtening this out. There are no numbers that we can plug in and answer your questions, particularly in this location that has previously not seen a lot of scrutiny but we discuss the facet of steroid use and some of the things you can do to lessen the down side effects of steroid use in the article Equine Diseases » Lameness » Diseases of Joints » Arthritis and DJD: An Overview. Though the article is aimed at lame horses treatment recommendations apply equally to arthritis in any site.
DrO
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Saturday, Aug 28, 2004 - 10:07 pm:

Dr. O.,
I will read the article regarding steroid use. They used a combination of HA/Depo to inject the facets. Caymann was only seven when he was firs diagnosed with cervical arthritis. He had a bad fall when he was four, (prior to finding OCD in both hocks and stifles). I don't know if this is a degenerative process related to DJD or the result of trauma. Either way, I am so thankful that the injections help him and there is something we can do for him. He feels like a different horse having had the facets injected. So far, he has been able to go about six months to a year before reinjecting. So, I guess that is hopeful. I am trying to find the balance between keeping him pain free/slowing the progression of the arthritis/and staying out of those joints as much as possible. What do you think about he use of Depo MeDrOl vs. Triamcinilone?
Thanks,
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Aug 29, 2004 - 7:01 am:

I find Depo much more effective when advanced osteoarthritis is present. Once every 6 months to a year just to keep the horse comfortable sounds very reasonable. Have you ever done in follow up radiographs and compared them with the earlier ones to see how quickly this is progressing? Are you using any oral joint supplements or phenylbute for comfort?
DrO
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Sunday, Aug 29, 2004 - 11:47 am:

Dr. O.,
Yes-Caymann was first radiographed two years ago.
We just did follow up rads last week. They showed that there had been no changes in two of the vertebrae that had originally been diagnosed with arthritis. There were some slight changes in in C3,4 so we injected that one. It made a huge difference in his way of going. What do you think about only injecting the vertebrae that showed arthritic changes? The vet felt that since C3,4 is in a more high motion area that that was probably the one that was bothering him the most judging by the way he was behaving under saddle. He felt that since there was no progression of the arthritis in the other two vertebrae that we did not need to inject them. Would you consider the slight changes in the C3,4 over a two year period to be a quick progression? Caymann does receive a dialy oral joint supplement as well as an Adequan and Legend injection once a month. He is only nine years ole-when and how often would you advise using bute? I gave him some bute for a couple of days right after he was injected, but that was it.
Thanks,
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2004 - 7:47 am:

Not being able to see those radiographs I cannot judge your questions that require their evaluation. However it sounds like the vet has done the horse a lot of good. If continued improvement is desired you could try the other facets. The article on arthritis gives a scheduled recommendation for long term bute based around the work the horse is doing.
DrO
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Sep 23, 2004 - 9:44 pm:

Dr. O.,
Do you have any experience with the new NSAID gel/cream? I believe it's called SURPASS. I was wondering what you thought of using that on the vertebrae that are arthritic in Caymann's neck? Especially since it is getting colder and he will likely be a little stiff some days? I am also considering acupuncture just for the muscle stiffness/soreness.
Thanks,
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 7:45 am:

No I haven't Mary but we have discussed it several times on the board (run a search on SURPASS). One member posted with experience about it apparently had quite a skin reaction to the drug. Another posted who was part of the initial trial who had a good experience with it.

Hmmm...I don't think this would be an indication but I am just guessing. It is designed to be put over the lower joints of the leg where there is minimal tissue between the skin and the joints. The cervical vertebrae are located deep in a muscle mass that will dilute and carry away a drug absorbed at the skin before it reaches the joints. I am currently putting together information about SURPASS but so far all I find is the IDEXX information on their clinical trials which is a little unclear on the toxicity results.

At least that is my take on your situation. IF you try it let us know and et us know how the acupuncture works out.
DrO
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 8:43 am:

Mary,
On Sunday, I completed 10 days of SURPASS use on my mare (on her hock). We used the recommended 5" strip, rubbed well into the hair. It was only applied 1x/day and was hosed off before I applied any bandaging (i.e. the SURPASS was on for about 12 hours). My mare had no reactions to the SURPASS--no sensitivity, no inflammation of the skin at all. That being said, I'm not sure the SURPASS did any good for her either. I saw no noticable difference in either the way she moved and the swelling in the joint had been ever so slowly diminishing anyway.

FYI...
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 9:46 am:

Dr. O.,
I didn't know that it was designed mostly for the lower joints. You are probably correct in assuming that there is just too much muscle mass in the neck for it to be effective. Plus, Caymann has a big neck. He has been doing great since the injection, but I noticed a little stiffness the other day due to the cold I am guessing. I thought that the acupuncture might be a good maintenance program for him in between injections.
I'll let you know if I think it helps.
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 9:49 am:

Fran,
Thanks for the information. I am somewhat skeptical that this topical NSAID is going to be as effective as a systemic one. However, it is a nice thought and hopefully I will be proven wrong:-) Is your mare any better now?
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 5:39 pm:

When I first read about it Mary, I too was skeptical but I am still reserving opinion. Though aspirin has long been used topically it works as a rubifacent and is poorly absorbed. They have developed some sort of liposomal transport to carry it through the skin and it all gets down to tissue concentrations. I still am looking for more info and would love to hear from any who have used the product.
DrO
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Friday, Sep 24, 2004 - 9:49 pm:

Dr. O.,
Well-I have a freind who has a horse with a neck problem that is much worse than Caymann's. She is going to try it starting Monday. I'll let you know how it goes after the ten days is up. She has had his neck injected also. I meant to ask you-do you know of any instances where shockwave therapy has been used on horse's necks with arthritis? Just trying to research all options. I will continue with the cervical injections when needed, but would like to stay out of those facets as much as possible. We also employ "carrot therapy". I do carrot stretches every night with Caymann for his neck. That's his favorite type of treatment:-) I'll keep you posted on the acupuncture as a maintenance therapy.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 8:17 am:

Hi Mary,
When I look at the ads for SURPASS (just rec'd my Practical Horseman & Dressage mags this weekend), it doesn't really looks like it was indicated for my mare's problem. The ads read as if the product is for temporary pain relief. Since my horse is all but 100% sound now after 9 weeks of stall rest (with at least 4 more to go-yuck)and has not favored the leg at all, I don't think she's been in any pain since the injury first occurred. I think my vet reco'd it in hopes that it would further reduce the swelling that still remains...Thank you for asking.

Best wishes with Caymann--I hope you find the answers and treatments to make him better.

Fran}
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 9:47 am:

Fran,
I'm glad your mare is better. Caymann had to be on stall rest for eight months a year ago due to a suspensory injury. We never want to do that again! Sometimes you have no choice though. The cervical injections really help Caymann the most. I am just researching other therapy options as maintenance in between the injections. I want to stay out of those joints as much as possible. Good luck finishing up with her stall rest. What was her diagnosis?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 1:31 pm:

Mary,
8 MONTHS?!?! Perish the thought! I can understand why you'd never want to go through that again--I'm pulling my hair out and don't look forward to the next several weeks. Since the mare is boarded, twice a day, I run out to the barn, get her on some grass and then walk...walk...walk. We're both sick of it, but you do what's neccessary for the best possible outcome. Final diagnosis was a strain with a tendon/ligament and she banged up the joint capsule pretty good. She'll probably always have an enlarged hock now, which is a shame as she is a lovely mare, but the vet is quite optimistic that it won't permanently affect the quality of her gaits, although with this type of injury, it is likely that some sort of arthritis will probably set in sooner than it would have. We continue to play it conservative so as not to risk any re-injury.

In the six years since I've fallen head over heels for horses & riding, one big lesson I've learned is that if it isn't one thing...it's another. I think horses were put on this earth to bring us peace and drive us nuts, all at the same time!

Take care,
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 3:29 pm:

Fran,
I wholeheartedly second that thought! Not only did I get to handwalk (hand run, hand water ski, rear in hand, my 1400 pound warmblood), I got to start him under saddle after no turnout for eight months. Fortunately, he emerged from that experience sound and I emerged alive. I almost collapsed with laughter (or despair), when the vet very innocently asked, "Well, how is he under saddle, does he buck?" Oh my. The only thing we had going in our favor was that we had an especially hot summer and my horse hates heat, so that slowed him down quite a bit. I don't think I have ever experienced such a combination of emotions either over the past five years I have had Caymann. I was starting to wonder if I was developing a split personality. And who would have thought that after everything he has been through that neck arthritis would turn out to be our biggest issue.
Good luck with your mare. It is worth it if there is even a chance she will be sound. What else can you do? What kind of horse is she and what do you do with her? (Besides hand walk:-))
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 3:31 pm:

Dr. O.,
I didn't know if my question regarding shockwave therapy got lost in the shuffle. What do you think about shockwave therapy for his neck arthritis as a maintenance between injections?
Thanks,
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 5:04 pm:

Mary, I got a chuckle over your description of the hand walking...it IS an adventure these days, no doubt. I do have Sparkles on a supplement that seems to have (mostly) kept her quiet, but like Caymann, she doesn't like warm weather, so that's helped. I'm dreading the advent of cooler weather and fall "breezes"--since I live in Michigan, we are overdue. She is a Holsteiner, trained to 4th level dressage (much better trained & way more talented than I am). At the start of all this, she weighed about 1,380 lbs--big, but very fit. Now, you can't find her ribcage to save your life, even tho we've cut way back on the food (but still free choice hay to keep her content). In fact, when the vet checked her last week, her exact words were: "Fran, your horse is FAT!!" I guess she'll have to keep getting fat until she's put back to work.

And, altho she is normally very sane, the thought of getting back on her is both exhilarating and frightening. I hate the thought of lunging the heck out of her (after she's OK), but I may have to do that a few times before I even attempt to get back in the saddle. I admire your bravery: Caymann wasn't even started after his layoff?? Yikes! I'm glad you survived...hope I do!

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 6:49 pm:

Fran,
How funny-Caymann is a Holsteiner also. You just don't see that many of them in Dressage. We used to jump, (which he loves), but switched to Dressage after he got a small tear in his suspensory ligament. I decided after the eight month stall rest that we needed to find something else to do. He is only nine, so I hope to have many more years with him. The dressage is more difficult for both of us but we are making good progress. Have had to start back at the beginning to really learn the basics which kind of got lost in the jumping. Go figure. I have a new appreciation for what it takes to really get a horse to training level. Do you show at all?
Caymann is just big, even when he's fit. He has a huge barrel and a big neck.
He had been started prior to his eight month layup, but he is not exactly what I would call "broke." He has really matured these past couple of years though, and he has an excellent temperament which is the only reason I can ride such a large, powerful creature. The breeder assured me he wasn't going to be a "big" horse. HA! But he was really pretty good (most of the time)throughout our rehab period. He also leads his rider in the talent department, but we have an excellent trainer for our coach so I think we'll be OK. He has a ridiculously wonderful life with me and most people would have given up on him a long time ago so I would like to think that everything evens out. That's what I tell myself anyway. He never really had any interest in going to the Olympics anyway!!He, he.
Good luck with the rest of your rehab. It's definitely worth it to do it right. You'll be glad you waited and really gave her the time she needs. You'll get her fit again-it took us awhile, I think it's harder with these bigger horses. Do what's best for your safety too. You won't be of any help to her if you get hurt! I dug out my old bucking strap and put that on my saddle for our first few rides. We had to proceed to trotting and then cantering under saddle before turnout. I think Caymann's injury was probably worse than your horse's. Keep us posted!
Mary
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 9:40 pm:

Mary, ShockWave works by using soundwaves to disrupt tissue. The idea is to turn a chronic non-healing injury into a healing one using increased inflammation. While bones and maybe ligament and tendons respond positively to increased inflammation in some situations, joints (unless they can be fused) and nervous tissue are not likely to. Unless some really good work comes out to show I am clueless on this issue, I would never focus a disruptive force on the vertebrae and spinal cord.
DrO
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 10:08 pm:

Dr. O.,
Thanks for your input. We had really good results with shockwave for Caymann's suspensory injury-but it was exactly as you described-a chronic injury that never really healed. I also gave him eight months stall rest just to be sure. I know that shockwave has been used on some types of arthritis so I thought I would ask. But your explanation makes sense and I think I will stick to acupuncture and carrot therapy! Let's not make his neck problem worse:-) I am going to try the SURPASS cream just for kicks I think though during the colder weather because I think his neck definitely bothers him more. I'll let you know if I think it helps.
Thanks,
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 8:10 am:

Mary, I think Caymann & Sparkles are related...from your description, they are built the same. She's only 16HH but with a huge barrel and powerful neck too, and she has a lot of bone. She too jumped at one time (before I ever bought her), but I was told she was a bit nutty over fences. She did win dressage suitability at Devon at some point years ago before I owned her and I have no doubt that she could have gone up to Grand Prix but at some point, a lady bought her who was afraid of her big gaits and "held" her back. Eventually, my trainer bought Sparkles for a re-sale project and I was looking for a horse, but I couldn't ride her at all at first--she's so well trained that if I didn't ask correctly, she just wouldn't do anything. We worked pretty hard and made a lot of progress and Sparkles has become a wonderful school master for me. I was thinking of showing this summer, but was having trouble with the canter (my seat isn't deep enough and she needs a very deep seated rider) and I couldn't help but think that if I showed, people would think something like "what is this moron DOING on such a lovely horse!" I do have an excellent trainer who has helped me immensely. I'm just chafing at the time off--we had made some huge leaps in progress right before the injury. This time off will set me back a bit, I'm sure.

But, I absolutely agree--I owe it to Sparkles to finish her re-hab properly and wouldn't ever take a risk. I just hope the vet gives ME the OK to do turn out first, before riding, unlike you & Caymann. In my relatively few years of riding, I've never had to sit through anything but a half-hearted buck from any horse. I'm pretty sure that if Sparkles gets frisky and puts her heart into it, I'll be launched into space.

Out of curiosity, what are Caymann's bloodlines? I wonder if there is any relationship, only because from what I've seen of Holsteiners, the modern representatives of this breed are a lot more "stream-lined" than our horses are.

All the best,
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 10:11 am:

Fran,
I'm so glad to know of someone else who has the more "old fashioned" type Holsteiner. I definitely agree that most modern day Holsteiners are much more streamlined. I don't know if that's becuase they have more thoroughbred bred into them, or what. Even when he's fit I wouldn't exactly call him streamlined-HA! I definitely think that Caymann is a throwback. I suppose it could also be just the way the genes came together. He is line bred to Cor de la Bryere(grandfather on top through Caletto II, and great-grandfather on bottom through Calypso I). He is by a stallion named Caesar out of a mare named Brystol. He has a very round, compact build. I'll try and email you a picture within the next week or so. I'd love to see a picture of Sparkles (and so would Caymann, he says:-) I think that Caymann's size has been part of his struggle. He had OCD in both hocks and stifles by age four. Had surgery for that and has been sound ever since. But this neck arthritis is either the result of an injury or a Degenerative joint disease issue. Caymann is 16'3 but people always think he is bigger beacuse of his size. What are Sparkles bloodlines? That must be really fun to have a horse that already knows so much to learn from. I have been riding alot without my stirrups in an attempt to really sit down into Caymann at the canter as well. He too requires a deep seat. Quite a bit different from the jumping seat I am used to! I hope you are able to turn Sparkles out before getting on her. I know it's frustrating to have these set backs but you'll get back to where you were. Caymann and I are champions at taking one step forward and ten back!
Although stopping the jumping has done wonders for keeping him sound. I think he's just too big to jump. We can all have the goal of showing next summer! With our wonderful deep seated canters:-)
Regards,
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 1:34 pm:

Hmmmm, no, they aren't related (at least in the near generations). Sparkles' sire was Lombard out of Landgraf I and Gessy; her mother was Wella II out of Lagos and Rio.

I'm not sure that you can attribute Caymann's size to the problems he's had--I know plenty of huge horses without problems, although it WOULD make an interesting study as they are being bred bigger and bigger. I think, sadly, that it is just bad luck to fall in love with a horse that ends up having problems. My first horse (Sparkles is only the 2nd), was a lovely TB with all the elegance & refinement typical of the breed. I did a pre-puchase on him, but due to an incompetant vet, I bought a horse with all sorts of soundness issues and didn't know it at the time...it wasn't long before we had problems. That's when I switched from jumping to dressage, hoping it would help my gelding. It didn't and I retired him to a life of leisure at a near by farm. Just broke my heart!

I'll have to dig around to see if I have a good picture of Sparkles...since we haven't shown yet, I haven't taken too many...and if I take one now, all you'll see is a big white poof ball of pudge & winter coat! I'd love to see a picture of Caymann--there just aren't many Holsteiners in my neck of the woods--when I tell people what breed Sparkles is, they immedietley think of cows (which at this moment actually kind of fits...!)

Best wishes,
Fran
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 1:35 pm:

By the way...have we EVER gotten off topic! Hope nobody minds!
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 7:44 pm:

Fran,
Oh I don't think anyone minds our deviation from the original topic. They're probably thinking, " Why are those two discussing their cows on a horse website!" Anyway-I agree that there are many big horses that don't have problems. But I still suspect that Caymann grew too big too fast. As I mentioned before he is only 16'3, but weighs between 1350 and 1400 hundred pounds. That is a lot of weight on that frame and he has big bones/joints as well. If I showed you a picture of what he looked like at age four when I bought him, you would think he was on steroids. I guess they don't fully understand the cuase of OCD but my understanding is they think that nutrition and rapid growth rate may play a role. I have a vetting story similar to yours as well. Caymann actually had OCD when I purchased him. The vet that vetted him missed it on the radiograph. He was vetted out of state so I wasn't there. (Never do that again!) When I had the rads sent to CSU prior to his surgery the surgeon there spotted it right away. And that has been my dilemma as well. By that time I loved him and I have spent the past five years trying to get him straightened around. He is a very special horse and he is my friend so he's worth it:-) I'm not sure my bank account would agree but what are you going to do. The switch from jumping to Dressage did help him, but probably because it was a suspensory ligament issue. And getting him truly fit on the flat for the first time in his life has helped immensely also. But I have been on the verge of having a broken heart numerous times as the result of all of the problems he has had. I guess I am thankful that he is still here (almost died of the flu shortly after his OCD surgery-temp of 107), and if we have to deal with a stiff neck the rest of our career so be it. I am tryng to keep him comfortable. I hope that you have better luck with Sparkles. There is nothing worse than having to give up your hopes and dreams with a horse. I'll try and get a photo up within the next couple of weeks. When is the magical date you can get back on her?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 8:55 am:

Mary,
There's no specific date that I can get back on. The vet said I could ride at the walk for a few minutes rather than the hand walk and that we'd re-evaluate at the end of October. However, I am so bummed--got out to the barn last night and she was lame! Throughout this entire ordeal, she was only off at the walk twice: the first day after the injury and the first time she had her hock tapped/injected. Otherwise, you could only see any lameness at the trot. Last night, she was reluctant to put weight on that leg for very long and the swelling had increased a little. I cold hosed for 30 minutes, wrapped her back up, gave her bute and put her back in her stall. I think she must have rolled and pushed off the wall with that leg (she had bedding on her back). Like you said in an earlier post: One step forward and ten steps back...ugh!

How sad that you experienced a bad vet check too. I have a tremendous amount of respect for good vets, but boy! the bad ones can really screw things up. In my TB's case, the vet took the x-rays for the pre-purchase and said they were clean, so I bought the horse. After we started having problems, I requested the x-rays and had another vet and MSU read them...both said that the quality of the x-rays was so poor that no decision should have been made on the purchase until clean xrays had been re-taken. Of course by then, it was too late.

Sounds like you've been through the ringer with Caymann--bless your heart for your patience and all that you've done for him. One positive thing I can say about all this is that I've noticed a positive change in Sparkles temperament. When I bought her, she was a very stand-offish mare. Extremely well behaved with a very even temperament, but not the "warm & fuzzy" personality I was used to with a gelding. Since moving her to the barn where she's at now and since the injury, she's really become much more people oriented. With me, I feel like she's happy to see me now, vs. just tolerating my presence (of course, she SHOULD be happy to see me--I'm the one that gets her out of jail everyday. Not to mention, I didn't walk her last night due to the lameness, but can you imagine...I went out into a field, took off my sweatshirt and pulled up grass and clover, filling the sweatshirt up and brought it to her ...neigbors must think I'm nuts.)

...Ahhh the things we do...!
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 9:35 am:

Fran,
I too have a great deal of respect for my excellent vet.I would not have a sound horse today if it weren't for him. But missing an OCD lesion? And I find it hard to believe that he didn't show any response on the flexion tests either, but like I said I wasn't there. Lesson #1:-) If I had it to do over again I would have had the rads sent to CSU prior to purchasing the horse. I guess Caymann was meant to be my horse. For better or for worse:-)
What types of problems did your gelding have?
And where exactly is the lameness/problem in your mare's leg? Is it her hock that she strained or something else? Hopefully she has just tweaked it somehow or banged it up on something and that's it. Is she better today?
I got a good chuckle out of your delivery of fresh grass to Sparkles. I used to do that for Caymann all of the time when he couldn't go out in the pasture. I would pick the alfalfa and bring it to him. We must be crazy.
I had a similar experience regarding Caymann's attitude towrads me. He is a pretty dominant gelding and when I first got him I really struggled to get him to respect me and pay attention to me. Although he has always been a very affectionate and loving horse. After many episodes of stall rest for various reasons he started to realize that he needed me. He would literally shriek at me when I came home in anticipation of his daily walk. As trying as those times were, he really bonded to me. That's neat that Sparkles is doing the same thing.
Hope she is better today. Keep me posted-
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 1:38 pm:

Hi Mary...
Can you say Bubble Wrap?--I'm seriously thinking of wrapping Sparkles up from head to tail, leaving only her nostrils exposed!

With my gelding, he had a series of issues. Two months after I bought him, he presented with UFP and over time we worked through that and he was never noticably lame to my inexpert eye or to the eyes of the "experts" at that barn or the vet who had botched the pre-purchase. Indeed, this horse very willingly carried me and others over jumps. After two years, I moved him to a new barn as I wasn't happy with horse care where I first started. My new trainer (and current one) was in the QH world, reaching championship levels (later turned to dressage) and had years of expert experience. She immedietly noticed he was "off" but we couldn't pin it down. Had a complete work up with her vet and then brought my horse to MSU for more tests. He had arthritis (bad) in virtually every joint of his legs, had developed bone spurs and MSU told me that he was pretty much pasture sound and good for light pleasure/trail work only. Mind you, he was only 10 years old. So I struggled for months what to do with him, and as I said, I ended up retiring him where he is in heaven, they do only trail rides with him and they love his sweet temperament. I drive by everyday on my way to see Sparkles and he looks great.

Sparkles seems to have re-injured the already injured hock. I ran out at lunch to cold hose and check on her and she appears somewhat better. Checked in with my vet this morning and we will keep her on bute and wrapped up for a couple days and see how it goes.. I know you understand my frustration--I'm seriously thinking that after Sparkles, I'm done with horses. I am so careful with all my animals, ensure they get the best of care and I'm still jinxed.

I'm glad I'm not the only one picking grass for my horse!! If anyone accuses me of being crazy, I can now say "hey! I know others that do the same--nothing unusual about it!"

I'll keep you posted.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 2:14 pm:

Fran,
One thing I have definitely learned with horses is that input does not always guarantee output! I know horses that get 1/8 the care mine does and never seem to have a problem. The only way I can look at it and remian sane is that I think sometimes horses find the owners that they need:-)It is hard to imagine how a vet could miss a leg full of arthritis but who knows.
Hopefully she just banged her hock up somehow and will proceed towards healing. Caymann got badly cast in his stall once and really did a number on his whole left hind. Stifle, hock and pastern area of all things. He got his leg caught between his automatic waterer and the wall and just freaked out. Mind you this was in his custom built, specially designed 14x14 stall. He now has a border built around his waterer! We'll keep our hooves crossed that this is just a temporary setback. I know what you mean about the bubble wrap. Sometimes I can't even believe that I take Caymann out on the road I am so careful/protective of him. But horses seem to have a knack for hurting themselves no matter what you do. Good luck and let me know how she is doing.
Your buddy in picking fresh grass,
Mary
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 2:29 pm:

Oh!!! Can I join your bubble wrap, picking fresh grass club???
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 8:44 pm:

Aileen,
Of course-the more members we have the less crazy we will feel!
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 29, 2004 - 8:49 pm:

Fran,
Caymann's stifle must have been in communication with Sparkles hock. Had the vet out today becuase Caymann did not feel right under saddle. His stifle is sore and will be injected tomorrow. I think there is a weakness in his left stifle as the OCD was worse on that side. He seems to need to have it injected once a year or so. That and we'll do some acupuncture on his back which is a little sore as result of the stifle soreness. That's OK because neither of us ever wanted to buy anything for ourselves again:-)
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Sep 30, 2004 - 8:32 am:

Mary, on your & Caymann's behalf: "AARRGGHH!!" I hope the stifle injection puts him right ASAP. It's always something, isn't it?

Isn't it amazing how some horses, regardless of care, seem to thrive? I've seen school horses with no careful handling and minimal care who just seem to go on and on. I've watched kids jump on their horse, immedietely pound the horse over jumps for an hour, walk the horse out for 2 minutes & throw the horse hot & sweaty back in its stall--no problem. You're so right, Mary...input doesn't guaranteee output. Not that I wish anything to happen to the horses that aren't cared for, but it just doesn't seem fair!

Anyway, I promise to stop crying in my soup. Sparkles hock was a little bit less swollen last night. Hard to tell how she was walking since we went from the stall to the wash rack and back and she was on bute, but she seemed better. Tomorrow, when she's off the bute I'll have a better idea.

Aileen, welcome to the bubble wrap, hand pick grass, totally neurotic horse owner club. The more the merrier! {The owner of the barn where Sparkles is boarded had guests out last night--horse people, mind you. The guests were getting a tour of the premises and they stopped to scratch Sparkles and ask about her and continued on. They came back through about a half hour later as I was hand feeding Sparkles her grass from the load in my sweatshirt. The guests thought I had slipped over the edge of sanity! Fortunately, the owner of the barn loves and truly cares for all the horses--or I wouldn't board Sparkles there--and knows me well enough by now not to be surprised by anything I do for my horse.}

All the best...
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Sep 30, 2004 - 10:33 am:

Hi Fran,
Caymann seems to need to have that left stifle injected about once a year or so. I think there is a weakness there as the OCD was worse on the left side. He was last injected about nine months ago so I guess that's a pretty good amount of time for the injection to last. I had myself all worked up again thinking it was his neck and that the cervical injection had only lasted a month or so:-) Not that I am happy that his stifle is sore, but we can fix that. He is also going to have some acupuncture for his sore back. He is a delicate flower.
Glad to hear that Sparkles seems a little better? How do you think she injured her hock? Caymann will be on bute for about a week or so as well so they can be partners in that as well. I found your description of you feeding Sparkles fresh grass in front of the guests quite hilarious.
I totally agree. I can't belive the way some horses are cared (or not cared) for and just keep on truckin with no problems. Although I do wonder if there are problems and nobody notices or the horses continue to work in spite of the discomfort? Caymann has to tell the whoe world even when he just has a splinter (yes-we've done that too)in his ear. He is very sensitive to pain. And I can't blame him given what he has been through. The positive side to that is his reaction to pain has allowed me to catch many things before they become irreversible. Occasionally I have had the urge to just not do anything for Caymann and see how he does then. You know, the tough love approach:-) Just turn him out and make him deal with it. Sadly, I would not even know how to try such a thing.
Hope you have good news tomorrow when Sparkles is off the bute.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Oct 1, 2004 - 8:44 am:

Mary, are you asking how Sparkles originally injured herself? I moved her to this new barn at the beginning of July. She adjusted beautifully and we did everything right to ease her into the new routine. After 2 1/2 weeks,we had just started full time turn out, after adjusting her to the new pasture, and were introducing her to other mares with a fence-line between the two pastures and for the first two days, it was a total non-event--she acted as if she'd always been there. I went out there every day to check on her, walk her around, ride, etc. The very first day I couldn't make it out there, something happened. Some of the kids leaving on a trail ride witnessed her ramming around the pasture at full tilt and doing "western" slides into the fence. One of the kids said that she actually fell. And, as they say, the rest is history...

I'm laughing at your description of Caymann as a delicate flower...16.3HH and 1400-1500 lbs?!?!? Delicate indeed!
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Sunday, Oct 3, 2004 - 9:52 am:

Fran,
Yes, I was just curious as to what caused Sparkles to be lame. And of course it happened the ONE day you couldn't be there. She must possess what I like to refer to as the "Holsteiner sense of humor." Caymann sure has it anyway.I always feel better at least for me when there is an explanation. Aren't the maneuvers these giant Holsteiners can do with their powerful hind ends amazing? My vet thinks that Caymann just strained his stifle and this may not even be related to his prior surgery or anything else. He did slip and almost fall the other day while I was riding him. I think we hit an uneven spot in the footing. So, he had his stifle injected, has been resting and is on some bute, and hopefully will be OK this week. How is Sparkles off of the bute?
It is hard to imagine how such a big, sturdy animal could be so fragile. And this is with all of the maintenance you can give a horse. I shudder to think what would happen if I were to reduce Caymann's very expensive lifestyle by even a small amount. He would probably fall apart.
Perhaps Sparkles wants to be a reining horse with her sliding ability?
Hope she is better-
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Oct 4, 2004 - 8:27 am:

Hmmm...Sparkles as a Western horse. I'm picturing this big white tank of a horse with her huge gaits against a class of QHs doing the western jog & lope. We'd lose miserably!. After her sliding incident, I'm sure hoping that she has decided that the western world isn't for her! (Although, since you mention it, this particular barn is mostly Western and 90% of the horses are Paints--maybe she was self-concious and just trying to fit in!)

She did seem better over the weekend (off the bute since Thurs. night). The temperature DrOpped and the wind picked up so she was full of it. Yesterday morning, I could just tell she would come out of her stall breathing fire and sure enough, she did. From the little fit she pitched before settling down to walk, I could not see any residual lameness and the swelling has pretty much gone down to where it was before Tuesday. Last night she was quiet again so we appeared to have moved over this last bump in the road.

How long does Caymann need to rest up before you know if he's OK? I'll keep my fingers crossed that he comes through his latest incident OK. Best wishes for his speedy recovery~
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Oct 4, 2004 - 3:42 pm:

Fran,
Ah yes, I am familiar with the breathing fire routine. I'll bet she was trying to fit in, maybe the paints were making fun of her:-) How funny. Glad that she is doing better and appears to be healing. Have you started walking her under saddle yet?
Caymann is done resting judging by the party of joy he had when turned out yesterday. Hopefully he didn't reinjure his stifle:-) My friend that was taking care of him for the weekend was quite shcoked by the whole spectacle. And she's a horseman. She complimented him on his bucking ability. To which I responded, " Yes, I am familiar with the feeling, try riding him."
Hopefully his dance routine which included standing up on his hind legs several times was a therapeutic stretching exercise for his stifle. The vet will be out this week to recheck him and hopefully we can go back to work. After such a stunning performance, one can only assume that he is no longer sore.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Oct 4, 2004 - 8:22 pm:

Hi Mary,
Sounds like both horses were feeling better this weekend. I was told by the barn owner that before I got there on Sat, she was bucking in her stall! Yikes! Apparently the kids were getting saddled up for a trail ride & Sparkles was feeling left out. Jeez, I hope the vet gives me permission for turn out by the end of the month...I can't take the worry anymore.

No, I haven't saddled up yet. I'm itching to in a big way but frankly, I'm just chicken. She's so quiet most of the time on our walks, but I just know that the one time I saddle up while that energy is coursing through every brain cell...well, one of us is gonna get hurt. I'd never forgive myself if I was the cause of further injury to her and I have a 3 yo daughter who needs her Mommy mobile (never mind my other pets, house work, job, etc, etc...) That being said, it's not outside the real of probability that I set common sense aside and saddle up. We'll see.

Let me know how you make out with Caymann this week--hope you're back in the saddle soon!

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 5, 2004 - 8:13 am:

Fran,
The vet will be out tomorrow to recheck his stifle. If he is OK-Mr. John Holsteiner Travolta will have to go back to work. I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. Perhaps he can show some of his dance moves to the vet.
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 10:37 am:

Fran,
Caymann was declared sound and cleared for return to work yesterday. So I guess his little dance routine didn't do any harm. Which is funny, because some horses would kill themselves with such a display. How is Sparkles?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 1:50 pm:

Mary,
I'm delighted that Caymann is fine and ready to go back to work. You must be relieved as well.

Sparkles is fine. Yesterday at noon she was as quiet as a mouse as I walked her in the indoor arena, and then last night I was feeling sorry for her so I got her outside on some grass and she decided it was time to show off for the neighboring horses. Huge lofty trot, lovely uphill canter--it all looked good to me--and one buck for good measure. Fortunately, I got her re-settled with her nose back in the grass fairly quickly before she pounded around too much. I had just given her a bath (this stall rest has turned my gray horse into one big poop stain) and I think she was feeling pretty good about herself.

It did get me thinking that tonight just may be a good opportunity to saddle up for a few minutes of riding at the walk. She got some energy burned off yesterday and today is supposed to be relatively warm....hmmm...I just might take the chance....

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 7, 2004 - 2:02 pm:

Fran,
I totally advocate getting on while it's warm. It can make the difference between my remaining in one piece or not:-) Not that my beloved horse would ever intentionally hurt me-he just forgets that I'm on him. Not a good feeling by the way.

I'm glad she has healed and is ready to gradually return to work. Aren't gray horses fun to keep clean? Good luck when you get back on her. Isn't it funny how the urge to get back in the saddle overtakes common sense? She'll probably be just fine. Let me know how it goes.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 8:13 am:

Well Mary, I did it...lost the common sense and saddled up. I will admit to walking her around for 15 minutes first, just to see what her attitude was like. She was very quiet, so I dusted off my tack and climbed aboard. Funny girl--the one hole in her training has always been that she usually doesn't stand when anyone climbs into the saddle. She never runs off, but will just start walking. Over time, I've worked with her on it and she has gotten better, but never perfect. Last night, she stood like a pro and didn't move off until I gave her a gentle squeeze. She was as good as gold and appeared very happy to think about work. I had an audience--one of the barn owners daughters was having a barrel racing lesson and Mom, Dad, grandma, the trainer and another lady were all coming in from the lesson as I climbed aboard. At first I thought, "Great! Plenty of people to witness my humiliation" and then I was thinking I would have plenty of people to call 911 if I needed it.. Sparkles and I walked for about 8 minutes and she really listended. We didn't do anything complicated, just walk/stop transitions and some lengthening/shortening of her stride. I had everyone watch for any sign that my weight was making Sparkles off, but she felt good to me and no-one saw anything. In fact, my good girl was rounding up after the first few minutes, using her back and she was really reaching for the bit. Her attitude was wonderful and for 8 minutes, I was in heaven!

Although I still don't have the vet's OK for turn out and poor Sparkles leg keeps stocking up,I think it's time to give this horse something to think about again. I will continue to be cautious and measure her attitude before riding...at least I can start to slowly get her back into shape at the walk and hopefully the "work" will help the stocking up. The vet will be out again in 2 weeks for another evaluation, so we'll see what happens then.

Chubby as she is...she got an extra carrot from me last night!
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 8:28 am:

Fran,
Congratulations on your successful return to the saddle! I'm glad everything went well and everyone remained in one piece. I'll bet you're glad to at least be doing something with her. I remember when we progressed from hand walking to walking under saddle last summer. I at least felt like I was riding again! Caymann gets grumpy when he is out of his routine too. I know he secretly enjoys having a job to do even though he tries to convince me that he would rather stand around and smoke cigars. And I am starting to think that he and Sparkles are related in Holsteiner spirit anyway. That was one of Caymann's favorite tricks when I first got him. He would dance around the mounting block to the point where I sometimes couldn't even get on him. He thought that was so funny. One day I tried for twenty minutes and got so frustrated I just put him back in his stall. It was either that or wring his neck. He will still walk off sometimes as I am getting on but most of the time he is pretty good.
How long before she will be able to be turned out? Hopefully walking her under saddle will help with her leg stocking up and keep her mind happy.
On the days we don't do dressage Caymann and I go for long walks out in our fields. I think it is a really good way to keep his tendons/body strong without that constant pounding. Especially because he is so big. Plus-he just loves his trail rides!
Glad you managed not to humiliate yourself in front of the barn audience. I think that occasional rider humiliation goes along with owning a Holsteiner. Caymann physically left the arena during one of our Dressage tests at a show this summer. The judge rang her bell to inform me that we had gone off course. Oh really-I hadn't noticed.
Good luck with your future rides. Hope things keep moving in the right direction.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 2004 - 1:33 pm:

...Funny! About Caymann leaving the dressage ring on you during a test. Someone once told me that there are two things that will keep a person humble: children and horses. I have found this to be oh! so true. When I had to retire my TB, I had an older gentleman very interested in him, since I told him the horse was well behaved and quiet (and truly, he was) So this guy came out to the barn to look over the horse. He wanted Dupe to be put on a longe line. Now Dupe was a horse that I could control with my voice in a wide open space. He walked, trotted, cantered and whoaed at my command and was wonderful on a lunge line. So, I put the silly beast on the line and didn't he take off and pull me right off my feet. When we got back under control, my face was burning red. The gentleman passed on the horse.

Mary, I really want to see that picture of Caymann lounging around smoking cigars! If you get that one, I'll get the one of Sparkles sipping a martini!

Have a great weekend!
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 - 8:17 am:

Fran,
So, were you able to eventually sell the wild man? Funny story:-) They do seem to know how to outsmart us on occasion.
I'll try to capture Caymann smoking his cigar on film. He ususally does it in private, or only in front of me. Perhaps he and Sparkles could arrange to meet at a Martini bar that also allows cigar smoking. Did you ride her again over the weekend?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 - 1:43 pm:

Yes, I eventually did find a good home for my TB (right down the street from where Sparkles is now boarded). For 2 years, I've been "stalking" them--every couple of days, before I moved Sparkles, I would drive by just to make sure the TB looked happy and content and seemed well. And I would question everyone that knew the people who took him about him. He turned into a wonderful trail horse, from what I hear. They take him into the woods, and ride him on the beach every once in a while. Light work, just what he needed, and mostly a life of leisure. The bummer is, that the people who took him have been keeping him at their parents house. I just found out that they are building their own place and will move him soon. Now I'll have to start "stalking" again, since Dupe won't be on my way anymore to see Sparkles.

I didn't have time this weekend to ride again--just walk/graze Sparkles. She did manage to get silly today at noon when I ran out there and skidded out and landed on that leg again! She popped right back up and kept cantering/trotting until I got her settled down, then I kept her walking for a few more minutes before putting her away. I am so mad at her! I rubbed some of that Surpass on the hock, hopefully to prevent any inflammation. So, if she seems OK tonight, I may get back on, but I have a feeling she's going to be sore.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Oct 11, 2004 - 9:22 pm:

Fran,
I keep telling myself that I am going to raise and train hamsters next. Of course she landed on the leg you have spent all of this time trying to get healed. She couldn't have picked one of her OTHER THREE to land on. Was she OK this evening when you went out to see her?
It looks like we are going to have to go back and inject the facets in Caymann's neck that we didn't inject in August. He is starting to get stiff again. I keep telling myself-it's only money. Some people buy new clothes-I have Caymann. Although I can't really think of any better cause to devote my time and money to:-) Weren't we just saying that it's always something??
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 8:21 am:

Mary,...now THAT is funny...I'd like to see your results when you train a hamster to do piaff or passage!

Sparkles was fine last night--no increased swelling after her fall. She was quiet, so I couldn't evaluate what her trot looked like--I wasn't going to ask her to move at more than a brisk walk, but the walk seemed OK. I decided that I wouldn't ride--just didn't make sense after the fall. Tuesday & Thursdays are the 2 days of the week I usually can get out to the barn only once, but this morning I got up extra early and walked her for 20 minutes. I'll go again tonight, as I usually do, but I want to do everything I could to keep her quiet and manage that extra energy. If it means losing some sleep--what the heck--I've already lost a ton of sleep over this situation.

So sorry to hear that Caymann is getting stiff again. How often do you have to do this to keep him comfortable? Poor guy--but I know you're giving him tons of TLC. I don't think I ever asked: how old is he?

Yeah...for us average horsepeople, it's certainly a trade off of time vs. horse or money vs. horse. I know plenty of people who have tons of money and fly off to this or that island for a week, fly home for a lesson, fly to Europe to look at some horses...etc. But I don't think they have the relationship with their horse(s) that we do. When I walked into the barn this morning and got a nicker from Sparkles...when I put her away after our walk and got a warm snuffly nose in my neck...well, you're absolutely right--there's no better cause.
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 - 9:03 am:

Fran,
That's exactly right-when Caymann shrieks at me (and I mean shrieks!!)when he sees me walk out to the barn it just makes my day and puts a huge smile on my face. He brings me so much joy. And for me anyway, it's that day to day interaction that makes me a horseman and makes it all worthwhile. I just love having him here at home where I can just walk out and see him whenever I want to.
Caymann is only nine. And the reason I think that he is getting stiff again is because we didn't inject all of the facets that have osteoarthritis. So, we will go back and do that and see if that makes a difference. So far he has been able to go between eight months and a year before we inject again. He may now need it twice a year, we'll just have to see. He was diagnosed with this when he was seven but I think this may be something that has been present since he was even younger.
Glad to hear that Sparkles did not reinjure herself. Are you planning to try and walk her under saddle again this week? How far is the barn from your house?
I'm sure if I can find a hamster with the right confirmation, he/she can learn to piaffe and passage!
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 - 8:43 am:

I'd love to have my horse at home and envy those that do. But, unfortunately, my job requires some travel and it just wouldn't be practical. Some day, when I retire, I hope to be able to set up a place where I could retire the horse that can no longer work. I would probably always keep a "working" horse in a quality boarding facility so that I have access to an indoor arena (I'm in Michigan). That's the dream, anyway...who knows if I'll ever actually make it happen.

Fortunately, Sparkles is only 6 minutes away, so I can run out there on my lunch hour on the days my daughter has school, and of course, I run out every night. I am definitely looking forward to the end of this process though, as I've had to neglect a few things around the house during the past couple of months. And I'm in dire need of a haircut myself--I'm looking as shaggy as my horse (her gray hair looks beautiful on her; my gray hair just looks old).

Poor Caymann--so young to have such problems. Fortunately, he found a loving Mom to take such good care of him. Every horse should be so fortunate!

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 13, 2004 - 10:48 am:

Fran,
Yes-Caymann has certainly had more struggles in the past five years than most horses will in their lifetime. He is a very special horse and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for him. I think he knew he had found the right person for him when I went to meet him at the breeder's five years ago. He immediately began licking my hand and I could just hear him saying "I'll take her."
I work part-time which is the only reason I am able to keep my horses at home. It is a lot of work but I love it. Most people I know that work full time have to board somewhere too. We live in Colorado so you can pretty much ride outside all year round and I do have access to an indoor arena for my lessons. But I know what you mean about Michigan weather. I grew up in Ohio, but lived in Michigan for two years. That's nice that Sparkles is so close to you. Does you daughter ride too? Have you ventured back onto Sparkles for another walk under saddle?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 - 8:26 am:

Hi Mary,
I saddled up last night and we walked for about 5 minutes--she was quite lazy. I had hoped to go for about 10 minutes, but I noticed the neighbor climbing up on his roof. That's just the sort of thing that may or may not set Sparkles off these days so I decided to be safe and climbed down.

My little girl has been on a pony a few times this fall. A year ago, when she was 2, we tried to put her on a pony but she refused to put a helmet on. No helmet...no ride. Since then, I kept a helmet around her toys and whenever she "rode" her stick horse, I encourage her to wear it and this summer, she had to wear it to ride her bike. So, she got used to it and it became a non-issue with riding the pony. The little pony I put her on is the cutest little paint pony named Fritz--I don't think his head comes to my waist--just a tiny little guy, but perfect for a 3 year old. The problem is, my daughter has no fear and 2 minutes after she gets on Fritz, she starts with "Faster! Mommy....Faster!" Both Fritz and I end up trotting 'round & 'round until we're out of breathe. I guess it's one way to stay in shape until I can start training again on Sparkles...!

Give Caymann a scratch for me.
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 - 1:45 pm:

Fran,
Cute story about your daughter:-)And good for insisting on the helmet. I always put mine on every time I step into the saddle. You just never know. I remember when I had no fear too. Now I like to think that I have a healthy respect. Caymann taught me that in about one minute flat!
Sounds like Sparkles is going to behave just fine during her under saddle rehab. I laughed about the neighbor climbing up on the roof. I remember when I had to start him back under saddle with no turnout. Every time a rabbit scurried by I was sure that it was going to be my demise. Normally Caymann is not bothered by rabbits-we have a ton of them running around our property. And you can't really yell at a rabbit to make it go away.
Tomorrow we head down to Littleton to have Caymann's neck injected. So much for my new fall warDrObe. Or even a new fall sweater:-)
Keep on truckin' (or trotting)-
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Oct 15, 2004 - 8:25 am:

Mary, Good luck today with the injections--hope it makes Caymann feel better for a long, long time!

As for the warDrObe, if you pull out clothes you wore 20 years ago, they're all in style again...who needs to buy more?!?!

Have a great weekend,
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Sunday, Oct 17, 2004 - 11:15 am:

Fran,
Thank you. I will be delighted if we can get six months out of these injections. Now that he has had all three facets injected I am hopeful that six months is a reasonable goal. I would settle for four, as that would mean he would need to be injected three times a year as opposed to two. We've got our hooves crossed:-)
Good point about the clothes. It's funny to see styles in fashion again from twenty or thirty years ago. And since I tend to go around in my barn clothes most of the time (except for when I have to go to work), I don't really need to worry about keeping up with the latest fashions. And sweaters just don't interact with me the same way Caymann does.
How is Miss Sparkles? Did she behave herself over the weekend? Did you ride her at all?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 19, 2004 - 8:24 am:

Hi Mary,
How's Caymann going after the injections? Hope he's well. Can you ride him right after the injections or do you have to wait at all?

Sparkles behaved herself this weekend, despite some wicked wind all weekend long that I thought for sure would get her all in a tizzy. I rode her Thursday night for about 10 minutes and she was quite content with that, but due to the wind, didn't risk it on Saturday & Sunday--just gave her her 2x/day walks. We've started having the opposite problem of her getting nuts with energy. She's so bored with the hand walks, that she's started to plant her feet and refuse to move. I hesitate to take a whip with me and tap her on the butt since we're trying to stay quiet and not send her off in a cantering/bucking frenzy. So, I've tried to make it a bit more interesting for her, but there's not much I can think of to do that will keep her moving but at a walk only. I hate to admit it but I've resorted to putting a treat in the hand that holds the lead rope. But, I'm worried that this will make her mouthy and pushy. That all being said, today I call the vet for another check-up in the next week or so and HOPEFULLY (PLEASE!) I get the go-ahead for turnout.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Oct 19, 2004 - 8:01 pm:

Fran,
Caymann had three days off, (pasture rest only-however, he didn't appear to be resting to me), and I rode him today. He is much improved, so we will cross our fingers and hope we can get several months out of this round.
Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about having to get creative regarding Sparkles walking. I'm sure I've violated about every rule of horsemanship at times with Caymann, especially while he was on stall rest for eight months. I even got him this giant horse toy that you put treats in, and when he rolls it around the treats come out. The only problem was, he figured out how to get the treats out in about two minutes flat, (he is a Holsteiner), so it didn't keep him occupied for as long as I had hoped. I can still recall the look of disbelief on the vet's face when he saw the toy. I said to him, " Haven't you ever seen one of these before?" Like I was the one that was normal. My goals during that time were simple: 1. My survival, 2. Caymann's survival, 3. Hanging on to Caymann so he didn't reinjure his leg and undo all of our hard work. Although I probably have to admit that my survival and Caymann's survival were equally ranked. I'm sure there is a therapy term for that somewhere. Hmmmmm...mouthy and pushy vs. everyone completing the handwalking safe and sound, (literally). I would have to go with the treats! Seriously though, good job for hanging in there, and I hope you get clearance for turnout soon. You'll be glad you did it right.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004 - 8:34 am:

Mary,
Thanks so much for the gentle slap to my head: your perspective is exactly right and I really appreciate you reminding me of my goals here. As I walk Sparkles around (and around...and around...) my mind starts to wander and I start worrying about all the little and sometimes silly) stuff, like her getting mouthy, etc. and I forget the main reason why I'm doing it (some would call this brain dead). I should just stop worrying about the small stuff and take pleasure in the progress she's made so far.

SO glad to hear Caymann is much improved and I will cross my fingers for you both that this latest round of injections keeps him comfortable for a good long time! (By the way...still waiting to see a picture of him...)
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004 - 9:54 am:

Fran,
I will work on getting that picture up this weekend. I may have to enlist my husband's help with the process:-) Then of course I will have to make a selection from my extensive photo gallery-it's hard to choose when you have so many.
I was trying to inject some humor into an otherwise humorless process. I do belive that handwalking numbs the mind. And I have one of the mouthiest horses in the world so I stopped trying to prevent it years ago:-)I do recall trying giving him his treats in a dish for awhile in the hopes that that would help. It didn't, and now every time he meets someone new, he searches them up and down with his nose to see if they have any treats for him. If not, he usually stalks off indignantly. Part of the problem here is that I just think he's funny. And I think that everyone is in agreement that Caymann could only be my horse.
When is your appointment with the vet for her check-up?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004 - 2:04 pm:

Sparkles' next appointment with the vet is a week from tomorrow. We shall see...

By the way, the hand walking isn't entirely humourless...I'm sure that anyone that came across us as I'm singing a medley of songs from Simon & Garfunkel or Pink Floyd to my horse would think we were VERY funny...good thing I'm usually out at the barn either very early or very late (of course, me singing just might be the very reason Sparkles is planting her feet & refusing to move!!!)
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 21, 2004 - 8:40 am:

Fran,
Hooves crossed that you receive clearance next week for turnout.
I sing to Caymann all the time. I haven't yet figured out if he likes it or not. I'm sure that Sparkles found the Simon & Garfunkel very soothing-how could she not? I'll bet it was the Pink Floyd she was balking at. (Are we getting crazier or is it just me?)
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 28, 2004 - 12:33 pm:

Hi Fran,
Just wondering how Sparkles was doing and if she has been cleared for turnout?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Oct 28, 2004 - 2:29 pm:

Hi Mary,
Thanks for thinking of us...I just logged on to give you an update when I saw your message.

Sparkles is sound again, both directions, walk, trot & canter--YEA! However, not cleared for turnout just yet. The vet wants me to de-energize her over the next week, to minimize the risk of a very happy horse re-injuring herself. So, I can work her, in increasing increments both on the longe (minimal) and under-saddle over the next week and then the plan is to ride her and then turn her out (a week from Saturday) and pray, pray, pray, that she doesn't go too nuts. I'll need to watch that the work doesn't cause any changes to that hock and play it by ear just a bit...but the vet was very pleased with the progress and prognosis.

How's Caymann? Give him a scratch for me.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Oct 28, 2004 - 9:44 pm:

Fran,
Great news for Sparkles! And good job hanging in there with the rehab. I think that a lot of horses rehab programs fail because their owners get tired and impatient and just abandon the mission. I understand the feeling, but you have to stick it out. I was all prepared for a huge explosion on Caymann's part when he was finally able to be turned out after being in his stall/run for eight months. Fortunately, it was still fairly warm out and I had been riding him under saddle for a few months prior to turnout. I think it had been so long that he almost forgot what to do:-)
Is Sparkles still behaving pretty well for you under saddle? Hopefully the lounging will help too. I am still working on getting a picture of Caymann up for you. He wants to have a photo exchange with his Holsteiner girlfriend Sparkles. Kind of like internet dating. Good luck this week-you're almost there!
I will give Caymann several scratches for you. Give Sparkles a big kiss on the nose for us.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 8:29 am:

Hi Mary,
Sparkles has been OK under saddle, but I've frankly been a bit of a wimp with her. Last couple of times I climbed aboard, she walked quietly for the first few minutes and then I could feel this pressure building under my seat--felt like I was sitting on top of a volcano ready to blow. Although she never did anything, it did un-nerve me enough to climb down. I had full intentions of doing a little bit of trot work last night but that "feeling" started to build again and I wimped out. I'm telling myself that I have to "just do it" tonight. My plan is to walk her for 15 minutes in hand, put her on the lunge for 5 minutes or so with walk, trot & canter and then ride, walking down the long side, asking for trot at the short end and then walking again down the long side, etc.--Yes, I am over thinking this and probably getting myself more worked up than Sparkles actually is!

If I can get my chubby girl cleaned up a bit this weekend (I'm losing the battle with the poop stains, now that the weather is cooler), I'll get a picture of her. Hope Caymann likes his women on the chunky side!

All the best...
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Friday, Oct 29, 2004 - 6:07 pm:

Fran,
Ah yes, I know the feeling of the Holsteiner volcano about to blow. Not a feeling that I particularly like. Especially a volcano with such a powerful hind end and strong back. Hopefully the lunging first will help. No need to get her well and then have her have to hand walk you!
Of course Caymann likes his women on the chunky side. He would never date anyone that weighs less than him. Have a good weekend.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Nov 8, 2004 - 8:54 am:

Hi Mary,
Thought I'd give you an update. Sparkles was turned out on Saturday for about 4 hours and thankfully was as quiet as a mouse. When I ran to the barn to bring her in I felt bad since she was very obviously relishing the warmth of the sun on her back. Yesterday, when I turned her out, she wasn't so quiet. After a big grunting roll in the dirt, she popped up and went squealing and bucking down to the end of the paddock she's in, settled down for a while and then got all riled up at the dogs--cantered a bit with her tail vertical in the air and did tons of snorting and then after I left, I was told that she did some controlled running around when the neighbors horses got silly.

I went back out last night and there was no noticable difference in the hock that was injured. However, I am a bit concerned. Last week, as we worked to slowly reduce the energy level, she started off SO happy to move. Big, beautiful floaty trot and canter, stepped well underneath herself with the back legs, no noticable shortness of stride or lameness. Wednesday night I trotted her under saddle. We did about ten minutes of walk where I asked her to round and sink into the bit and then 5 minutes of trot--same thing--just asking for correctness. I know that I used muscles I hadn't used for a good long time when we trotted (very sore the next day) so I wasn't too surprised when she seemed a bit stiff as well on Thursday & Friday.

But since then, I would think any muscle soreness should have worn off, particularly since she was moving around more now that she's had some turn out. Last night, she was so short strided and stiff on the lunge, I decided not to ride. She just did not want to go and I really had to crack a lunge whip at her repeatedly to even get a trot. But there is no obvious difference in either the leg that was injured or the other leg.

She's so out of shape, perhaps she's just tired? Still muscle sore? Perhaps with the very careful work I gave her last week I was able to get all the silliness out of her? I don't know what to think. I'm going to have a friend meet me out there on Wed. night to look at Sparkles go under saddle and to ride her too and see what she thinks of the way she's moving. Until then, I'm not going to work her at all and see how she is with just turn out. If nothing is improved by Wed, I'll call the vet again.

This mare is going to give me an ulcer!

Hope Caymann is well--give him a scratch for me.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2004 - 12:17 am:

Fran,
I was just thinking about you and had logged on to see if there was any news.
Does Sparkles look lame on the lunge? Have you lunged her untacked to see how she goes? Is she short strided on just the side of the injured hock? Refresh my memory again as to what the actual diagnosis of her injury was. Was the hock injected? Are you confident that the initial diagnosis was correct? Do you think that her back is sore, or maybe her stifle?
I think it is a good idea to have your friend look at her and ride her. If she thinks that Sparkles is off I guess I wouldn't do anything more with her until the vet can come out and take another look. I have never been sorry to have the vet come out based on my gut instinct-it has rarely failed me.
Even though she is out of shape I wouldn't think that would manifest itself as short striding. Certainly being out of shape could contribute to her not wanting to really go forward. Is she normally a little on the lazy side? And I agree with you-I would expect less stiffness now that she is being turned out.
I think that they make a human equivalent of Gastrogard. It was probably specially formulated for worried horse owners. Good luck on Wednesday and let me know what happens.
Master Caymann just finished his bedtime apple and galloping goodie (a Molasses horse cookie). He is thinking good thoughts for his freind Sparkles.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2004 - 2:20 pm:

Hi Mary,
I can't say that she looks lame on the lunge (all lunge work was done w/out her tack)--just stiff. No head bobbing, nothing obvious with either rear leg. She normally steps well underneath at all gaits, over striding by at least one hoof print, but at the end of last week, she wasn't doing that. I was concerned that she had tied up --although I never worked her for more than 15-20 minutes, increasing by a few minutes each day--so I poked & prodded her all over. No tight muscles, nothing seemed sensitive to the poking. Her attitude was bright, drinking, eating, pooping just fine.

The hock was injected twice during her recovery but as I watched her work at the end of last week, she showed no signs of favoring that leg (that I could see). She's normally a laid back horse, but I can't say lazy. She's got a great work ethic and when I did trot her under saddle last week, she was so happy to go forward.

I had to go out of town yesterday and didn't get home until this afternoon--I had the barn just turn her out as much as possible and she's had no work now for 2 days. I'll head out tonight and see what the big girl looks like on the lunge and then see what happens tomorrow night when my friend lends me her "eyes" (this friend has ridden Sparkles and knows what she normally moves/feels like). Then I'll take it from there.

All the best to you & Caymann.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 9, 2004 - 8:41 pm:

Fran,
Good luck tomorrow and let me know what happens. That's good news that she doesn't look obviously lame. Hooves crossed..........
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 8:00 am:

Fran,
Well, how did it go last night? What did your friend think?
I think that Caymann and Sparkles are secrectly communitcating somehow. I hauled Caymann over to my trainer's barn yesterday for our lesson. Got him all dressed, did his carrot stretches, etc. I periodically lunge him before I get on, just to see how he is moving. I almost fell over. He was lamer than I have ever seen him in his hind end. But of course this is Caymann so I was acutally encouratged by the fact that it had come on so suddenly because I think he probably did something to himself in his stall or out in the pasture. So, I called the vet, (who I see more than my own doctor, and whose number is imprinted in my brain)and got an appointment for yesterday afternoon. He at first thought Caymann was mostly lame on his right front. Then I did panic for a moment because I thought his old suspensory injury was coming back to haunt us. But after watching him go on the straight-he realized that he was really lame on his right hind. Leave it to Caymann to do something weird-off on his right hind and right front at the same time? It is hard to tell how significant the lameness on his right front is because of the way he is going on his right hind. So-he blocked out his leg, and determined it is his right stifle. Injected that, and put a poultice on his right front. No turnout for several days and they weill recheck him. This all happened to coincide with a big change in temperature out here-it is now about thirty degrees out. And may snow today. I thought I might try hndwalking him so he could have some grass. HA! He is also going to have some acupuncture on his back today because it is a little sore. Can you top that story? (I hope not). We're going to have to start a new section-I think I will call it "High-maintenance Holsteiners".
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 9:05 am:

Oh, Mary...what a bummer about Caymann. So sorry to hear this about him. What do you think happened to cause this lameness so suddenly? I was joking about Sparkles causing ME ulcers--I'd hate to think what the acid in your stomach is doing right now!! (The company I work for makes Tums...if you need some, let me know!). Please let me know how you make out at the next check-up. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that this is all something minor and temporary!

Well, for once, I have good news. My friend and I saddled Sparkles up last night and I asked my friend to ride first--I wanted her to feel Sparkles move without my "out-of-shape-clumsy-can't- get- deep-in the-saddle" riding throwing off her observations. Sparkles was a bit resistant at first, but as I watched, she softened, stepped well underneath, started to round her back and sink into the bit and she marched on with perfect strides. Not a sign of lameness. So, after a good warm up, my friend asked her to trot and Sparkles looked great. She continued to test my friend, but once she was moving out and listening, she looked 'effortless'--I couldn't see a thing wrong.

Then, we switched off and I got in the saddle. I closed my eyes and tried to just feel her and not worry how I felt in the saddle. She felt great and bless her chubby, fuzzy heart, Sparkles moved right out for me, didn't try to test me. We walked and trotted and my friend said she looked just like she used to--no sign that there was ever an injury (other than the permanently thickened hock).

Neither of us cantered as I want to build her strength back up slowly and take no chances. That second set of eyes really helped to put my mind at rest and I have to say that for the first time in months, I feel like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

I think Sparkles was initially muscle sore after our brief ride last week and that after she was turned out, she lost all that extra pent up energy and was just sick of walking around at the end of the lead or moving on the lunge line--she was bored with it and looking for something more interesting, thus her resistance & stiffness. Last night her expression was soft and "happy" (and believe me, she can give a sour expression like no other horse I've ever seen!)

So...I need to stop being so neurotic...not sure it's possible, though.

Does your vet think the stifle problem with Caymann is what's throwing off the front or are there two seperate injuries? Jeez, you two have been through the ringer...

Take care and give Caymann a big scratch for me.

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 9:47 am:

Fran,
So glad to hear about Sparkles! I think we sometimes forget that they have bad days and off days too. Some days my back is very stiff and I can really feel it, and other days I am much more flexible. I would expect that horses are no different. Plus-they have the added bonus of trying to cope with our stiffness, balance etc.
I'm very happy for you both. Now you can work on getting her back in shape.
The vet thinks that Master Caymann hurt both his stifle and front at the same time. Possibly got cast or did something out in turnout. Time will tell in my opinion. If he is all better in a few days then I guess we will have our answer. If not-then we look further. I am actually not too worried about his stifle-I am more concerned about his right front. I may insist on an ultrasound just to put my mind at ease, due to the history there. Either way-I'm sure he will be fine eventually-it's just a matter of how long it will take. Hopefully not too long:-) We are quite used to the time off-get back in shape-ten steps forward-one step back approach. At least it is ten forward and one step back now instead of ten forward and nine steps back. I just miss riding him but this is nothing compared to what we have been through.
When you figure out how to stop being neurotic-will you let me know? Besides-it's my neurosis that has kept my horse sound for the past five years. I like to think of it as a productive neurosis.
I will be scratching Caymann alot while he is cooped up for the next several days. I have arranged for an acupuncture treatment and massage for him, so hopefully that will help. If I am feeling brave I may take him for a walk.
Have a good day.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Thursday, Nov 11, 2004 - 1:24 pm:

I love it: "productive neurosis"! Next time I'm called neurotic, I will remember it.

Let me know how Caymann does over the next few days.

Still crossing my fingers for you...
Fran
Member:
Canter

Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 8:29 am:

Hi Mary,
Just wanted to check in to see how Caymann is doing.

Hope he's feeling better!

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Monday, Nov 15, 2004 - 4:54 pm:

Hi Fran,
Thanks for asking:-) I think we finally have an answer as to what we're dealing with. He is better, but still quite sore/lame on his right hind. He has sprained his stifle somehow-the vet thinks the most likely explanation is that he cast himself. His right front looks much better and I am greatly relieved to know that he does not have another suspensory injury brewing. The bad news is that he is going to have to be on stall rest. For at least two weeks, maybe more. The world Holsteiner and stall rest do not belong in the same sentence. So he is having massages and acupuncture to try and keep him sane and from stiffening up too much. He has also requested a big screen television for his stall. And a room service bell. I am disappointed of course, but greatly relieved that it is nothing worse. We have had to go through this for much longer periods than this, so we'll probably survive. Unfortunately, I cannot rely on warm weather to keep him calm:-)
How is Sparkles doing? Have you started riding her regularly? I promise to eventually get a picture of Caymann up here so you can see it.
Hope you're having fun.
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 8:16 am:

Hi Mary,
Oh ugh! on the stall rest--of course I can completely empathize. I know that Dr. O will disagree, but I really found that Calm & Cool helped while Sparkles was on stall rest. I had first bought Quietex (which seemed to work) and when I couldn't find it again, I bought C&C in granules. It was put with her meals 2x/day. It lessoned the frequency of her explosions and the severity of them (for example, prior to their usage, when she exploded, one of her nasty little tricks was to rear up--very dangerous to me and of course not great for a damaged hock). After adding the supplement, she never reared again for the remainder of the stall rest).

Sparkles seems to be doing well--I pretty much left her alone for the weekend (I was exhausted--it all caught up with me, I think), just going to the barn to sit in her paddock with her and pick some tasty morsels of grass from the other side of the fence. I rode last night and we had fun. I'm still a bit nervous about that hock (I know...I need to get over it!)so when, after about 20 minutes of walk and 10 of trotting she took one bad step (think she stepped on a rock), I freaked, got off, and cooled her out. I need to stop treating 1500 lbs of horse like a china doll. I need to get on a consistent regimen to get her back in shape and to slowly get some weight off her, but suddenly, work has been very busy and I've had to travel a lot for the past couple of weeks.

Anyway, stay sane and tell Caymann to behave--Sparkles says so!

Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 8:46 am:

Fran,
That's funny-I was just telling my husband last night that caring for Caymann during a rehabilitation is almost more exhausting than when I am riding him. I worry about him more and that tires me out. But when I am riding him, I ride him, usually turn him out, and then go about my business. Now I feel like I have to check on him all the time and I try to find ways to spend time with him so he's not so bored. He too has a penchant for rearing while being handwalked which is why I can't even handwalk him at this point. Hopping up and down like that is certainly not going to allow those ligaments to heal. And once he decides he's going up, there's no stopping him. I might check out the Calm and Cool, I have to go to the store to get him some linament and stuff today.
They are 1500 pound china dolls Fran:-) I am still interested in exploring my theory that if I just leave Caymann alone, he will probably be fine. No supplements, no veterinary care, no good training, etc. Who am I kidding-he'd probably collapse on the spot!
Good luck getting both you and Sparkles back on a program. Do you take lessons from someone as well?
Mary
Member:
Canter

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 5:08 pm:

Mary, I had an excellent trainer--until about 2 weeks ago. Right after I moved Sparkles to the current barn, I had one lesson there and then the injury. Prior to that, I had been working with this trainer for about 2 1/2 years. She was very patiently fixing all my bad riding from previous inept training--and I've always been athletically "challenged" so her task was not an easy one, but I think I made a lot of progress, more out of determination and persistance than anything else.

Then, the hock injury, and then about a week after I e-mailed the trainer that Sparkles & I were back to work and would hopefully be in shape to resume lessons in December, I got an e-mail saying that she wanted to re-establish her amateur status for showing & would no longer be giving lessons as of Jan. AARGH! I just can't win.

So, I'm on the hunt for another trainer who will travel to us. Here in W. Michigan, dressage is not exactly the most popular horse sport. Most people who think dressage around here think that if you pull the horse into a head set, you're doing dressage (sorry if I offend anyone!). Fortunately, I now know better so should hopefully be able to find someone who is teaching classical dressage and can help me learn to maximize all of Sparkles talents and previous training.

You are so right--when there's something wrong with your horse, you definitely feel the strain and it IS more exhausting than when your horse is fine.

...Speaking of which...give Caymann a big scratch for me!
Fran
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 8:57 pm:

Fran,
I think that you and I are leading parallel lives. I too switched to another trainer about a year ago and the improvement in my riding and my horse's development was incredible. I feel fortunate to have access to such a skilled trainer. And I know it was the coaching because I am the one that rides Caymann. There are a lot of trainers out there who claim to teach classical Dressage. Finding one that actually does can certainly be a challenge depending on where you live. And as I have had to painfully learn, incorrect Dressage instruction can cause a lot of problems for both horse and rider. I hope you can find someone else to help you. Have you looked in the USDF directory to see if there is anyone near you? We haul about a half an hour each way for our lessons, which isn't too bad.
I bought Caymann a new stall toy today. A plastic apple with an apple scented filler in the middle. He looked quite unimpressed. I feel so badly for him, but I know that this is the only way he will heal. He actually let me rub some linament gel into his stifle tonight without attempting to kick me, so he must be feeling a little better.
I think that persistance and determination are required for being involved with horses and continuing to progress with riding. I am firmly convinced that having a horse is just another form of gambling. Come to think of it-I could probably have lost less money in Vegas and I don't even know how to play their games. But a slot machine just doesn't make my heart beat in the same way Master Caymann does:-)
Mary
Member:
Dres

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 9:23 pm:

Mary and Fran , I feel like I am ease DrOpping, but none the less, I hope both horses progress to happier rides..

the Apple stall toy Mary that you bought for Caymann,.. I have used them for my stall bound horse.. BUT , I have to say he loved it and licked it clean with in one evening.. the next day he was as hyper as a kid on sugar..! he was bucking in his stall with so much energy..!

DR. O if you are reading this thread still, question on the lick stall toys.. can the horse consume too much sugar and make an imbalance in their blood levels and possibly cause , oh diabetics.?

there are several 'stall' toys that are eatable, but I now hesitate to put them up, my gelding looks like he was attacked by a glaze donut when done with the WHOLE THING...


On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..

Member:
Onehorse

Posted on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2004 - 9:46 pm:

Fran and Mary,

I and hundreds (I assume) of HorseAdvice members are extremely happy that both your horses, Master Caymann and Sparkles, are doing so well.

And please understand that we're also extremely pleased that the two of you have struck an internet friendship, but could you figure out a way to communicate with each other outside of this forum?

Some of us, in order to learn about the subject of Equine Deseases, have clicked on the button that has this general topic discussion's sent to our email address and, I hope you understand this, really don't want to read your emails to each other.

Perhaps you can contact HorseAdvice and give them permission to send your email addresses to each other so you can continue corresponding.

I write the two of you with the hope that you won't take offense with my request, and I look forward to hearing your points of view, contributions and experiences that are on message to the various equine issues discussed on HorseAdvice.

And speaking of the wonderful world of horses ... give a scatch from me to Sparkles and Caymann.

Respectfully,
Rick





Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 - 8:48 am:

Ann,
I got a HUGE chuckle out of your description of your horse as a glazed doughnut! I will be sure to check Caymann's apple scented toy this morning to see if he has consumed it all. I certainly hope not as 1450 pounds would be a very large doughnut.
Mary
Member:
Caymie

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 17, 2004 - 8:50 am:

Fran,
I knew we were going to get into trouble eventually:-) However, I can see where Rick might think we have deviated from the original subject..............Oh really? Email me at maryr@viawest.net
Mary
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