monday musings by shyloh #80

More torture. 

Pokes. 

I hate pokes!

I thought perhaps something special was going on. Allie got me before my breakfast and took me to my own little pasture. I got to eat my hay in peace and not have to run any other horses from my food. Then the weekend feeder lady brought me a big bowl of my own hay and pellets! Yum! I was being treated like a princess. 

Of course it snows right after I begin my shedding

But then Allie took me out of the little pasture. And the vet man came up to me. I had to give him the once over/evil eye. I didn't like the way he was looking at me. 

He took this sharp pointy needle and stuck it in my neck. Ouch! I backed up at lightening speed, needle hanging out of my neck. He was trying to get blood, but I was not letting my blood come out. I don't think he got the needle through all my thick, needle protecting hair. He had to try poking me all over again. I was not pleased.

Then the vet man poked me in my rear! Ouch! I spun around, needle sticking out of my bum.  Then I played keep my bum and needle away from the vet man. This was slightly more fun than being poked numerous times and it was a sight to see. . .Haflinger running around with a needle sticking out of her butt! The day was starting out so good with special food treatment, but now it was ruined by being poked. He had to poke me all over again. As if that weren't enough, he went to the other side of my butt and poked me over there, too! I tried my best to keep my butt away from him and his needles, but Allie seemed to be on his side. Vet man did say one good thing about me. . .he said my body condition looked good and asked Allie what he did. At least afterwards, I was let back in with my food.

As I was angrily eating some grain, I looked up and by big, black, beautiful boyfriend was there. Notch!! I got to hang out with him, and squeal at him, and show my my lovely rump, and eat with him. We trotted around a bit, but mostly hung out standing. I also met Isaac, the baby, for the first time. Notch might have some competition in my love department. Clutch was there, too, but we don't get along that much. The super nice barn ladies gave us all a flake of really delicious green hay. They are so nice at this barn!!

That is Notch's bucket. We can share food, but he got mad if I played with his bucket. Even when nothing was in it!

After my big boys left and Allie went with them, I was running up and down my pasture looking for them. When Allie came back, I was standing, looking like I was not just running around like a nut. But one of the ladies told on me, darn her. I don't like to let on to Allie that I actually care about things. I got put back in my regular pasture with my herd and I plan to be a wild horse for as long as I can!

~Shyloh

compliments are the best

One of the best parts of going to a new barn and meeting new people. . .all the love my girl gets.

Sassy!

"Look at that tail!"

"My, she is a pretty color!"

"What a cutie!"

"Your horse looks good!"

"Love the blonde hair!"

"She is beautiful!"

"What a nice mover!"

"Shy is so sweet!"

It makes my heart smile. I put a lot of time and effort into Shyloh and it's nice for other people to enjoy her as much as I do. But now that I am surrounded by a whole new group of people, I also have (yes have) to point out that I do not own a pony. 

The herd waiting for dinner

One of the worst parts of being in a new barn with new people who don't know our history is the constant asking. . .

"Do you ride?"

"Are you riding today?"

"What is she like to ride?"

"Why aren't you riding in the trail?"

"What are you training her for?"

So then, I have to explain where Shy came from and her current lack of muscling issues. And now my lack of a saddle. . . It gets tiresome. But keep the compliments coming. . .I love those!!

Shy and Dancer

The people are so nice, too! I met a few new people today and one gave Shy a flake of hay while we were waiting for the vet. It was fall shots with the vet/potluck day. Shy already had her shots, but this barn requires a strangles vaccination. It is intranasal, which Shy was not too pleased about, but gave everyone a good laugh afterwards with her "smiles". 

Yummy hay!

I am trying to get into a routine, so Shy can become more comfortable in her new home. So one day of lunging, a day of clicker training, and then back to lunging. I think She is looking real good on the lunge. I am going to ask a second set of eyes next time I am out there to double check, though. But, the 24/7 turnout has been real good for her! And we got a compliment on our mat training yesterday! Smiles!

Gimme kisses!!

fall shots

Shyloh got her fall vaccinations today. She is still not fond of Dr. Romine. . .I told him that he does not spend enough quality time with her. The first shot, Shy jumped a bit and was not too happy about it.  But the second shot I had to ask if he even gave it, because Shy showed no reaction. Weird horse.

Dr. Romine took her temperature, which was normal, then he wanted to see Shy move. I took her to the arena and trotted down and back. Then he did a flexion test and I trotted down and back with Shy again. The doctor's verdict: more chiropractic adjustments and hard work.  Hard work!?! And massages. It is her left hip that has the weak muscle.

Dr. Romine massaging Shy's neck

I thought we were working kind of hard. . .sure, sure, it was not the most consistent. . .but between work and family, there is no way I can commit to five or six days out at the barn. But when I do get to the barn, I will have to work her a lot harder. Which means I have to work harder, too. But it needs to be done because I need to start riding! I have big plans over the winter. . .

Aside from that, Ryleigh got a new toy in his stall and Shy was so intrigued by it! I think she might want one, too!!

Its the ball with the apple treat attached.

monday musings by shyloh #49

Things that I enjoy besides eating: the chiropractor! Once he gets to crack-a-lacking, I am all like mmmmmmmmm. . . .

We are going to say that the whole tire incident got my withers and back all out of whack. I mean, I was running around with that thing attached to one side!

So after Beth noticed I was off at my trot, Allie skipped her swimnastics class one day and had me see both the vet (yuck!) and the chiropractor (yay!).

Dr. Romine took a look at me first. I had no problem trotting away from him, but to trot back. . .no way. I refused. He kept trying to get near me, but I kept moving away. Eventually, I let him touch me, but I was not happy about it. He told Allie that I was sore in three spots: right at the withers (left side), the hips (right side), and some swelling in her left front fetlock. He also said that I had short splint bones, but that it should not affect me in any way, it is just a part of my awesome anatomy. 

Off to see Dr. Dave I went! Which was just across the arena, so it was not too far. He checked me out and said the exact same thing as Dr. Romine, which was cool since neither two legger were near each other when they told Allie. But Dr. Dave said my left front knee was slightly out of place. Then he did some adjusting and I got to trot. At first I was like whoa!, what are you doing. Then I was like whoa. . .yeah, I like you. Then he adjusted me again and talked to Dr. Romine. And I had to trot some more. They said I looked better already!

Dr. Dave is so tall, he make me look so small!

Dr. Dave came out again another day. I had to trot around the arena and he said I was showing significant improvement. Yay! I rule! He did some more adjusting and his wife (also a chiropractor) took photos. They might use me in a promotional poster! Clearly because I am so beautiful and such a well behaved patient. 

Feeling my back

Not sure, but I liked it!

Adjusting my hip

I got the all clear for five to ten minute rides. Boo.

My most recent visit caught me in a bad mood. I didn't want Dr. Dave to touch me and I kept moving away. But he did say I was much better and looking good! Next appointment is three weeks out. I guess I am healing. 

~Shyloh

what i've learned so far

What I have learned in a year of Haflinger horse ownership is really that I have learned nothing at all and a ton at the same time! Crazy, right? Anything I think will happen, won't; any way that I think Shy will act, she won't, and visa versa.

Today, Shy's offness was really concerning me, so I skipped my swimnastics class and made it to the barn for margaritas, the vet, and the chiropractor. More on that later.
Treatment plan: give Shy a few days off, then very light riding for a few days. Chiropractor will come back Monday for a recheck.  

Prognosis: Good. 

So to start with what I learned today: Shy loves tequila and she really is a good horse. Even though she was in pain when Beth was riding her, she worked through it and did not act out. That makes me happy!

Other things I have learned:

• I have learned that all my strengths will be tested: physical, mental, emotional.
• I have learned that a Haflinger is always hungry. No matter what.
• I have learned that the ground really hurts.
• I have learned that hard work really pays off.
• I have learned how good it feels to see your horse "get" something.
• I have learned how disappointing it is when your horse refuses to do something you know she knows.
• I have learned that draft horse people are awesome!
• I have learned that bloggers are amazing and supportive people.
• I have learned horse shows are fun!
• I have learned so much about Shy: her likes, dislikes, her personality. . .
• I have learned that dressage can be useful (sorry dressage people, I was not a fan!)
• I have learned where my weaknesses lie.

There is a whole lot more, I'm sure! But most of all I have learned that I love this horse like crazy! Even if her ways of showing that she even tolerates me are less than noticeable. . . but she is getting better at showing it!

lyme disease

So I am freaking myself over this tick on Shyloh and what better way to calm one's nerves than to Google Lyme disease in horses in Michigan. . .

Actually, for once, the inter-web made me feel a little better. What I learned in my research was that while Lyme disease has been diagnosed in horses, it is rare. Michigan has an abundance of ticks (and other bugs) this year due to the extremely mild winter. 

I think the tick that bit Shy was a Lone Star tick. I also found one of these on my barn jeans at my house a couple weeks ago. I am constantly checking me and my dogs for these dreaded creatures. 

Just for informational purposes, here are the symptoms of Lyme Disease:

• Fever (probably early infections) 

• Ill-defined, shifting lameness not explained by injury or level of work 

• Poor performance 

• Personality changes 

• Laminitis 

• Anterior uveitis (ERU/moonblindness-like eye changes) 

-source

Today, our vet had to be called out to the barn for a possible emergency (everything turned out okay), so I had Dr. Romine take a look at the place where the tick bit Shy (it is redder now). He said it had ulcerated, most likely because ticks are dirty, nasty bugs. Dr. Romine told me to put some Betadine on it and keep it clean. I asked about drawing blood to test for Lyme disease. He said that one horse will be getting her test results back by Friday and another horse is getting retested, so wait and see if Lyme Disease has even come to our area yet. But keep an eye on her. So we will see. . .I am debating whether or not to take Shy to the show next weekend, just in case. Although Lyme disease is not transmittable from horse to horse, only tick to animal . . .I asked. 

I would not be so worried if the bite spot would scab over or something. It is red and raised and seems to get crusty on the edges, but it won't scab over. Shy is not at all bothered by it and lets me wash it and put cream on it.  But it does not look like the characteristic bulls-eye rash that is indicative of the disease.

The cure for Lyme disease is antibiotics, usually intravenous tetracycline or oral doxycycline. If Lyme disease is not treated, it can affect and damage the eyes, heart, kidneys and nervous system.

The good news from my research is that Lyme Disease is very rare in horses and in my area. I am hoping that the other two horses come back with negative tests, not just for me, but for them and their owners, too.

Informative Websites

Lyme Disease in Horses and Cattle

Tick Borne Illnesses in Michigan

Pets and Lyme Disease

A Practical Guide to Lyme Disease (Shy's bite area looks nothing like the photo)

Lyme Disease in Horses

shyloh's busy day

Shyloh had a very busy day today! I had been looking for a vet that I like for her. The first vet I used that did her fall shots was okay, but I was still looking for something else. The vet I had come out for fall shots was awful! He did not have a good "stall-side" manner and when I asked for a well-check his reply was that he does not do those. What? 

I have been observing this other vet come out to the barn in the past few weeks. He is a quiet man, but patient and very thorough. He had to come out again today, so I asked him to do a well check on Shy. Part of the reason for this is that he did exams and spring shots for a bunch of other horses at the barn and we found that the equine dentist we had out did all the teeth wrong! What? That guy was pretty highly recommended and travels all over the country to do teeth. We were pretty upset and Beth had called him and did not get a positive response from him. 

Unfortunately, the only time this vet could come out was in the morning and I was unable to take the day off of work to be there. Beth and Robin helped with Shy for me. She had some hooks on her way back teeth (ugh) and sore withers and a sore back. The soreness was probably from playing outside in the mud and ice over the winter. And it also explains the reason the the more Beth rides her during a session, the harder she becomes on the left side. So, now we need a chiropractor. 

Luckily, we have one coming out Wednesday and he has done wonders for some of the horses on the barn. Shy will be added to his roster. But the report was that she was a perfect patient for the new doc!

By the time I got to the barn, it was time for the farrier. I asked all my questions, which he patiently answered. He said Shy's feet look good. The stress marks are probably from a change in diet about four to five months ago (coincidentally, I took her off her small ration of grain around that time). But, she does not have white line issues (there is no separation or crumbly-ness) and he trimmed her up. She was great for the farrier.

Shy was probably thinking if she was done for the day. Nope! In preparation for the show me most likely will be going to, I decided to try and trim up her whiskers. This kinda made me sad, because I like her whiskers! But I did it. I was shocked with how good she was! She let me trim her whiskers off and even let me trim her ears. She hates her ears being touched! I think it was a little ticklish on her chin because that was the only part she tried to move her head from. 

Clip clip, no more whiskers :(

Last, I wanted to try and do a mane roll in her mane. We missed the braiding class at the clinic, but I Googled it and thought I had a good grasp on the concept. Mares do not need a mane roll for draft class, but I want one for her. The grasp I had did not translate to my hands and it was a mess. Robin's friend Dawn helped me braid Shy's hair, without the ribbon, and it turned out really pretty! I have a lot of work ahead of me if I want to get this braiding thing down. . .

Hopefully it will stay!

Whew! What a day: vet, feet, clip, and braid!

a bit of a difference

Shyloh's first ride of the week involved trying a new bit. Beth had mentioned she wanted to ride Shy with more contact and the snaffle shank bit she had was too much. That, along with the added pressure on the poll and under the chin with constant contact was too confusing for Shy. So I put the rolly D-ring bit that Terry let me borrow on Shy's bridle.

What a difference! And not in a good way. Shy did not like this bit at all. She was shaking her head and pulling on the bit. She was not relaxed at all! Shy was more on edge, a little spooky (one time, she jumped completely sideways), and just not happy. Beth hopped off and found an egg butt snaffle that she had in Shy's size and we tried that. So much better! Shy was able to relax in this bit and was a much better ride. Her mouth was softer and she was actually dripping saliva!

Beth has been working on getting Shy used to leg pressure, with she was not at all comfortable with when Beth started riding her. Shy also did some 5 and 10 meter circles to help with her bending and responding to the leg pressure. Even though  Shy's canter work has improved in three rides, Beth is putting that on hold, because I am not ready to canter anyway. With the change in bit, Shy was so amazing, we went outside!

Beth rode her on the grass behind the house, then decided to take her further, kind of along the path that we take for our trail walks. Shyloh is a completely different horse outside! She was so relaxed and sure of herself! We walked around, through puddles, through sticky mud, and into the pond pasture. Because I am not ready to gallop through open fields or ride off into the sunset, Beth does not want to teach Shy that it is okay to run outside yet, so we went at a nice walk around the pond. 

When we got back to the barn, I hopped on Shy! I am still amazed that when I get on her, my heart beats so fast. I sat on her a while, talking to Beth, working on my posture and legs, relaxing myself, slowing my heart rate, breathing, and just getting used to feeling Shy beneath me in a saddle. Shy had a hanging head and let me do my thing. I felt her stiffen and twitch and I asked Beth what was going on. Beth said she was falling asleep, her eyes were at half mast! Silly horse! Then we walked a few laps around the arena and all was good. I was amazed that I actually had to give her a little bump to get her going! Not more just thinking about a squeeze and Shy jerking into a walk. Wow! Short, successful rides are my key to gaining confidence with riding.

Shy and Casi

That was yesterday. Today, the vet came out for spring shots. Shy was a little jumpy when she got poked, but she did good. The vet felt her teeth and sure enough, a small hook on her right side. I got a list of horses at the barn who would like to be seen by the equine dentist, so I just have to set the appointment. The vet also said Shy is at a good weight, aside from the cresty neck and another fat pocket near her shoulder, he is able to feel her ribs. But I have to keep an eye on her because she does not need to gain anymore. A grazing muzzle is pretty much a must. Poor Shy. I talked to Beth a little bit about outside options if the grazing muzzle doesn't work for Shy or if she rips it off, but we will cross that bridge when we get there.

Shy, carrying my hoodie

Did I mention that it was awesome weather out today? I sat on the grass outside after the vet talking to Kathy while Shy and Casi grazed. 

vet check

Shyloh had her fall visit with the veterinarian today. She is as healthy as a . . .horse (sorry, I couldn't resist being corny). She was perfect (almost) in the cross ties while the vet checked her out. The only bump was when the vet was trying to touch her teats and Shy tried to cow kick her. The vet said it was a natural reaction, because we are not nursing so we have no logical reason (to her) to be there. Her advice was to make sure my hands are warm and use warm water and eventually Shy will appreciate a good teat cleaning.

Shyloh was a filthy mess! She was covered from head to hoof in mud. I am so sick of rain and mud. Fall is my favorite season, but this year the weather seems to have gone from scorching hot to rain to cold. 

I let Shy run around the arena with Forseti. They walked in circles a lot, stood by the door together, played with cones, rolled, and got into some kind of horsey mischief when no one was looking. They had a grand old time! I got them galloping around the arena together, too, it was beautiful!

Forseti and Shy love to walk around side by side

Synchronized rolling

Not sure what they were up to at one point. . .but I did not leave the arena like this!

More walking

Then, for some unknown reason on my part, I groomed her. Shy was just going back outside into her mud pit. But I think she enjoyed it. 

I will be spending the rest of the night cleaning my boots! They need it!