More Casting

I trimmed and applied casts to Moli’s front hooves again today.  She has been going without the casts for the last few trims, but the past week she has been very “ouchy” and I just couldn't stand to watch it.  The sole on her right front is thinning again, and it really looks as though the coffin bone is dropping.  All the signs show it, I’m close to taking her back for more x-rays to see how bad it is.  I hope it is not as bad as I suspect.
I added pads with frog support to her casts this time as well.  She needs the pads for comfort and I’m hoping the lift the frog pads give her will be enough to relieve the tendon pain she is experiencing.  It is so frustrating to see her in this mess and not be able to do much to help.  While her left front hoof is looking good – the right just keeps going through improvements, then setbacks, then improvements, then setbacks.  The best thing to do for growth and improvement in the hoof is to get her moving, but the tendon injury needs rest.  - ugh -
So the plan now?  She looks comfortable after today’s casting….is moving around with a big stride and only showing soreness on sharp turns.  I’ve been reading a lot of barefoot stories and have seen some success when the horses are exercised slowly even when sore.  I’m going to and try to get her in a regular exercise routine.  Nice and slow, 30 minute walks online per day for the next couple weeks.  We’ll see what happens.  I’m going to just stay in the pasture (okay – it’s a dirt lot) and do laps because when I put the halter on and head out of the yard, she get’s really excited and it takes her ten minutes to come down to the walk.
Here we go!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

AFTH Audition 2011

Image
Well, after Saturday's fiasco (see ACTHA Take – Two) I was unsure if we were even going to be able to complete the audition, but when the time came to go feed Sunday morning, the sun was shining and there was no wind (yay!).  That boosted my spirits a bit and although it was still cold enough to see your breath, I felt that the lack of wind and the shining sun was a sign we were going to pull it together. Dee was very relaxed and seemed to be back to herself.  I remember telling Randy she had her "eyes back"  I don't know if I can explain what that means, but basically she seemed to be interested in what I was doing and even made an effort to check for shoelaces (she loves to tug on my shoe laces - weird, but cute!) I was wearing boots-no laces, so she just nuzzled my hand and waited for me to put out her hay.  I spent some time grooming a bit, it had rained (mixed with snow – hello, DESERT) over night and I thought she was going to be a mess, but she had not rol...
Read more

EnCOWnters of the First Kind..

Image
  My efforts to further Dee’s education have definitely gone “up a notch”.  Seems like every time we play there is a new element involved.  Our first trail ride as members of the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) is coming up fast…March 19!  We are signed up in the “Buddy” Division for that ride,  which means we are literally, just along for the ride.  We will not be able to complete obstacles or earn points.  The next day will be our second ride and we are signed up in the “Pleasure” Division for that one.  I really can’t wait, it seems like just the thing to keep us motivated!  It is going to be a great weekend and Randy and Shorty will be there to cheer us on.   Over the past few weeks we have come face to face with the neighbor’s cows (hence our blog title!), Found our way to the end of Marengo and beyond, and gone to the vet with no companion horse going along for moral support.   To the non-horse enlighte...
Read more

And then there were Three ----

Image
It seems a little backward to begin my blog with a post about the horse I've owned for the shortest amount of time.  Circumstances just happen to be right to begin with her as she is my most recent "challenge" (from here on out, let's just call it a learning experience). Dee is a 2 year old paint filly that I purchased as a yearling from a paint breeder right here in my community.  She is beautiful, curious, sweet natured and willing to try anything once.  I was able to see both Sire and Dam and was impressed by both.  They had to send in blood for DNA testing to prove this filly actually did come from these two, the Sire was an overo paint and the Dam black - the Paint Horse folks wanted proof that they threw this little bucksin filly with four perfect white stockings. I was having some trouble with lameness in the Arab (I'll post something on that later) and expected I needed to start looking for a new ride.  I wanted a gelding, but this filly caught my e...
Read more