winter 2011/12

Shaun is about as fuzzy as a horse gets. Twice the hair of my mares, and of course we are having a very warm winter for Kansas. 60 the next two days, and the poor guy breaks into a sweat if he gets out and moves around. Has a scratch on his butt when he hit Kansas mud and took a slider across the pasture, all four feet in the air. Kansas mud can be the slipperiest stuff on the planet. He's learned "go to your spot" and will immediately turn, go and wait at his spot for meals. Smart boy! He's loving his life, I think. Lots of room, freedom (as much as I can give him with a 40 acre fence line) and a herd to follow. His feet are growing well, and he's doing real well in the epona shoes. My mare, Bit is always spotless with nary a mud bit on her. Shaun? His new name is mud muffin. I can't believe how dirty he gets. When I saw him in the kill pen, he was very muddy. Now I realize, he just likes it that way. He was very thin, but the mud was his idea.
He's put on an amazing amount of weight, and muscle. He looks good, is moving well, and I think he's going to be ok. The only issue is his choke, which I manage by soaking his food WELL. It takes him a lot longer to eat, and I think he feels satisfied. Always first to greet me in the pasture, and walks with me up to the tack room to feed. Hope to be riding him this summer.

day with the chiropractor!

Today we drove 2.5 hours to see Dr Randy Huenefeld near Kansas City, Missouri. He's one of the best equine chiro's in the area, and we were fortunate enough to have him work on Shaun today. He said he'd probably been worked on, being a race horse. Shaun seemed to know Dr. Randy was trying to help him, and was a great patient. Most of the time his eyes were soft and he tried to stand still so he could be helped. There were a couple of times I know things hurt. I've been to the chiro, so I know. We took home a pretty pricey rx for ulcer's, which will take about a month to get things where they need to be. It's fairly typical for a race horse to have ulcers, but hoping it will be a thing of his past real soon.

Any horse that gets a couple of flakes of hay doled out to them a.m. and p.m. will have tummy issues. Add a ton of grain, lots of sugar content and a crazy lifestyle? You get ulcers. Horses are built to graze 24/7, head down, and moving. And that's exactly what Shaun has been doing for the past 6 mos. Dr. Randy said it was the best thing that could have happened to him. Yeah, I know. This was Shaun's miracle.

He said that Shaun may be compensating for his injury, even though the injury has healed. That's what got his body all crooked, and his fear of moving is keeping it that way. Now I have no idea where he was after 2007. I know he didn't get enough to eat. I know where ever it was, he wasn't able to heal his body properly. And now, he's exactly where he needs to be.

We have the ok to start training, and that will get that his muscle mass back where it needs to be, and then...flying lessons. I can't wait. We will fly, again. And this time, it will be a joyful thing.

day at the dentist

I guess we are extremely fortunate to have an equine dentist who is such an amazing horseman, never uses drugs (doesn't have to) and only charges the most minimal of fees to float my horses teeth. He is a gift. Today Ed came out to float Shaun's teeth. I noticed he was dropping a lot of food and thought those pesky back teeth just might be the problem. The minute Ed put the spec on Shaun, he closed his eyes and acted like he was getting the best massage EVER. He waited patiently, sort of, while Bit got her teeth done. Helped that I did some tick removal under his throat latch and then scratched all his boo boos throughly. If I stopped, he asked for more. We passed the time just fine.

I've used the excuse of too thin, no top line, sore feet, not ready yet...because I guess I'm treating him like a fragile child. Ed noticed today that he was more confident, and bit frisky...ok, completely full of himself. It got me thinking it might be time to get him back to work. I called a chiro to schedule a treatment, and I'll see what she says about what I can do with him. His top line isn't something I'd want to sit on bareback, lol. I do think he is saddle ready. Depending on what the chiro says, I guess it's time to at least start him on some ground work.

looking better

Shaun's top line is looking almost rideable. The atrophy he had is gone, replaced by a good coat of winter fuz and muscle. The supplement,, formula 4 feet has made a huge difference in the quality of his hoof wall. He's holding a shoe and the dry line cracks going up his feet have stopped right at the growth place where I started him on the supplement. Very dramatic difference, and you can really see it in his coat. He's actually growing a lot of tail and mane, too. I don't pull manes, or trim a bridle path. Lol, hippie horses in this heard. He's doing reall well.

Three inches of rain on the way for Monday, so he'll be sporting his Matrix like rain sheet since it will be a cold rain.

I think the best part of all is how loving and connected this horse is. Always checking in, happy to see you, runs in for breakfast every morning, and loves human company. He trusts me. When I whisper that I love him, his eyes soften and he breaths me in. It's a love affair that both the man and my life, and my daughter envy. He is such a gentle soul. I'm so glad he's here.

cat fight

Had just pulled fly masks in back pasture when I heard one of my barn cats making quite the ruckus. Sounded a bit like a coyote attack, which had me running as fast as my short legs would carry me. I sent the border collie ahead in an explosion of fur and teeth. I ran as fast as I could, adrenelin racing through my veins, whites of my eyes flashing, single minded and ready to do damage! What I didn't realize, Shaun was right behind me, my wing man! We both got back to where the kitty was in trouble at exactly the same time, breathing hard, heads high and wildly looking around for the sounds of trouble. I had no doubt he would have fought side by side with me, battling rabid, cat killing coyotes, ripping fur from snapping jaws and freeing terrorized kitties in defense of all cat kind! Sorry. Nice to know your horse has your back.
Just before I pulled his mask, I did protect him from the angus bull calf across the road who dared look his way. Guess it was pay back. Love this horse. Cat was fine. Tinker was picking on Bob, again.

actha

Just got an invite to audition for America's Greatest Trail Horse. Considering I haven't ridden Shaun yet, I don't think he'll be heading to Texas this year. His top line is just getting enough muscle to think about a saddle. Comparing the picture of him in the kill pen, to how he looks now, he's a different horse. He's not scared anymore. I catch glimpses of who he might have been before humans did what they did to him. No one wants to talk about it, after that last race. I think they must be afraid I'm going to do some bashing. It would help to know how he was injured, what was done, where he was sent, and why it didn't work out for him. A horses history can be real helpful when dealing with physical challenges. I wish I knew more.
I have bought Shaun a heavy blanket for winter, but I swear he generates so much heat, I don't know if he'll need it. I worry about arthritis, and the cold. His trot is better. It doesn't look so much like he's got too much leg. He used to look like a fawn trying to move. His canter is still off in the rear end. I wonder if he just needs time to heal. I can give him that.

Road trip

I sent two of my horses down to Missouri for training, which just left my retired quarter horse, Bit and Shaun in my pasture. I got an invite to go down and sort cows in Wichata, and I really wanted to go. Hadn't ridden Bit for three lyears, and didn't know if she'd ever been around cattle. If I took Bit, I had to take Shaun.

Got the ok to bring both horses, so I loaded them up and we were off to some of the prettiest country I've driven through. Full of history, old and new ranches, and tons of prarie as far as you can see. We arrived at the ranch, and I got Bit and Shaun all tucked in for the night. They stayed in a large round pen, high wooden walls with an attached shelter. Perfect! I knew Shaun would pitch a fit when I took Bit out, and it was the perfect place for him to do just that. He settled into the routine of Bit leaving for work (she did amazing. A little over 13 hands, she was moving heifers bigger than she was) and he kicked back, ate hay and kept the two 4 h calves company while we were gone.

I don't think it was a vacation he would have chosen, but all in all, he did great. Loaded just fine, traveled well, and was real glad to get home! Three days of dried up ole hay? Yuk! He was so happy to get back to his nice, green brom grass!

Half a herd

I just took Eclipse, my lead mare and Hawk, the dominate gelding down to Missouri for training, which leaves Bit and Shaun wondering what the heck happened to the herd. Bit never really liked Shaun all that much, so this has been good for them to buddy up and graze nose to nose. I'll be taking them both down to s. Kansas to help move some cattle on a ranch. Shaun will be hanging out with some other ranch horses, and Bit (who I haven't ridden in three years) and I will be moving cattle. If you don't hear from me again, it did not go well. lol! I won't be riding Mr. Shaun any time this winter. His top line is still not where it needs to be for a saddle, and he still needs to put on a lot more muscle. He is happy and enjoying all the grass and room he has to run. He's pretty attached to me and Bit and seems more content when the three of us are out "grazing" together. Headed out to throw a saddle on my sweet little quarter horse and hope she isn't too put out by the intrusion on her day. Shaun, as always, will be right by our side.

Nice afternoon gallop

I rode Eclipse out in the pasture so that the herd could get some exercise too. Where the lead mare goes, the herd follows. Hawk, my arabian and Shaun were racing each other across the pasture, tails flying. They have become "fast friends" and love competing to see who gets there first. It's so nice to see Shaun running again. He loves to run, I can tell. Not because some human is on his back urging him faster. It's a joyful thing, only a 1/4 mile or so, with lots of snakey necking and crow hopping. He's still running a bit like a new pup with his back end a little sideways. I think because of that pin in his left leg.

His winter blanket arrived and it should keep him nice and warm on those cold Kansas nights. I'm concerned about the cold and the pin in his leg. I want to keep him as comfortable as possible. Maybe we will have a mild, snowless winter and by next year we can pull his shoes for the winter. Now wouldn't that be wonderful?

The supplement I'm feeding everyone has the manes and tails growing like crazy. I hope the feet are experiencing that same growth spurt. Lots of wall and sole!

Shaun eats all the time. He looks up sometimes, and I think he still is so overwhelmed by the all you can eat buffet. He's putting on good weight, he's shiney and his coat feels like velvet. Have to take some pics tomorrow. He's turning into a beautiful horse.

I think he's ok

The farrier came out and made custom shoes for Shaun. The nail holes were close to the outer edge of the shoe, so he could attach them to the foot. Shaun took one, shakey test step, weighted it, took another, and then he started walking. He's not 100 per cent. Not galloping. But he's walking. He had a tough time trusting that it wouldn't hurt, but he's walking.

He was by himself in the shelter after I fed him dinner. The herd had moved down to the well pasture, about 2 acres away. I asked him to come with me, and he just stood there. I walked a little ways and asked again, he took a step. Good boy! Eventually, he started following me down. Two acres later, he was with his herd, grazing, and happy. Finally.

new shoes

The farrier is on the way out this morning. May be selling Shaun's friend, Gunner. My back is not allowing me to ride everyone, and Gunner is a horse that likes to work. He enjoys a job, and there is a "job opening" up in Nebraska. Shaun is going to miss his friend, but he is also joining up real nice with my mare, Eclipse. He seems real happy to graze and just be a horse. I am going to try something called Perfect Hoof Wear Poly-/Wrap. It's a rubber shoe that flexes with the hoof, and it's attached by a strong wrap that stays on for about 8 weeks, the same as a shoe. This will give Shaun some comfort, minus any nails. Then he can get back to racing Hawk around the pasture. I can also open things up and the horses can have the whole 40 acres.

Have been gone for five days doing a Buck Brannaman clinic up in Iowa. He's not for the faint of heart, or the person that likes to blame their horse for horsemanship issues. As Buck said, "There are no lazy horses." If you are calling your horse lazy, your horsemanship is lacking and needs to be addressed. I've pretty much found that to be true. Horse do get dull to our legs and hands, but we make them that way. They go internal and some folks call that lazy. Boy, once you get light, and they wake up? Watch out! That horse becomes full of life and can scare a "lazy human" that killed that horses spirit with spurs or jerking their horses heads around. Horsemanship takes time, dedication and commitment. I found that I'm just not giving it the time I need to have the horse I want. I spend a lot of time with my horses, but my riding has been pretty sporatic. Triple digit temps will put a damper on your enthusiasm. I should have gotten up earlier. I will now.

Once Shaun's feet are comfortable, I can start him with some ground work and help him build up some muscle. His weight is looking good, could be better. He's not ribby, but his butt looks like a little old lady's. Ha, it looks like mine, I guess. We both need to work more.

Still off on that left front

Had Shaun in his boots all day. Took them off and he had a tough time, even in the soft grass. I'm worried about him. What will happen when the ground freezes? I love this horse to death, but I'm wondering if this is the best place for him. He needs something I'm not giving him. I'm just at a loss, and I don't know what to do. Only three more months to get him sound. sigh.

It's cooling off!

Today is the last day of ugly hot weather. We have rain about two counties away, so hoping that hits us to soften the ground up a bit. I've got green pastures, with long grass so this isn't like a rock lot here. Still, I'd like Shaun to have some soft footing and gradually ease into firm ground. Boots are working out well for him, and you should see his eyes!!!!!! If someone is in pain, their face changes. If you are a mom, you know what I mean. You can just look at your kid and you KNOW! Yesterday Mr. Bright Eyes had the most beautiful, big eyes! He's really looking like his old self! His eyes are even bigger than my arabains! Will take the camera out and get some pictures. I know I keep saying that, but it's so hard to deal with pictures when the heat index is past 108. Your brain just shuts off, and all you want to do is crawl into the shade and wait for fall.

Speaking of which, fall arrives tomorrow! Glad to say, it arrives all the way down into old Mexico, according to the weather channel. I'm ready to move to Colorado for the summers, and I can see why rich folk have two homes. Hard to find perfect weather all the time. Everyone in hurricaines path, stay safe!

Regarding shoeing, thanks for posting about possible alternative shoeing. My farrier is very open to whatever works for the horse. He works closely with a vet and is always trying to figure out how to make a horse comfortable, treat the problem not the symptom, and has no issues with a horse going barefoot. I'll pass that information on to him. I may be looking at Epona's for the winter. Their winter shoe has carbide tips, and a mesh covering over the frog, so it's a perfect snow shoe. Trying to get my farrier to look into them and shoe three of my tenderfoots this winter in them.

Off to feed before the t storm hits!

A little thrushy

I took off Shaun's boots and he smelled a little thrusy this morning, so left boots off, treated him with thrush buster and giving him a little more time for his feet to dry out. Shaun is getting a lot better at picking up his feet. Maybe because I'm working with them so much, or maybe because he knows I'm trying to help him. Probably a bit of both.

It's been hard to make myself go out and spend time with everyone because it so hot. 100 degrees with humidity right now, but Sunday is another story! Maybe we can get back to some riding! If I can't ask myself to get out there and play, why would I ask my horses? Yes, there is a point where it's too hot to ride.

This morning I spent "nappy time" with the herd in the shelter under the mister. We all had a nice nap, and I made sure no one picked on Shuan and took his spot under the mister. He placed himself close enough for me to feel his breath on the top of my head. Everyone needs a nappy buddy.

His eyes are changing, and I HAVE to take a picture to share. His eyes looked like they did when he was racing in NZ! Big, bright and pain free. No worry lines around his eyes! He is really getting into hugging too. Lots of him placing his face right against mine. He is such a gentle soul.

No word from easy care about sponsoring him with boots. Also contacted another company that makes a great product for hoof recovery, E3liveforhorses. Boots treat the symptoms, but I'm more interested in treating the problem.

Check out horsetalkNZ for Shaun's most recent write up!

Pappa's got a new pair of shoes!

We tried bare foot, hoof hardner, and I could tell that Shaun wasn't doing well. Limping, head bobbing bad. I got in touch with a friend that is a rep for easy boot to see what we might be able to do for him. He cannot take any more nails in his feet. She was leaving for a mounted shooting clinic in Missouri, I had a doctors appointment, but if I rocketed up and traced his foot image on a piece of cardboard, then broke land speed records (sorry how sweaty and smelly I am doc) I could just make it to her house in time to pick up two pair of easy boot Trails. Two sizes because we didn't quite know what would fit and what wouldn't.

I cut out the cardboard images and fit them in the boots. Not so good on the size three, but he fours were looking promising. I inserted the comfy pads, sprayed them with athlete's foot powder, grabbed the pastern wraps and headed for the shelter. It's 103 out, and I wanted to fit these shoes in the shade, plus I have the mister system going so I wouldn't just melt into a puddle. It was getting Shaun's dinner time, so it was working out just perfect. Funny how all this has worked out just perfect.

Shaun is a horse that has horrendous ground manners. Picking up one of his feet is like trying to pick up a truck. Today I asked, and up comes the foot. That's weird, but I'll take it. I wrestled the pastern wrap on, which is a bit like trying to put on tight, wet jeans. Pastern wraps are like a neoprene 1/2 sock that keeps the boot from rubbing. He just stood there patiently while I sweated, grunted and got it on. Next I slipped on the boot, and viola! Same thing the other side. It's like he knew I was trying to help.

Then...he walked. Clumsy at first, but then he started doing some serious walking. Came over to me four times and thanked me. If you've ever been thanked by a horse, from the bottom of his heart, you know what I'm talking about. Bent his head around and hugged me to his shoulder. Rub, rub, big eyes, and then more walking. He got better at it, too. The clunky shoes and he were starting to get along, and he was moving even better. I think it's the first time in years that he's walked without pain.

I hear that when a horse walks, and there is pressure on that thin hoof wall at the toe, it's like pulling your nail away from your finger. His hoof wall is so thin, any pressure is painful. Now, that weight is evenly distributed. He has a pad that is encouraging his frog to pump blood with every step. More blood, better hoof growth, better hoof. He's a different horse. You can see it in his eyes, too. I thought he was just sad. Nope, he was in pain.

I'll go out and throw on the gold bond foot powder (Pete Remey trick) and make sure he's not rubbing anywhere. I'll give his feet a break for about an hour a day. We'll gradually build up the time, once his foot starts to get healthier.

No more pain. What a concept.

A happier time

Yes, I think Shaun was much happier in NZ as a race horse. You can see it in his picture, he's alive and exuberant! The folks that bred him figured out how he ran and let him do it his way. He won. A lot. When he reached this country, no one listened to how he liked to run. No one considered the horse. I watched some of his races here and in Canada, and he had no heart for it. Why would he? From Nz to a kill pen, and it was a continious down hill trek. If I had to be a race horse, I'd want to be in NZ. Never here. Never here.

Got some rain this morning, so dragged a steel panel up behind the three wheeler to smooth out the tractor tire marks in front of the shelter. It was the only place Shaun was having trouble with his feet. He's new to bare foot, and I'm hoping he will adjust. I'd rather he be comfortable, so if this doesn't work out for him, I'll keep him in shoes. His hoof wall is so thin the farrier was afraid to put nails into his foot. Just not enough there to hold a shoe. I'm going to introduce the farrier to Epona shoes. They are plastic, move with the foot, and the winter ones have carbide tips. Oh and mesh under the foot so snow doesn't ball up. If he has trouble with bf, these can be glue on, and we'll just do this.

He doesn't seem so sad, and happy to say he's a bit herd sour. He's building a relationship with the herd, especially Gunner. The mares don't hate him. Hawk is not as bossy, so life in the pasture has taken on a more lazy, graze kind of feeling. I've got the mister going in the shelter because it's still so hot. 106 by Thursday with humidity! Nice fine sand in the shelter makes for some cozy footing. He's gained good weight and only lacking in his one hip, probably from his trying to compensate for pin in his leg. Maybe nerve damage, according to vet.

I think he's going to be ok. It's like he's waking up. That's different that living in the past, like we do. I think he shut down, and went inside a long time ago. He's starting to trust. I'm not sure how much a horse loves, ya know? We love, but horses? I think it goes so deep, that connection and love is just a part of it. He's becoming a part of the whole, there's consistancy in his life, he's never hungry or thirsty, and I listen to him. His opinion matters. Like in NZ when his opinion was considered when he raced? I'm beginning to see glimpses of that horse in the picture, taken so long ago. Look at those eyes where he's in the racing bridle, an open heart, and a willing spirit. Now look at the picture at the top of the page. Can you see his pain? Is it worth it? Horse racing, I mean?

barefoot

The farrier was out today. My old farrier emailed me from Bagdad when asked why he missed our appointment. He just left, no call, no nothing. Nope, not in the military, just took a job over there. Musta been hurting for money. I've had a couple of farriers out, but as with any relationship, "we" didn't like them. I knew we had a winner when Hawk, my arabian stood there ground tied. Hawk usually uses the trimmer for target practice. Swipes their hankerchief, or steals their hat. Vince was fast, good, horses liked him and they all five stood there with him while he worked.

When he got to Shaun he was concerned about the terribly thin hoof walls. He said that they throw on shoes for a race, then pull them right after. The horses hoof is put through hell with all the nail holes they endure. Shaun's back feet are looking ok, but the fronts are pretty bad. Instead of making even more nail holes, we decided to try Shaun barefoot. My pasture is like wearing slippers, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Soft footing does not toughen up a foot, and we'll be seeing frozen ground soon. Going to see how he does. Expect him to be a bit ouchy. Hoping he doesn't chip and break off a lot of hoof. Hoping these hoof supplements help him.

starting to blossom

I'm not sure how much any horse is free to express his or her opinion. Most people approach riding like rape. You are gonna, and I don't care how you feel about it. Sometimes it comes to blows. I learned a different way through Carolyn Resnick, and I tell ya, horses have opinions. No, they aren't lazy. Some would prefer you not ride them. I have two like that, and they both have back issues. My paint loves to work. Loves it. My arabian loves ground play, but he's like (as Brent Graef said) "a person that's been on welfare and never had to work, and now he has a job". Then there's Shaun. I don't have an invite from him to ride. I'm just getting an invite to say "hello". For a long time he'd turn away. Did you know if the horse turns away, you don't have his permission to touch? It's hard not to throw your arms around the neck of a horse and take what you want. That being love. It took me a while to understand, if I touch a horse, I have to have permission and I better be giving, not taking.

So Mr. Shaun is touching his nose to my outstretched hand. I'm not touching him, he's touching me. That's important. His choice to say hello, not mine. I'm just offering the opportunity. He can say "no", and that's real important to a horse. Today he wanted to be let out of the 10 acres I have fenced in where I feed, to the other 30 acres we have for the herd. I needed to doctor Gunner's legs. He has something called scratches, and I had to lead him away from where Shaun wanted to go. He tried to herd me like a border collie, lol! Now I'm nice to my horses, I'm kind, but that was overstepping mama, so I twirled my rope at him. His head came up, but he was still trying to get me to turn around. I finally tapped him with the popper on the end of the rope, and he took off like I beat him. Very sensitive boy. I also stopped and told him I'd be right back after I took care of Gunner. He relaxed after that and waited for us to come back by the gate. I made sure I headed right for the gate and let him out when I got back. You need to keep your word with a horse.

I'm blessed to have five horses in my pasture. Chances are, I'll find a horse that wants to play. He or she may not want to ride, but they will want to play. I can usually talk em into a ride after a while. If not, I don't worry about it too much. If you ask a friend to go out, and they don't want to dance, do you make them? Or do you find something that you both want to do? My horses are my friends, and I treat them like they are friends. Good friends. They are generous to treat me with kindness, too. I don't know if they love me. What we have is so special, so deep, I don't know if love covers it. Shaun is starting to experience what might be possible for him here. With the herd, and with me. He's finding out that I won't force him to do anything, unless it's to save his live. He's discovering what it is to be a horse. He's experiencing life as a herd, and that's bigger than just himself. The herd is one unit, and it thrives because everyone works together to be better than they could be alone. He's starting to blossom into more than he has ever been.

Doin' ok!

I must say, Shaun is doing ok. He stopped by the three wheeler today when I turned everyone out to the big pasture, because I had some baby carrots. Funny how herd sour is no longer an issue when carrots are involved. I think he loves this life. Here, I'll post some pics.

Pez despensor and head scratcher

That would be me. Right now, that's all I am to Shaun. We are at the beginning of this relationship, and to be fair, it is probably the closest he's been to a human. I did protect him tonight from the harrassing arabian and paint. He doesn't often choose my company, but I believe he trusts me. He knows I really try to help him.

Once Tony heads back to Montana to work, and Amanda hits school next week, my time will be my own and I can spend all day with them. I think it has worked out for the best this way. He's bonded with the herd, and he will be spending more time with them, than me. that bond should be strong.

Will download new pics tomorrow. He's looking pretty good. Now, about him finding his happy place? Still working on that one.

He likes me! He really likes me!

On most days, it's a herd. Ok, Bit is attached to Eclipse by the hip, but otherwise, everyone hangs out, with Shaun maintaining the proper distance to keep himself with, but not too close to the herd. When Shaun got choke, the herd was with him. Did not leave him, and Gunner refused to let more than five feet separate them. He stayed with Shaun throughout the entire ordeal. After, you'd find them both grazing nose to nose. Sometimes a crises will bond two souls, when they might not have connected, before. Shaun's near death experience has made us all a bit closer.

Breakfast went well, and not hearing his swallow reflex anymore. Once or twice yesterday, but the vet said he'd have a sore throat. Between antibiotics and a little time, he seems to be doing well.

I know a lot of folks go out and get a horse without a clue how to take care of them, what they might need to thrive, or what to look for if they get sick. I'd heard of colic but never had experienced it with a horse I knew. Once you do, you live in fear of it happening to your horse. You not only have to know how to recognize it right away, but also what to do. Do you? Choke. How many horse owners would even know what it looks like? How many just throw that grain and walk back into the house, or their horses are boarded and someone else throws the grain and walks away? Did you know that feeding your horses only twice a day can create severe digestive problems? That you need to have your hay analyzed because it probably lacks certain nutrients and you need to add supplements? Did you know that if your water contains iron, you need to add copper and zinc to the diet or the feet and coat will not be healthy? And you can't offer those red mineral blocks? Did you know you have to float your horses teeth? HAVE TO? Do you know what to do if your horse gets an abscess on his hoof?

There is a lot to know before you own a horse. Most folks figure, feed em some hay (many feed alfalfa which is not horse food. It's ok in small amounts but horses need to be on grass hay. They are not cows.) Did you know that alfalfa in some parts of the country contain blister beetles which will kill your horses? Just feeding them hay is more complicated than you can imagine. Lets not even get into supplements, hoof care, to shoe or not to shoe, and sunburn in the summer.

This is with a "normal" healthy horse. Shaun is not a normal healthy horse. He needs chiro tx's, his food practically liqified, and very good supplements. I don't know what will happen in the winter with the cold. He has a heavy duty blanket on the way. Cold makes any old injury hurt. It can be very hard on older horses. Lots of folks rescue horses and then face the many challenges these horse may face. Ignorance is no excuse! I can't say this enough, educate yourself. Ask questions and when your gut says that vet is wrong, get a second opinion! Use an equine vet, not a vet that does equines. Know your horse well enough so that NOT NORMAL is a red flag. Just like your car. You know the minute something isn't right. You owe your horse that much of a relationship.

A better deal for the horse

I frequent a great horse forum, It's About the Horse forum. It consists of a lot of old Parelli folks, some who still do Parelli, a lot who have moved on. As Pat said, Parelli is the cake, and it is a great foundation. Most of the people on the forum have moved on to "the icing" and have a good foundation in place. We study Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck, Brent, Carolyn Resnick, and some other really great horse people. I've learned tons from this forum, and when Shaun choked, it was the first place I went to find out what to do so it never happened again. Chances are, someone has a horse like you, and is going through or has gone through exactly what your are going through. Lots of wisdom and a great place to find what you need.

Not just one, but a few people had horses that choked, and they also had some good suggestions for why it happened (I like to know why) and what to do so it hopefully doesn't happen again. The why? Shaun gets fed twice what my other horses get, and so my other horses finish up and want his. Even though I gaurd him so no one gets his food, the pressure is there. They stare, they try, a relaxed meal time it is not. So Shaun bolts his food because he is fearful it will be taken away. The solution? Make him feel safe, give him more time to feel it.

I already decided to add water to everyones feed so that no one chokes, EVER. The more water you add, the more the alfalfa pellets there are. It takes longer to eat more, so the other horses get the feeling they are getting more, they take longer. Plus, I put Shaun's big bowl down in his favorite corner of the shelter and wrapped a one inch wide electric fence tape around him to make a safe corral. It was like a wall to the other horses. No staring, no pressure and Shaun ate slowly, eyes half closed and enjoyed his dinner.

It was suggested that Shaun may have scar tissue in his throat from previous choke episodes. He may always have issues with it. But it's manageable right now. I'm hoping he'll be ok with the hay this winter. Green grass is easier to eat than dry hay. Winter is 5 months away.

After dinner, the horses and I headed out to go hedge apple hunting. Google it. Hedge apples grow on hedge trees, and horses love em! We have a lot of hedge trees, but it's more fun when we all head out together. Hawk knows, as soon as I go "let's go hedge apple hunting!" He throws a snakey neck and off we all go, into the secret paths in the trees. It was great training for trail riding. Ya can't be a woosie horse when you go into the scarey tree path. Everyone came but Shaun.

I found him hiding in his little corner of the shelter. I whispered to him, reassured him and tried to get him to come out with me. I walked out, took down the offending fence, came back and got him. I was so unconfident, but he walked out with me and we joined the herd. Eclipse had waited for him. When he showed up, she headed out. It's like she puts out this silent signal and all the horses heads snap up. They all lock onto her, but Shaun. He locked onto me. "GO Shaun! Go!" Hawk took off running after Eclipse, followed by Bit and then Gunner. Shan started towards me. "SHAUN, GO!" He turned and took of running like I know those humans that used to own him wish he would have. He ran for the sheer joy of going. He ran with the herd. He's finally beginning to understand. He's part of it. He's part of something bigger than himself. He's wanted. He's loved. He's a horse.

Another scare

Last night I fed Shaun when suddenly, he stopped eating. It wasn't just a stop, he froze. Then he started coughing, his neck got rock hard and he began to choke. I ran down to the house, called the vet and he said to massage his throat, and it sometimes breaks it up. My daughter, Amanda and I ran back up and by then, great gobs of fluid were pouring out of his nose and mouth. He was dripping in sweat, and struggling to breath between swallowing. Amanda ran back down to the house, called the vet and we waited while Shaun went down hill very quickly. By the time the vet arrived, he was in very bad shape. The doctor gave a sedative, and we tried to tube him to move whatever was blocking his throat. The sedative hadn't taken ehim ffect, and Shaun fought us, slug ugly, thick green gobs in my hair, in my eye, down my shirt...the vet was trying to hold him but he couldn't and hole the hose. He ordered Amanda over to hold the hose in his nose, while we both held an ear and I bit one. Pressure on the ear helps calm a horse, did you know that? It was not long until the sedative suddenly hit, and the vet pumped at least three gallons of water into Shaun. Soon, he was breathing, his head hung low, and it got very quiet. We were all covered in green goo and standing in stunned silence, waiting to see if Shaun would be ok, or not. The vet hosed Shaun off while I moved him around.

I'm starting to realize just how Shaun ended up in a kill pen...I think. He has always done this swallowing thing, and I've told vets about it. He didn't do it while they were there, so they didn't know what it was. I think this boy just may tend to choke. It's ok, I'll just give him a nice, green slurry and never give him dry grain again. We will see how he does on hay this winter. So far he seems ok with it, but he's mostly on pasture grass right now. Just have to see how we work this out. He may have scar tissue from multiple choke episodes, he may not be able to just eat hay. That makes him a hard keeper, and that makes him a non desireable horse to have around for most folks. We'll just have to see what I need to do, as things come up.

Big doesn't mean bad

Just because Shaun is the biggest horse in the pasture, doesn't mean he's the baddest. Even Eclipse was willing to give this big horse a chance, but not Bit. Bit was consumed with keeping Shaun away from her mare. She still doesn't like him, to this day. Eclipse had her moments, like when she is in heat. When you are in love, size matters. Eclipse loves Shaunie when Eclipse is in heat.

It worked out well, having Shuan and the mares have some time before Hawk and Gunner came home from summer camp. It was them coming home, new to the herd. Shaun is such a gentle spirit, Hawk and Gunner quickly assumed a higher position in the herd. Thankfully, Gunner has found Shaun's company a bit more pleasant than the other horse's. He was like Shaun, not too long ago. No one liked him, accepted him, or would graze with him. He was the outsider. Now, he's accepted by the herd a bit more because Shaun is that bottom horse. Just having Shaun be the one that is the outsider, makes it easier for Gunner. I think he knows that.

Today I opened up the big pasture. Tony bush hogged paths through the 30 acres so I could retrieve horses to the home 10 during the day. Sugar levels go down in the grass, and the temps are cooler at night. I bring them in come morning, and they spend the heat of the day in the shade of the trees or shelter. Not that there aren't plenty of trees in the big pasture. There's everything out there, including a running creek, except this year. It's so dry and it's been so hot, the creek has dried up and there is no water for them. Tony says they'll come in when they get thirsty, but they don't. I let them out this morning, because it was cool (only 75) and it had just rained. By the afternoon, it was 88 and I got worried. Took the three wheeler out to the herd, put a halter and lead on Eclipse and brought in the herd. They drank and drank.

Now, did Shuan like his 30 acre run? Why yes he did! He was the first one out, and the whole herd ran like their tails were on fire! It was a beautiful thing to watch. By the time they got to the other fence line where my horses like to hang out, (by the next door stallion) Shaun had no idea where he was. He ususally leaves the herd and goes hangs out in his shelter. Where was it? He ran, he worried, and finally settled with the herd in the shade. It was Shaun's big adventure, today. He was one relieved tb when I brought him in. He nuzzled, licked, snuggled and touched me when we got back. If our horse is our mirrior, then Shuan is my horse. We are both home bodies, and it takes an act of God to get us away from the house. Something to consider...home is not about geography. You carry home within yourself. I'm not saying some place like wore torn Iraq is a good place. I am saying, where ever you are is home, as long as you know that peace within. I'm hoping Shuan will know that peace within himself, so it won't matter where he finds himself. Whether it's in the back pasture, on the trail with me, or in his shelter, he'll be a peace because he carries it with him, always.

present day

Have been practicing Carolyn Resnic's, water hole rituals with my horses for a couple of years now. One of the first rituals is called sharing territory. It's probably the most important, and enjoyable things I do with the herd. You sit in a chair (read a book until you can sit there with your mind in the present moment) and spend time with your horse. No touching him, but he can touch you. It gives the horse, choice. Choice to be with you, choose your company and explore you. He can do anything he wants, as long as you feel safe. This morning Shaun and I kept company. He stood as close as he could with his head right next to me, and fell asleep. At one point Hawk, my arabian, decided to try and chase him off. Yep, I protected Shuan, and made Hawk go wait by the mares. We sat under the mister system, soft, cooling mist falling on us, as we dozed and relaxed.

Shaun likes the barn cats quite a bit, but the cats aren't inclined to trust the horses. Hawk has tried to play "wack a mole" way too many times for those cats to trust a horse. Still, this gentle giant regards the barn cats with interest and kindness. They will wound their bodies around his legs and lie next to him and sleep. It gives you an idea of this ottb's heart. It must have been so stressful for him to run as he did, and he still will not let me near him with anything resembling a whip. T touch uses a white dressage-like whip to guide a horse. No hitting, but some tapping for body awareness. Some rubbing too. The only thing he will let me near him with is the reed that I use for the waterhole rituals.

I can't imagine the life he must have endured before hitting that kill pen. I tell him everyday, "you are home. You are safe. Please be happy."

The drive home

It was hot, and we still had an hour before we'd be pulling into the driveway. I did take it slow over the railroad tracks on the way out of town. Suddenly, my daughter was urging me to "just go!", and I thought she was concerned about the guy tail gaiting me. No, she was concerned about the rail road crossing gaurds lowering, the lights flashing and the train that was making it's way down the track. It became apparant that speed was more important than keeping the ride smooth, and I floored it! It got our hearts beating! Thankfully, a non eventful ride home and Shaun seemed no worse for the wear.

He backed out of the trailer just fine, took a look around, and led right into the pasture. Eclipse and Bit were about an acre away, so after checking out the fence line, we headed up to meet the mares after a nice roll in the shelter. Now Eclipse really liked Shaun, but Bitty was not happy with the new guy. She was sure he was going to take his mare! Please keep in mind, Bit is about 13.5 hh, and Shaun is 16.2 hh. Bit tried to terrorize him, to the point that I stayed with him until 11:00 p.m. It was a great time to bond, and by the time I staggered on down to the house, peace reigned in the pasture.

Finally found a good farrier

Present time, I finally found a good farrier. He did an assessment on Shaun and said he looked like he would make a good trail horse. He won't be jumping, and maybe not dressage, but just toolin around on the trails? He's good to go. That's exactly what I wanted for him, so when he's ready, we'll get going. Have a saddle on the way that will fit him, again, when he is ready. We still have a lot of sharing territory to do to establish that bond and trust. No hurry, we both have about 20 years!

When we arrived home, Shuan was curious, tired, and didn't know me from Adam. No really, I wasn't even on his radar. My green grass was, the mares were, but not me. Eclipse was curious but Bit was miffed. Eclipse belonged to her ,you see. The boys were still in Iowa at the trainers, so Shuanie still had a couple of weeks to get aquainted with the mares, and hopefully be accepted. Bit was having none of it. She's a tiny, little quarter horse, maybe around 13.5 hh? Shaun is 16.2 hh. Bit is kicking his butt. I needed another miracle, but at this point, I think the angels were having a good chuckle at Bit chasing this very large throughbred around the pasture. He'd just have to serve his time, and pray those mares eventually liked him. He eventually went up to the shelter and slept and slept.

Hot, but no snot

I ordered some apf from valley vet, and will get Shuan on a long course of it in hopes it will build his immune system. Hawk brought home strangles after an overnight stay at my friends barn. I took my mare to a clnic and knew he wouldn't do well alone. He came home very sick and realized he had strangles. I started him right up on apf, and the next day he was symptom free. It's good stuff, and can really change the body condition of a horse. Hope Shaun not only gets better, but it helps him put a some mucscle and heals what ails him.

We are closer, the bond is getting even better, he he now comes to me when I hit the pasture. Maybe his heart is opening after all.

Not going quite as planned

My purpose for this blog was to tell Shaun's story. You know, the one that brought him here. I'm realizing that it's going to be more of a telling of what happened then, with moments of what's happening now. The story didn't end when Shaun arrived in Kansas. It had only begun.

June 5th Paul picked up Shuan in Washington, and left with a trailer full of horses, five sheep and one border collie. He had quite the menagerie, but Paul does not limit his shipping to horses. If something needs shipping, Paul has the savvy to move just about anything. It wasn't easy finding places to overnight the animals. A lot of the mare motels and fair grounds had closed their doors due to the virus. Somehow, just when he thought there was no room at the inn, he would fine the perfect place to stay. It's like this whole thing has been blessed, right from the very beginning.

After three long days of driving, Paul called to see if I could meet him in Marysville, Kansas. It would cut 2 hours driving time off his trip, and he also offered to take a little of the cost of shipping. My daughter and I left the morning of the 9th, I believe. It was hot, humid, and I had no idea where we would be able to tranfer an ottb from Paul's trailer to mine. Marysville is a pretty busy place.

We arrived early, fine dined on Taco Bell and began looking for a proper spot to meet Paul. I happened down a road off the main road, and there was an open gate, a big enough bit of turf to park two large trailers, and turn around. It was right next to a fenced ball field, so if Shuan did have issues, he wouldn't be going too far. It was perfect. We stopped at the local gas station and filled up a bucket of water, and headed over to wait in the shade of the trees by the ball field.

Paul arrived about 15 minutes later, off loaded Shaun, and we got our first look at a very big throughbred. What had I done? After hugs to Paul and a tentitive hello to Shuan, I grabbed the bucket full of water and he drank almost the whole thing. It took a few tries, but Shaun finally loaded up and we were on our way back home.

p.s. Shaun's temperature was 98.7 this morning. Still has a snotty nose, but seems to be feeling ok. The normal temp for a horse goes anywhere from 97 to 100.

Ya can't get there from here

The last time I shipped a horse from California to Kansas, it was around 800.00. Same amount when I shipped Hawk to Kansas. It was a long time ago, but I assumed it would be about the same. I was wrong. Shipping Shaun would be twice what I thought. Neil let his readers know, and we were astounded at the support this big horse received! People sacraficed their MORNING STARBUCKS! Some gave a little, some gave a lot.

Paul Lynch owns 4rail horse transport, he's the only driver, and a great horse shipper. The only trouble is, if he's not where I need him to be, and coming this way, it doesn't work out. The amazing thing is, he always seems to be right where I need him. Paul and his wife were supposed to be in Ireland celebrating thier 10th wedding anniversary. Because it was the tourist season, they decided to postpone Ireland, and celebrate...you guessed it, in the Pacific Northwest. Not too far from Enunclaw, Washington. How many miracles does this make? Stacy, who owns the barn where Shaun was recovering was generous enough to let Paul park his rig at her barn while he and his wife enjoyed their anniversary. That would put Shaun's departure date exacty one month after he left the kill pen, which gave him just enough time to put on a little weight, get his feet done, and his body a chance to heal. Just enough time, exactly. One more miracle.

Meanwhile, a terrible virus broke out in the horse community, and panic spread. The major vet hosital in Enumclaw was shut down due to a horse there having the virus. You couldn't transport a horse out of Washington without a vet taking his temp within 24 hours of departure and signing off on his health certificate. It was rumored state borders would be closing for horse transport. Paul and I were very concerned that we would even be able to get Shuan out of Washington. More cases of the virus were showing up, as the date to transport Shuan loomed.

Meanwhile, we needed a brand inspection. It's required in a lot of states, and Shaun had already left the auction house where they were being done. I called the woman that does the inspection, in hopes she would go to the barn where he was boarded and do another inspection. He had already had one, when he was first admitted to the kill pen. Another miracle, she didn't need to see him. She remembered my horse, and left another brand inspection at the kill pen office where Lisa picked it up.

I was starting to realize that Shaun was supposed to come to Kansas, all along. It was as if the universe was rearranging reality, just so this big horse could find his way to Kansas. Most days I just shook my head, smiled and knew it would all work out. It's not that I take miracles for granted. There had been so many, living in grace was starting to feel normal. Did I mention, Paul transported Shaun for 875.00? Another miracle, and counting.

We think he's ok...maybe

The vet is a good vet. He knows horses. He's not a cow vet that does horses, he a horse vet that does cows. Shaun was 100.9 this morning, he is 100.4 this afternoon...and it's hotter. Can you believe it's 104 degrees here? Death Valley was 104 when we were there. I thought I was in hell. Nope. But I think I live here now. It's all over, this heat. The horses have a shelter and lots of trees. I know, when you think of Kansas you think of dry, hot, flat and brown. No, we are in eastern Kansas so we are hot, flat and green. In spite of the heat, spending about 45 minutes at a time with the herd. Just changed out the water, as it's hard to keep it cold in this heat. The vet thinks it's a respiratory infection. I don't think he knows, but is hoping he pulls out of it with antibiotics. I think that's why his temp went down.

Horses. They are big, strong, regal souls who will mirrior your every move...and they will mirrior your soul too. If you have anger issues, so does your horse. If you have control issues, so does your horse. If you want a good horse, you have to be a good human. That's why your horse will be wonderful with a good trainer. The trainer is a good human being. You get the horse home, viola he has issues. Your issues. He'll never get better until you do. Aint that a bitch. Natural horsemanship is a lot of things. One of them requires you to quit blaming the horse for your own manure. Most folks would rather blame the horse. But that's another story. I'm sure you are wondering what the rest of the story is with Shaun, aka Cusack.

Neil from Horsetalknz commited to paying for Shaun and the shipping and would try to start fund raising through his web site. Well, we were blown away by what happened next. Unbelievable.

http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/05/o38.shtr

You can see all that Neil has written about Shaun on Horsetalknz. We talked and emailed a lot, so he between him, me, Shaun's original breeder, and a lot of other folks, Shaun's story unfolded. The donations came rolling in. Enough to pay the vet, the shipper, his board in Washington, the farrier, and some left over for food, supplements, vet, and farrier here. I think today was the first out of the pocket money I've spent on Shaun.

Yes, we had plenty of money, thanks to donations coming in from all over the world. But Shaun was still in the kill pen, and I was here in Kansas. What to do? I needed another miracle. She came in the form of Lisa O'Gorman. Lisa and her friend, Rachel drove to the auction house, and picked up Shaun. They said he saw the truck and trailer pull in and it was like he knew it was for him. Lisa said he looked like someone must have forgotten him. How else would he end up here, and thank you for coming and getting him. His feet were terribly tender from the concrete. He was so thin, there was no way he would survive a cross country trip. Lisa volunteered to pay the very expensive two weeks of board, and food, and supplement, and very good company. It's a good thing. The shipper wouldn't transport him unless he was quarentined for two weeks. That same shipper was unreachable, thereafter. Yes, I needed another miracle. No one could move him for less than 150o.0o. I didn't have that much. I called Neil and began to pray.

vet is on the way out

I do want to tell you Shaun's story. It is frought with drama, suspense and joy. Today however, I am greatly concerned. He was hungry after breakfast. I knew because he picked his bowl up and looked me right in the eye. Ottb's eat a lot. For you non horsey people, ottb means, off the track throughbred. He ate, came and said thanks and that's when I noticed a clear with yellow discharge coming from one nostril. Damn. I called the vet. He'll be here in an hour. I'll let you know how it goes.

Horsetalknz to the rescue

The folks at auction horses were very helpful, but it was Susan Young that noticed Cusack was a New Zealand race horse. Susan is from New Zealand, originally. She gave Neil at horse talk a call and then contacted me. I got right on it, and just prayed that it would all come together, some how. Of course I hadn't told my husband about the new horse. I wasn't really allowed another horse. I mean, why tell him when I didn't even know if I had another horse?

My husband felt that four horses was plenty, and he was absolutely right. I promised, NO MORE HORSES, and truly meant to keep my promise. I was in the shop with Tony, when the phone rang. He answered the phone and said, "You have an international call". Oh no! It was Neil, calling from New Zealand about bringing Cusack to Kansas! Yes, Tony heard the whole thing. After I hung up with Neil, I slowly turned around and faced my fate. Literally.

"Deb, are we getting another horse?"

"Um, yes?"

"I want to negotiate."

Tony got yet another get out of jail free card. He has several. And Neil confirmed that Horsetalk would not only purchase Cusack, he would pay for shipping, too. Two miracles in one day. First Susan spotted Cusack's tattoo, and then from the other side of the world, we got the help we needed.

The whole time, I can feel this horse and what he's feeling. I swear, he spoke to me.

Once I got the word from Neil, I called the auction house, paid for Cusack and then put out the word for help. I had to get him out of there. I needed another miracle.

Cusack, but you can call me Shaun

Cusack is a New Zealand off the track race horse. That means, he started as a race horse, and now he's off the track and no longer has value to the racing world. A lot of those horses you see on the track wind up in great homes, or retirement is provided by the jockey club. A lot, like Cusack end up in kill pens, shipped to Mexico or Canada and face a horrific fate.

I first saw Cusack on facebook. One of my friends had posted his picture in hopes that someone would step up and rescue him via auction horses. Auction horses is a wonderful group of people, ever viligent at recueing each and every horse that goes through the kill pen where they are located.

I always mange to walk away from these darn pictures of horses in desparate need. As my husband says, "you can't save them all". I didn't have the means to save a horse on the other side of the country, anyway. Until I saw Cusack. He was confused, anxious, in pain from standing on concrete for two weeks, and the first time I saw his picture, I gasped. I also knew I was in trouble. I didn't know how, but I was determined to save this one. May not save em all, but this one was not going to slaughter.

After a some back and forth posts on facebook, I found out Cusack was located a world away, in Washington state. Not only did I have to purchas him, but I had to come up with the money to ship him 1/2 way across the country. I needed a miracle, so I asked. A few minutes later, I got the miracle Cusack needed. Susan Young, a New Zealand import, now living in Florida contacted Horsetalknz, and Neil and Robin said they would contribute the funds necessary to get Cusack to Kansas. Simple, right? It was just the beginning. Cusack was going to need a lot more miracles for him to be able to come home, and escape the horrific conditions he now found himself in.