Kind of a grim topic today, so I'll try to distract you with beautiful photos of Courage as a western horse.
together |
But I rode Courage Sunday just to see how he'd go, now that he's injected and X-rayed and acupunctured and rested.
Some parts of that ride were phenomenal--he turned right like a champion. He was a whole different horse in the contact. His body was adjustable. His back didn't disappear underneath me.
And no matter what I did, his stride was two inches long and he freaked out when I tried to get it any longer.
I could try to play it cool and be like "yeah totes got off and made a plan and was 100% professional about it", but that would be a straight-up lie.
I resisted the urge to immediately cry or call the vet, but I really wanted to both simultaneously while sitting in the parking lot drinking a sad beer. (Possibly did buy 5 pizzas on the way home, but who's counting?)
he's something special to me |
I know intellectually that there are still options on the table. All this means is that what we've done so far isn't enough.
I know I'm working with a good team and have a great support system. I'm even lucky enough to be in a place where I can throw money at this (not like I'm shelling out for lessons or shows or clinics, right?)
such class |
Courage is 12, which is not old, but it's too young to retire. I can't in good conscience push him through what I know is a pain response. The idea of just mucking around not riding for the next decade makes me want to die inside.
Hopefully the wear and tear on his body hasn't progressed beyond where we can get him comfortable.
Hopefully we can find a way to manage it. Hopefully we have a plan. Hopefully things will stabilize and we have many years of happy adventuring yet to go.
that neck tho |
I hope you can get this figured out. I feel your pain. I am going through the very same thing with my 3 year old... he has not even started work yet! So frustrating. Hang in there. Thinking about you two.
ReplyDeleteYeah every time I think a different horse is the answer, I remember this.
DeleteGirl, I'm with you. My 12 year old is the same exact way and he is not in the place where retirement would be a healthy thing for him. Thinking of you
ReplyDelete<3 thanks
DeleteUgh, that sucks. On the bright side, those pictures are super cute.
ReplyDeleteRight? I love them!
DeleteUgh I'm so sorry, this sucks. No way around it. :(
ReplyDeleteThere is not. Here's to a way through.
DeleteWell that just sucks. Fingers crossed it's something you and your team can figure out. :(
ReplyDeleteMaybe plan Q is the ticket.
DeleteBeautiful photos! I know you have a solid team in place to help C and you're working your way through the possibilities. Hopefully you find the answer soon.
ReplyDeleteQuestion - is he short-strided on the lunge line too, or only under saddle?
ReplyDeleteAll I can say is that I have been there and I know how painful and discouraging it can be and you can totally buy 5 pizzas and all the beer you want. Hugs.
In my defense, the pizzas were on sale.
Deletehugs and support girl. and maybe a couple pizzas too. there are often so few easy answers with horses.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I need to go back to pie. Hmmm.
DeleteVirtual hugs (you know the best kind because they don't actually involve people)
ReplyDeleteI'll keep my fingers crossed that you guys are able to isolate and manage the issue.
#solidarity #personalspace
DeleteI know this sounds crazy, but if you should come across a communicator... I was actually really helped out by one once. My communicator just showed up in our town ... LOL maybe you contact them psychically? But if you hear of someone like this, consider giving it a try. There are frauds, but there are also legit animal communicators who can really help pinpoint what hurts. It no small wonder I posted Anonymously, huh?
ReplyDeleteHaha I've considered it. Not a priority at the moment, but you never know.
DeleteNo advice from me- I know that you have a great team in place. Hugs to you for this horrible experience. I hope that you can find a way to get him comfortable
ReplyDeleteMaybe he needs in-stall Netflix. 😜
DeleteNo advice just hugs. I know you're doing everything in your power to get Courage feeling his best and I know whatever happens you have his best interests first. You're a good horse mom.
ReplyDeleteThanks. :-)
DeleteFingers crossed he just needs a little more time and improves some more. Sending tons of good wishes and hopes for a long and happy riding future together :)
ReplyDeleteNothing like time and patience.
DeleteI'm sorry :(
ReplyDelete:-/
DeleteHmph. This is unfortunate. Thinking of you guys.
ReplyDeleteHe does look super handsome in his cowboy tack that's for sure ♡ Sending good thoughts from me and Mr. B - You're doing your best and an answer will come, I'm sure of it. But we're all rooting for you guys!
ReplyDeleteHe's such a looker!
DeleteI send to you 5 bottles of wine to go with the pizza. And some hugs.
ReplyDeleteMuch appreciated. :-)
DeleteHe looks amazing. So there's that. :/ sorry good pain free thoughts headed your way.
ReplyDeletePretty is as pretty does, which is pretty damn well in his case.
DeleteHave we done the ulcer routine yet?
ReplyDeleteAlso, much sympathy and also pizzas for you.
Mmmmm pizza. I will give myself ulcers with all the coffee+pizza I have going on.
DeleteI think you just haven't found "it" yet. Whatever it is that's hurting him. Once you finally find it, you an treat it and get back to work. Have you checked him for kissing spine?
ReplyDeleteWe've found a lot of things, haha. High mileage racehorse=a lot of jewelry to play with. Now we're figuring out how to manage that.
DeleteSending hugs and good vibes your way. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks. :-)
DeleteSo so sorry you are going through this. I know firsthand your frustration/heartbreak/anger/hope. In the absence of a magical wand, I'd say pizza is a totally acceptable alternative.
ReplyDeleteI would trade the pizza for a magic wand if you know any fairies in the market.
DeleteI'm sorry. That just sucks.
ReplyDeleteBright side: there was a sale on vodka.
DeleteNow you just need cake to go with your vodka and pizza and you'll have covered all the bases.
DeleteA piecaken even.
DeleteAh, that sucks.... I really hope there's a solution for you that doesn't require too much down time and Courage will be back to his fancy self. =-(
ReplyDelete:-) thanks
DeleteIce cream and cupcakes. Similar struggle here, I feel your pain. We'll get through it because that's what we do.
ReplyDeleteBut until then, I'm buying more cupcakes.
#copingchampion
DeleteUgh, I'm sorry. This is just crummy all the way around. I'm glad you have more options to try and I hope you'll find whatever he needs to feel better. In the meantime, keep dressing him for photo shoots, because that Courage is so hot right now.
ReplyDeleteHe is the best at photo shoots.
DeleteOnly 5 pizzas? Way to show restraint. I'm really sorry. Hard to think of what to say, cause I know how much this sucks...
ReplyDeleteThat was how many were on sale haha.
DeleteDo you think a rum cake would make it 2,000 miles from my house to yours? Because I really think that might help. <3
ReplyDeleteI'm game if you are.
Delete