thank you shirley

I want to thank Shirley from Ride a Good Horse for recommending Streamz Bands!!

Koda has been wearing two bands daily (during turn out, 9-10+ hours) on his front legs for almost a month. Most days, there is little to no sign of lameness. Even after he comes running up to the gate. 

In addition, the bands fostered an interesting change in Koda. A welcome change in attitude. Koda doesn't seem to be so "angry/anxious" anymore. The less than desirable behavior he developed appeared to come from being in pain. 

Koda suddenly stopped whipping/spinning/kicking when turned out in the morning. We (mostly Brad) tried many many training methods when this extended behavior surfaced. He also doesn't yank hay out of his stall hay bag, sending it swinging, while giving you the stink eye. Koda seems calmer overall. More like the horse we've owned the past 17 years. He is 18. I was under the impression horses got easier/better the older they get. I was wrong.

Since we started using Streamz bands, Koda either stands at the gate or slowly walks away when turned out. Like he used to. The changes we have observed could be a coincidence, or a combination of factors. Altho nothing else has changed. 

We believe Koda is more comfortable and simply feels better. I've asked him, but all he says is "more hay please" ;) Hopefully the bands will continue to help him for a long time. They won't cure his lameness, but it is safe to say they clearly help.

It warms my heart to see Koda less agitated. 

Koda & I

Archive photo from our favorite Nicolet National Forest lookout

that time of year

Our horses had their bi-annual Wellness Spring Vet visit this week. Yes, it is that time of year. Most everything was good news, except for Koda's ongoing lameness. We are all well aware, as I mention it frequently. I have to be the voice for Koda. I will keep asking/sharing/looking for ways to make him more comfortable.

My Spring review starts with my complicated boy:

Koda: 1279 lbs (+ 22 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Low Shedder 

It took little to no time for Koda to walk down the barn aisle for our vet to say "I don't like the way Koda is walking". I thought he was moving stiff, but fairly well compared to how Koda walks most days. 

The plan of action (all things we've tried in the past) is to take him off Equioxx (no longer seems to be effective) and try the low dose Bute method. For those who may not know, it like an aspirin. He asked us to give it 2-3 weeks. From what I saw day one, Koda looked worse. Perhaps Equioxx is somewhat helping? He doesn't like the taste of Bute. We are trying a flavored powder form.

If that doesn't help, plan B is to try padded Navicular shoeing again. Last time we tried, in less than 24 hours Koda was unable to walk - at all. Broke my heart. Shoes were instantly pulled and he was back to usual. We use a different Farrier now and are willing to try corrective shoes again. Koda did show improvement for a day and a half with a shorter toe trim = less nerve pressure. However, it was very short lived. Nice to see his brightness and spirited "not in pain" eyes.

There have been no known advancements in Navicular lameness. One thing neither of us are willing to do is "cut the nerve" treatment. I guess it works for some horses, but if it doesn't that horses life is over. 

We discussed trying a shot of Osphos again, although it didn't seem to help the first time. Also, our vet felt we would not gain anything by stalling Koda even part days. We completely agree. No clue what plan C might be. Pretty sure we will need one. 

Koda getting his teeth done
3.26.25

(Brad & our son in distance)

Nemo: 1217 lbs (+ 60 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: High Shedder

All is well with our big guy! It never ceases to amaze me how soft Nemo becomes around our vet. He stands like a rock. I swear he remembers how much relief he felt when our vet helped him with alllll those bladder flushes over the years.

He also got his toofers floated and continues with maintenance allergy shots

Cierra: 1183 lbs (+ 26 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Moderate Shedder. 

Cierra is also doing well! Brad started Spring riding her (and Nemo). So far her allergies/breathing has been okay. She also continues with maintenance allergy shots. I think it will be a different story when bugs start biting. I would like to look into some kind of protective neck guard or more effective bug repellent for Brad's girl. Neck guards I've seen need to be attached to a full sheet. Guessing Nemo would render a sheet useless.

Harmony: 1132 (- 5 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Low Shedder

She is holding her own for a 25 year old. I have noticed the start of visible aging changes this Winter. Harmony (and Koda) are our gassy sloppy ploppers. We discussed adding Senior feed or beet pulp for both. Pasture grass should help, of course that requires having some :))

Any thoughts on adding Beet Pulp vs Senior Feed?

Hope: 821 lbs (+ 112 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: High Shedder

Our almost two year old had a touch of "stranger danger" going on this visit. Nothing terrible, just a couple scoots when the vet approached. I am fairly certain she remembered the guy that poked her with needles last October! Interestingly, once again she did not mind the two nasal "shots" at all. Most horses do, and make funny faces afterwards. Overall, Hope was a really good girl and super interested on the vet hoof testing & floating Koda lol. It was cute!

Hope did not have any Wolf Teeth. I learned about 50% of mares do not get them. We opted to wait until Fall to float her teeth. We don't plan to introduce her to bits until then. She will be about 2.5 years old. Lots of other things to work on! Our three girls at home will get teeth done (if needed) in the Fall.

Hope

I told our vet the Barn Feeding Manager can keep his job for another season :)

Padame update

Per Shirley's request, here is a Padame update: 

Not much has changed since my last update on her, other than Padame came up lame again. After more vet lameness visits, special padded shoes (a type of Navicular shoe) she was once again taken out of training to heal and then rehab. Padame recovered faster the second time.

I am happy to say as of this post Padame is sound.

Our farrier was at our place last week and I learned that Padame doesn't have much depth to her hoof. Her toe grows straight out. Koda also does not have much depth and a similar growth pattern, although he said not as severe as Padame's. Koda's lameness is likely a different unresolved issue.

Brad rode Padame for the first time in a long time last week. They are restarting their partnership. Again. Let me be clear, her lameness is not anyones fault. Especially not Padame's. As Brad always tells me with less than ideal horse situations "this is all part of it". He handles horse set backs better than I do.

I feel bad for Brad who really wants to live his dream and be actively showing again. Ideally with a horse he has bonded with. We are not getting any younger! The last year he did was in 2019 with Cierra. She was retired a year later in 2020 due to Covid causing cancelled shows. He had hoped to show Cierra one more year. It created a longer than planned break from showing.

Brad just hasn't had a chance to get back to showing, or foster the growth and accomplishment that comes with building a solid partnership. Again, no ones fault. I am hopeful he will eventually have a special bond with Padame and be able to fully show her. She is an amazing horse! It will take time and consistent showing. With a quickly approaching show season, it would be unrealistic to expect this year. Perhaps towards the end of the show season.

I truly hope lameness doesn't plague Padame off/on. Brad won't jeopardize her long term health in order to show. The horse always comes first.

Thank you for asking Shirley. Hopefully I will have a brighter update and some new photos of his very pretty chocolate palomino girl.

Padame as a two year old

 (re-sharing from 3/2021 a month after she became ours)

Padame's turn

Here I am, typing from the Equine Hospital. Waiting to find out what is going on with Padame. She has been experiencing on again/off again lameness. Most recently at her second show of the season, in Minnesota. Padame came up lame the night before we were heading up to watch. She did not show.

We were here for Koda's lameness MRI, less than a year ago. Now it's Padame's turn. The hospital folks are very nice, but I reeeally do not want to become a regular!! Cost aside it is hard on the horses, and us. It takes an entire day. 

The MRI will reveal key information, including the possibility there are no injuries. Lameness yo-yo-ing is anybodies best guess otherwise. Obviously I hope there is nothing "wrong" with Padame. An MRI may seem extreme, but we know others in the show circuit who have spent years patching the unknown. In the end, it is more cost and more so a frustrating loss of time. Something you can't get back. We hope to target the care Padame needs and keep her sound.

wondering where she is

Padame is so dark & shiny

Our daughter (Harmony's mom) took a half day off work to cover animal care at home for us. 

We tried to distract ourselves on this beautiful 72+F sunny day. After lunch we walked the boardwalk and enjoyed lake views. Frequently checking the time.

Now we sit. We read. We pace. We check. It is hard not to worry as closing time approaches and Padame is still not back in her temporary stall. Similar to what we experienced with Koda.

She was finally returned to her stall! We met with the MRI vet, and at first glance nothing appeared to be wrong. Good news. After the MRI scans get reviewed by a specialist, the MRI vet and our vet will discuss findings and come up with a plan of action.

another loop and attempt at loading

Padame was less than willing to load up in our trailer. She has ridden in it before, but is used to a large slant load and having company. Poor girl. We all made it home without incident. I bet Padame slept good last night.

highs and lows

The highs and lows of 2023 are continuing. Right to the very end of the year. 2023 is part of back-to-back loong years, that for the most part I do not care to repeat. I was am truly looking forward to starting fresh in 2024. There is so much to look forward to, and yet one cannot ignore the reality that will spill over into a new year.

....................... 

Our vet was out to check Koda's lameness. Again. His uncommon "right front Straight Sesamoidean Ligament" injury improved, but he never became fully sound. Lately, Koda has been very lame on his left front (with lingering soreness on right). Sigh. The left soreness appears to be associated with his Navicular. However, Koda is showing uncommon Navicular related reactions. I am not convinced it is his Navicular. Equine suffering with Navicular typically find relief from soft footing. Koda's lameness gets significantly worse on soft footing. 

Not sure what I was expecting. 

Our vet will be consulting with Koda's MRI specialist vet again. I won't know more about their recommendations until 2024.

Reality rearing it's ugly head again.

For now, we are trying to lessen Koda's pain. A short round of Bute will be replaced with Equioxx. A new drug to us. I believe Blogger Linda had her beloved Cowboy on it for a while. 

I learned Equioxx was originally a canine pain medication. Oddly enough the equine pill dose given to a horse is also for the size of an Dachshund.

Our vet also wants us to continue giving Koda Cosequin, and said it may help him down the road.

I guess I should be happy that there is a road to go down. 

To this I say, how lucky am I to be able to care for a horse like Koda. 

Below is one of the video's I took to show our vet how Koda walks throughout his day. It does not show his worst limp. That happens inside the arena.

Koda comes when called.
Head into the barn for his mid-day switch with Nemo.
12/27/23 (26 secs)

....................... 

The most exciting thing to look forward to in 2024 is that Brad and I will be starting a new chapter together!! He decided to retire, and sell his half of the concrete company at the beginning of 2023. Yesterday was his last day.

Super happy for Brad! His retirement is so well deserved.

January 2nd he will officially no longer be a co-owner at a company where he worked his ass way up from the bottom to the top. Brad mentored many and set a standard no one has/can duplicate. He was the foundation (no pun intended) of the company for over three decades (37 yrs). It took three guys to "replace" him. Although you cannot really replace experience or his work ethic. However, the 76 year old company (it grew from 40ish when he bought in, to 145-60 full time employees) will adjust and operate differently. 

Brad's goal was to put in 40 years (longest employee) but changed his mind after - well - if you read this blog then you are aware. He promised me "it" wasn't the reason. Instead he says "it opened his eyes" and that 40 is just a number. Brad wants to be home with me and our animals, working and enjoying our land etc. Living our dream.

I don't know what I did to deserve such a love.

We will have so much more time to share with our horses in 2024!! Like our newest girl, who gave us so much Hope throughout this trying year. 

Hope joins us on our daily walks
12/13/23

12/15/23 (24 secs)

12/23/23 (26 secs)

12/23/23 (10 secs)

12/23/23 (12 secs)

koda's lameness ~ 2 of 2

A continuation of this post. The care plan we agreed on to treat Koda's ongoing lameness included injections. Yes, plural. Three to be exact. One shot of RenoVo went into his straight sesamoidean ligament (ouch!) and the other two went near his navicular bone. Two shots on his right foot, and one on his left. Our vet didn't feel there would be any benefit on Koda's old left side injury.

RenoVO recruits self healing, similar to stem cells

No clue how Koda tolerated all the shots, but he did. While giving Koda his third shot our vet said "with all the pokes I've given you, you have every right to kick me. I would." Even sedated and numbed, shots in such a tender area are felt.

To make sure the injections went into the correct spot, ultrasound was used for the ligament and xrays for the navicular.

Koda's ligament tear is only .15 cm

Koda was to remain stalled the rest of the day. Before the vet left, he went to look at Hope. It is interesting watching the professionals size her up. They look at her from one angle, then another, then from behind etc. Their heads tilt and you can see their wheels turning. Our vet said "she is something special" :) I will be sharing a Hope update one of these days.

visiting Hope and Cierra

There is a difference of opinion on lameness recovery methods from the powers that be. The MRI vet is strictly about stall rest, and then a hand walking program. Our trainer is of the same school of thought. However, our vet feels stall rest is not always ideal. It makes horses crazy, and they do endless tight circles etc. He is not advocating letting horses run wild, instead he favors low key movement 

I agree with our vet. Stall rest is not automatically the best routine. We have done the stall rest/hand walking program with Koda before. I had a terrifying experience when he turned into a nut case, after a long stalled recovery period. Knowing the horses and living situation helps determine which recovery method may be best. A smaller paddock would be ideal.

We had the go ahead for Koda to be on a normal turnout routine starting the very next day. With reevaluation in 8-10 weeks. We were forewarned to expect Koda to be lame at first, maybe even worse. He was worse. It made me feel horrible. I thought "what have I done...". Koda kept putting his nose down by his right foot. My response "I know buddy. We gave you some shots, to try and help you. I am sorry..."

Koda was SO lame, there was no way I was turning him out. He wouldn't be able to walk to the pasture anyways. The indoor isn't far from his stall. With some encouragement, he hobbled to/from.

walking from arena, post day 1
(13 sec)

For the first time, Koda came over to me looking for comfort. Asking for a hug, with his big head resting on my shoulder. He has given me many horsey hugs over the years, but this felt different. Koda really is a sweet horse, when he isn't being a naughty little kid.

walking better
(11 sec)

It was encouraging to see Koda felt well enough to interact.

Leo sympathizing with Koda

I watched Koda hobble across the arena to play with the ball. He loves playing with it! I doubt we will ever be able to play soccer together again. Maybe.

(12 sec)

We kept Koda inside for a couple days with twice daily indoor turnout. Once he was walking better, the day came for turnout with Nemo and Harmony. It went well. Until it didn't.

While walking Cierra and Hope inside, the pasture shenanigans started. I watched helplessly as Koda turned, spun, kicked and ran...damn it!! We couldn't stop them (it wasn't all Nemo) until we had the other two inside. That was the first and last time Koda has been turned out with Nemo. 

Fast forward.

I wish we had good separate turnout options, but we don't. Yet. Brad is working on the area behind the arena, but it takes time. Cierra and Hope's paddock is only used in the morning. They also require a separate turnout space. In the afternoons, their paddock becomes a hot sweltering fly pestering area. The reason Cierra & Hope also come inside mid to late morning on most days.

We live on a land of sand and sunshine. There are pro's & con's with everything. We do the best we can, with what we have to offer.

Koda's current recovery routine is turnout in the morning with Harmony. He gets swapped out for Nemo mid to late morning. Koda goes into the indoor for a short time in the evening while we clean out his stall (again). We feel this care routine is in Koda's best interest. Certainly not ours. It is a PIA to swap out horses etc. Chores have become an off/on daylong activity. Every. Single. Day.

We continue to receive no rain. Our pastures and fields are yellow and dormant. We aren't dry, we are parched. Add the fire smog filled air and all our horses want to be inside. Which is unusual. 

Tomorrow will be two weeks post shots. Is Koda better? Hmmmmm. Good question. I wish I could say he was "magically better" but he isn't.

Sometimes Koda seems to walk better, other times he is the same lame horse. All in the same day, or even walk. RenoVO likely works miraculously for some injuries. However, my understanding is the straight sesamoidean ligament is difficult to heal. We have to give it more time. I will be curious to see what the reevaluation reveals.

No magic happening here.

koda's lameness ~ 1 of 2

Late April, I posted an update on the status of Koda's ongoing lameness. Blocking was done and the result warranted an MRI. We hauled Koda to a reputable equine hospital for the MRI on May 9th. It is about 1.5 hours away, via Interstate highway. It was a day long event. Thankfully our daughter covered evening chores.

I was very nervous the entire drive. Not knowing what to expect. Koda has not left our place since we brought our horses home in 2018. He is not used to being hauled alone and has never been anywhere without either Nemo or Cierra.

The trailer passed Leo's inspection.

Do you think they would notice this isn't Koda?

The equine hospital was new to us. We have heard good things. Friends have taken their horses to see the reputable head vet. I was very impressed with the whole place and overall experience. They are very efficient, friendly and helpful.

Koda loaded/unloaded and walked right into the barn and to his hospital stall. Like he did it every day. I asked the gal who greeted us if we could watch the MRI. She said no. It never hurts to ask! I thought perhaps there would be a viewing window. We took her offer to see the MRI room & machine before Koda's procedure. I didn't even think of snapping a photo, sorry. The MRI machine images I've found on the 'net are much smaller and different.

Walking through the tall double big white doors to view the MRI room felt very much like walking through doors into a human ER. We learned horses have to tolerate having a chest high stiff cushion sandwiched around their entire leg - and stand still for the MRI. The tech said some horses don't mind the restriction of the cushion, other's do. 

The whole evaluation/sedation/imaging process would take around 4 hours. We left Koda and went into the nearest town for lunch etc. Leaving my horse with complete strangers, was a weird feeling!

It was a Monday and a lot of places were not open. We found a great neighborhood feeling restaurant/bar, with a large menu and great food. I would love to go back some time (under different circumstances!) to enjoy their rooftop seating and soak up the waterfront vista with live music. 

We headed back to the clinic. I reclined in the truck and read my book for a while. I had not heard from the clinic and was getting worried. Their 5pm closing time was rapidly approaching. 

I couldn't stand it anymore and went inside to Koda's stall. It was empty. More waiting.

Meanwhile, all kinds of crazy thoughts swirled through my head. I took a peek at their educational waiting room:

Buddy

The second time I went inside to see if I could find out what was going on, I found Koda back in his stall. Drugged up and still hooked to needle ports. Looking forlorn. The MRI tech saw me and came over by us. I asked her if everything went okay. She said Koda was very well behaved and made up for all his peeing. Apparently geldings pee a lot (from fluids) during the MRI process. I was asked to hold Koda's head up for a while after she pulled the needles.

At last, it was time to review the initial MRI results with the vet. A committed knowledgeable guy. He apologized for the delay. They had an emergency and had to put a horse down, and connect with the owner. Completely understandable.

I was a bit shell shocked when he said that Koda had a lot of things going on with both his feet. He rattled a bunch of medical speak off, pointing things out while morphing through imaging. He did explain the main concern in layman's terms. Most of what the vet said went over my head. 

He mentioned that Koda didn't particularly like standing in the cushions. They were able to get very good imaging on his right side, but by the time they got to his left side Koda had enough. The tech had trouble getting him to stand still long enough to get clear images. In the end, they did get enough left imaging for comparison.

We headed home and the MRI was sent off for an expert to read. Their report came back with 11 concerns listed on his right foot and 9 on the left. Several observations were listed as mild. I can only assume some are common for a horse his age (15).

notable right side imaging

It reminded me of something my mother used to say about medical testing "if they look, they will find something". I am not going to get into all the detailed MRI findings. The images cover the most relevant. Most revolve around early signs of navicular and arthritis, along with the past injury on his left.

notable left side imaging

I tried to be patient.

It was taking too long for our vet to get back to me with next steps. By the end of the following week, I couldn't stand it anymore and called. Not sure what the big delay was, but I was not amused. Not going to get into that either. Our vet apologized and has since redeemed himself. He is a busy guy and I am sure there was some phone tag involved. He is after all human.

Both vets concur that the current injury causing Koda to be lame is on his right side, a "straight sesamoidean ligament injury". Fairly uncommon. It is the dark purple ligament in the borrowed graphic below.

Stem Cell injection/s was mentioned as favorable treatment. I didn't even know they offered it for horses. I started researching and Brad asked our trainer for me. I wanted to know her experience with stem cell therapy. The horses she knew that had the treatment done "it worked like magic".

I also called the MRI vet to get his opinion. He shared some stories and basic treatment plan. He would call our vet again, and share his advice. It felt odd to be the monkey in the middle of two vets. MRI follow up and care goes to the original referring vet. I am so glad I called the equine hospital (and our vet was also) for their opinion. It shortened the whole process.

It turns out, the vet hospital no longer does stem cell treatments (some types are still available, but our vet has had problems with them). They use and recommend a product for treating lameness injuries called RenoVO. It is an equine amniotic tissue allograft. They have used RenoVO for the past three years. I was told it has similar or better results than stem cell therapy, and the cost is significantly less. 

The vet's connected again. Our vet followed up with me right away. We agreed on a plan of action. To be continued...

  

koda update

Koda is still very lame. In the pasture & barn. He is just not his happy go lucky self.
 

 4/23/23 (14 sec) 

I promised my boy we would get him some help. 

It pains me to walk him into the barn at night, and I am not the one in pain. There are days Koda's steps are taken almost on his front toes.

We walk slowly in hand.

The day I spoke with the vet about this, the weather had turned cold. Imagine my surprise when we called our horses in that evening to see Koda come barreling up the to gate. Of course! If that is all it takes, we will just call our vet when our horses come up lame. If only it was that easy! 

4/19/23 (21 sec)

Koda always wants to come in first. You know, someone might eat his hay! Even tho our horses have hay 24/7 even when the grass comes up. I worry about Koda (actually all of them) with the gate craze that frequently happens when we bring horses in.

Koda showed improvement for the first time in a long time. It didn't last.

Our vet came out yesterday and did lameness blocking on Koda. Disinfect. Inject. Wait. Observe. Decide. If there is enough improvement, they stop blocking (numbing). If not, they continue the process and block higher. 

They started with his heel. Koda was incredibly well behaved! The vet & tech both commented on it. Even when the second shot in coffin bone area was given. Our vet said it can hurt and told the tech to watch herself. "There are a lot of nerve endings. It would be like getting a shot at the base of your fingernail" Ouch! 

That is where we stopped the blocking. Koda showed about 85% improvement at a jog.

After the first shot, he mentioned the lack of improvement showed this is unlikely related to his early stage Navicular. Our vet thinks perhaps it could be a ligament in the coffin bone area. To be sure what (if anything) can be done he suggested the next step. An MRI.

Expensive? Yes. Definitive answer? Yes. Or at least we hope yes. We know horses that have had MRI's and come back with unclear results and therefore no answers. No hesitation from us, we have to try. I can't just leave him like this. We will be hauling Koda to a clinic with MRI equipment and equine specialists, a little over an hour away.

Koda is a very sweet guy (when he isn't acting like a naughty little kid). The funniest moment of the appointment was when Koda was giving the tech a back massage, and she was all in lol!

4/20/23

Koda

4/27/23

This isn't about riding anymore, it is about Koda's comfort.

road to recovery

July 30th seems like such a long time ago, and yet it feels like yesterday. I am reminded of our accident daily. I don't dwell on it, and yet with most every movement it's impossible to not be reminded of how quickly life changes. With one wrong step.

Fall always finds me pensive, more so then any other seasonal change. This year is no different, and perhaps magnified. Everything is chaotic and everything is unfinished, in every area of my life. At least it feels that way. SO what's a person to do? You do whatever you can, and then a little more. The rest lays dormant, much like the plants and trees will soon be.

You can't change the past. I for one, don't want to. It makes me who I am. What I can do is devote myself to what matters, today. The most important thing I can do is spend time healing our injuries, the best way I can. It's the path to being able to do all the other things that matter, tomorrow.

Koda remains on full day turnout, with no leg wrap. Late afternoon his wound is rinsed, wiped and a light wrap with antibiotic ointment is applied. We are starting week four of his rehab riding, we are up to 12 minutes of walking a couple times a week. Ideally it would be 3X. I figure between a couple rides, turn out, galloping to the gate, hand walking to/from, he is getting enough movement. I hope. Koda's wound is very close to being healed. Once it is, they suggest one last recheck. Glad to be nearing the end, it's been a pricey ordeal. 

As for me, my doctor sent me for Xrays, and MRI's. Two Orthopedic doctors later, resulted in polar opposite opinions. I am also on the road to recovery. I think. Strangest outcome I've ever experienced. Is some of my Rotator Cuff completely separated? or torn? Jury is still out. Because of the varied opinions, I have a third Orthopedic doc appointment at the end of the month. What everyone does agree on is unlocking my (almost) frozen shoulder. I had my first steroid shot, which I am happy to report allowed me to sleep, lying down! The root of the pain remains, and when moved in the wrong direction finds me either fighting swear words or tears. But the constant evening dull ache/throbbing is gone. Yay! I started seeing an Athletic Trainer (similar to PT) and came home with 14 less then fun exercises from my first appointment (not counting variations).

my phone screen saver
(October 2014)

This year we will go on another horseless trail riding vacation. Sigh. It's never the same without our horses, but we are going regardless. We haven't taken any vacations since last Fall, and really need a break! The road to recovery can be a long, and painful path. But it's one well worth taking. 

sometimes things just happen ~ part 2 of 2

For those who missed it: sometimes things just happen ~ part 1 of 2

The long trip back to the barn brought out all the emotions I had been holding in during the remainder of the ride, including tears. I felt so damn guilty, embarrassed for being kinda wimpy after the fall, and for bumming the ride out. I was just plain sad. 

The "if's" started ruminating...if only Koda hadn't gotten hurt, just think what a magical ride that could have been...if I had hit my head...if I had my chinks on, pretty sure I would have stuck that jump...if only I hadn't worn those jeans. I knew they were slickery, the thought even crossed my mind that morning. Why don't I listen to myself? They are thin, and it was hot so I wore them anyways. Big mistake. Every thought circled back to Koda. I knew he was hurt the moment I saw him standing on top of that ledge, and it was all my fault. I put him in that precarious position. He willingly did what I asked, and look what happened.

the group waiting to cross
host is in the water getting ready to step down
off the "waterfall" ledge on her appy,  where Koda slipped

riding together, after the accident
(L-R) Koda, a 2 year old mare,
 her brother Prince who is 3, the hosts two horses,
and an 8 year old riding her mare Dixie

We arrived to the barn in the evening, hoping our trainer was home. As always, she was there for us. Her 30 plus years of horse knowledge, was comforting advice. I so appreciate her! She loves our horses too, and if they can't live with us there is no one we would rather they live with. It's the only way we've made it through these in-between years of not having our horses live with us.

We had wrapped Koda's right front to trailer him home. He became instantly lame from the pressure. When we unwrapped him, and took a closer look we could see a puncture wound on his front right in the pastern area. Our trainer was concerned about the angle of the wound. His back leg injury was minor, a surface scrape on the front of his foot. We agreed to give him a low dose of penicillin, and call the vet in the morning. We tucked the horses into their stalls, and headed back to our house. Once again, tears of sadness rolled down my face. My hubby tried to get me to see the bright side, all the good things that happened. But that's hard, when you are broken in more ways then one. I couldn't lift my arm, but my heart was much heavier.

First thing Monday morning our vet took my call, even tho it was his day off. He advised Koda be seen asap because of where the injury is located. One of the vets that works for him came out to evaluate Koda, and we agreed on a care plan. They probed the injury & took x-rays, started him on a series of antibiotics (and bute for pain) that including three days of leg infusions, and a lot of pokes. My poor boy was such a trooper!

This is how I found Koda on Monday morning.
Just about broke my heart, it's so not him.
I could barely get him up.

The x-rays confirmed, Koda had cut into his tendon sheath. No clue how he rode all those hours after the injury. Made me feel 10X worse, even tho he never showed lameness. For anyone who is not familiar, the tendon sheath runs from around the back of the knee to the bulb of the heal and supplies fluid for mobility. The vet was very clear, Koda may never be rideable again...I couldn't believe my ears...allll my dreams, riding with my boy up at our land...once again, I cried all the way home. I am usually not so blubbery, but this was hitting me hard. It goes without saying, but we decided we would do whatever we could to help Koda regardless of cost. If in the end he wasn't rideable, at least we would know we tried everything for our beloved irreplaceable boy.

It has been a long week of daily vet visits, non-stop worry, and painful sleep deprived nights. I finally went in Friday to get my arm looked at. My sweet doctor was so worried about me. I wouldn't come in earlier because the only appointments they could offer meant missing a vet appointment. That wasn't happening. If I had hit my head, or was bleeding I would have gone in right away. I had more important things to take care of, my horse. Xrays showed I didn't break anything, so I have an MRI scheduled next week. Likely rotator cuff, or ligament tear. Hopefully I don't have to have surgery!!

Much of Koda's riding outcome will depend on how the treatments take, and how quickly he returns to mobility. I am relieved to report, he has come around amazingly fast! So far any infection has been cleared, and five days later they are done poking him. He is on oral antibiotics now for 10 days, continuous leg wraps, and of course stall rest with daily hand walking. Sigh. Stall rest makes Koda crazy! Here we go again...at least this time the projection is 8 weeks (vs the last 10 month ordeal) and will include some Shockwave Therapy. I was forewarned as the wound closes he will become lame again. If things stay on course we can begin a mobility plan back to riding, after he passes his vet check in 10 days. Last time I did the riding rehab myself. Brad doesn't think I'll be able to, because of my damn shoulder. Grrr! I don't make a very good injured person. We will see...regardless, I am so very thankful!! For so many things! My wonderful horse network (includes you guys) and especially my husband. No clue how he puts up with me, but I'm sure glad he does.

We've talked about what happened to Koda many times, and the only logical explanation anyone can come up with (including two vets) based on injuries etc is he either stepped down off the ledge, slipped, cut his leg & then jumped -or- cut his leg while stepping down & jumped. I think it was the first scenario. It doesn't really matter. What really matters, is it appears we are both going to eventually be okay.

15 weeks later

Koda has been cleared to ride for 15 weeks now, and our progress has been slow going. However, anything that isn't a set back is progress in my world. We are advancing slowly because of me, not him. There were five weeks around January that we only got to the barn once a week, consequently our riding routine stayed at a holding pattern. Now that we are back to riding three times a week regularly, I've begun to add/ask more. 

This is our current routine:

• pre-ride hock wraps for 20 minutes minimum (no clue if it's helping, but it's not hurting)
• groom & tack
• 25-30 minutes of riding, mostly walking with trotting 2X around the arena each way, and
  some mid-arena moves at the trot - both collected and just moving forward
• groom & untack

After weeks of not showing even the slightest favoritism/soreness, I stopped the brief lunging warm-up check. I have yet to add any side passing, poles, lope, or standing/tighter turns. These will come in small increments, eventually. It's a rare trail ride that is under an hour. What we need most is to increase the length of our ride for stamina. It will be easier to do once we can ride in the roomy outdoor, it's just so much more stimulating in so many ways. I am cautiously optimistic that we will be ready for trail riding season, which is coming up fast!!

One of my favorite trail riding photos,
from the last season we were able to enjoy the magical forestphoto credit: Brad

#rideforolivia

what is old, is new again

We closed out 2015 and welcomed 2016, in our most favorable way. Together and relaxed. It was all but perfect and included a spa stay. One of the highlights is swimming outdoors in a heated pool. The combination of cool air and mist rising, twisting mystically all around, while nestled among towering pines, with a few mounds of white pristine snow...sigh. If only I could bottle that feeling up, and open it when needed...

After eating a scrumptious breakfast, complete with all yummy food groups, we took a break from that slice of paradise for a completely different kind. The kind that involves horses. Riding our beloved horses on the last day of 2015, completed our year.

Before arriving, I had a long vet conversation that helped with plans to continue healing Koda in the new year. It's been 5 weeks since I started riding him at a walk, more gradually then recommended. I increased and adjusted variables based on my pre-ride observations, especially when new soreness showed up half way through in his right rear (going right). It appears to be hock related. The leg we are healing is the left front. On days there was no soreness visible, I began to mix in a tiny bit of trot. The soreness continues to come & go, prompting my call.

Koda has been hock sore once before. For anyone dealing with similar, there are good suggestions from readers on the linked post. Our vet thinks this time the soreness may be for different reasons and likely related to everything that has been going on with my boy, or the lack of. We are trying a bute & hock boot approach first, with continued activity to see if it works itself out. I am asking a lot less of Koda, and he is certainly not complaining/reacting like the last time he showed soreness in his hocks. He has surpassed my expectations and is being a really well behaved boy. I think he enjoys being back to a routine. Hopefully this new soreness will also get better, and we can continue moving forward. If not, we will get a vet check in-person. 

For the most part Koda is feeling pretty good lately, and so is his older pasture mate Liz. She entered training to get a tune-up, and it shows. Apparently they've been running together, playing in the pasture and having fun being horses. The increased activity hasn't set Koda back (aforementioned soreness started earlier) as of January 1st he was cleared to go back out to the big pasture with this guy...

Nemo, who kept his distance,
until I pulled his brother out of the pasture

When I went out to get Koda for our first ride this year, the boys were pretty much ignoring each other. I expect that will change. 

Koda, in the big pasture

Everything that was old, feels new again...makes me curious on how this new year will unfold...

"If you don't like something change it;

if you can't change it,
change the way you think about it." 

~ Mary Engelbreit

winter year end update

Hello, hellooo, hellooo...the lack of presence on my blog this past quarter was not intentional nor for any particular reason. It just happened. Before we close out the year, here is a winter (less) update...with mostly iphone pics. The boys are usually back inside by the time we get to the barn, and it's just too dark inside to use my good camera without a flash (won't use one with horses). Besides the lack of snow, here is what's been happening lately:

At the end of November, Koda was cleared to ride. We began slower then recommended and increased to 15-20 minutes of walking. I've just begun to add in brief trotting this past week. I'm happy to say I've been the only one riding him, and more so that he has been a really good boy throughout the process! I'm sure his testy Appy-tude will surface as more is asked of him, if so it's then that I'll seek help. We have a long long way to go during the healing process, but we are off to a good start.

My favorite view, even if just surrounded by sand

Koda is not cleared to go back in the big pasture with Nemo & Cierra (too many shenanigans) and instead hangs out during the day with a middle aged mare friend named Liz, in a smaller more level pasture. There is a small section of shared fencing between the two pastures, and our horses can see each other. We are fortunate our trainer & the two gals that work for her are so caring.

Nemo in far left pasture, Koda in right
Our panel paddock is still up inside the pasture, just incase.

Brad alternates between riding Nemo, and riding Cierra while working towards his goal of showing her in Ranch Classes. Here she is during a quick "stretch your legs" turnout in the indoor on Nemo's riding day (excuse the too big borrowed halter). 

Cierra, stretching her legs

Nemo & Brad
with Belle kitty, she was hoping to ride

It's been really quiet riding at our barn so far this winter. Most days it's us, and this spotted guy. He greets us and always makes us smile.

Happy loves to greet our truck,
 if only he could fit through the cat door!

Playing ball with Brad
Happy loves him best, second only to his owner

Speaking of happy, not only am I happy to be back in the saddle with my boy - I am actually using my new saddle! Nothing like waiting over a year for something special to arrive, and then not being able to use it for endless months... 

However it was worth the wait, absolutely love it! The roomier seat (per their recommendation) was an adjustment, but feels right now. I sit centered, and my legs hang in the right place. Of course I haven't loped in it yet, that's the real test. I may not be doing as much of that anyways. My sore left foot (yes, I match my horse) mentioned in my last blog update, turned out to be a ruptured tendon across the bottom of my arch and a split tendon up the side of my ankle. No more impact activities for me :( I have to be careful with any activity in general. It's life altering, but I'll get used to it. Don't have much choice. Surgery is not recommended. We all have our less then desirable things to deal with, as aging reveals. A saddle that fits right is even more important now. Thank goodness I have a forever one now! There are a few more saddle pics on my photo website if you are interested. 

If your eyelids haven't closed and you are still reading along, thank you so much for being part of this blog. Wishing all my blogger friends a wonderful end to the year and an even better beginning to a New Year. Best wishes for Good Health and Happy Trails in the year to come!!!