A few weeks ago, Koda had a set-back when we tried swapping out his older mare pasture companion for Nemo. For days the boys ignored each other in the small front pasture. It wasn't long before they decided to kick their heels up, like old times. Consequently, Koda was pulled out of the pasture. Our visit shortly after revealed that Koda's stride was off again, but this time on the other front foot. Not sure why, perhaps from compensating for his weaker foot. After talking to the vet, we put him on bute and stall rest for a few days, and then he went back to small paddock turn out.
We already had a follow-up vet appointment set, and while you could see Koda was still somewhat off, he had bounced back significantly in a short time. The hoof test revealed no soreness on the right, and still some on the original injured left side. We did the last recommended third Shockwave Treatment on the left, and began the turn-out process all over again. Small paddock for two weeks, small pasture with older mare for four weeks. In six weeks, if he stays sound, the vet said we can begin light riding. Time will tell.
I'm not sure at what point Nemo gets added back into his life, and if Koda ever gets to go back to the big pasture (where I think the injury occurred). In my mind he needs to be able to run pain free in a pasture, before he can be ridden. I'll find out more when the time comes to discuss his progress further. It's all one big yo-yo guessing game...but there is still hope that one day this will be behind us.
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With Brad's encouragement, I've started going with him to the barn and briefly ground working Koda. I've also begun riding Nemo again. My husband is being very patient, and I love him even more for it.
Koda is proving Brad right. It appears he wants to be my horse. His eyes softly seek me, even when he is suppose to be paying attention to other things. I wouldn't believe him, but I have seen (and felt) it over and over. Koda is a thinker, and is expressive. Doesn't change anything, his "classroom clown" personality remains the same. It is who he is. But what it does, is make me want to try harder and be stronger - for all of us.
It's nice to see things falling back into place, albeit painfully slow. Regaining my confidence on the ground and having things feel normal (whatever that is) again will be a long time coming. It's extremely humbling.
Our Fall trail trip to the north woods came & went, horseless. We hit the start of peak colors, and they were beautiful, but the north woods are just not the same without our horses.
Did I mention I came up with a sore left foot back in September? You know what they say, there are parallels to one's animals. I was logging in some serious hours this summer walking in a conservancy with my neighbor, that's no longer happening. I even had to scale back on my beloved yoga. I'll turn into a big ugly ogre if I can't be active (just ask my hubby) so I'm practicing on accepting life's never ending modifications...
6 comments:
I hope your boy comes sound, it sure has been a long journey for him.
Ground work is a wonderful way to regain your confidence; if you can control the horse's feet you can influence his mind.
I love that last photo!
I think with the shock wave treatments Koda will eventually be just fine. Everything takes a long time and I know how hard it is to be patient but in the end it will all have been worth it. Ground work is a great foundation for both you and him. Your bond will be stronger and it's a wonderful way to get confidence back. Good luck with everything. Hope your foot heals quickly too.
sorry about the setback, but I am glad to read he recovered ground quickly. I sure hope he comes sound for you , he is a lovely horse and your relationship with him is wonderful
It's always something isn't it? Guess that's just life, although I don't necessarily like it much. I'm very hopeful, and fairly confident that Nemo will come back sound. It just takes more time than we'd like. We people are not known for our patience. :)
I'm glad you're spending time with Koda, sounds like he and Brad are very good for you. Just remember; it takes the time that it takes. Just don't give up and quit trying! That is a lesson I've had to learn the slow and painful way...still learning actually. I'm happy to hear you went to your beloved North Woods, even if without your ponies. I totally understand. But we all need time away. Hang in there sweetie, and I'm glad you did an update. I was wondering about you. Oh, and thanks for checking in on my blog! I so appreciate your comment. I've been absent these past couple of months, some for enjoyable reasons and some, not so much. Like I said, that's life.
Been missing you...hope you're just busy with life and getting into this Christmas season! Hope Nemo and all the others are doing well.
Thanks so much for checking in Lori! Miss you too, I'm looong overdue for a blog update. No particular reason I've been MIA, guess there isn't much to share about these days. Looking forward to getting back into blogging & catching up with everyone!!
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