We had so much work to do here on the farm before leaving for our two month travel vacation. Our cozy silver airstream has been waiting for us in Phoenix Arizona to journey us on yet another interesting adventure.
I have been taking care of two very lame Thoroughbred horses and a beautiful Paso Fino that were moved over to our farm from a nearby equestrian center. Their hooves were neglected and improperly trimmed which led to this condition. All the fungus and wounds have been taken care of and hopefully they can soon learn to walk barefoot again. It could take up to a year for rehabilitation. A kind fellow South African, who is experienced with barefoot trimming and hoof problems, who now lives in Florida has been kindly guiding me through the process. I also have been studying the informative Veterinary approved 16 hour course, called "Under the Horse" by Pete Ramey, a populate hoof specialist and practitioner. I highly recommend this course for every horse owner!
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| Black Thoroughbred Horse |
This beautiful horse has been living in a box for many years, probably his entire life. Lack of exercise hinders circulation. Barefoottrim is an informative site that explains how damaging shoes are to horse. "What is so bad about shoes, you ask? To briefly encapsulate, shoes restrict blood flow to the hooves; shoes restrict the natural expansion and contraction of the weight-bearing hoof necessary for optimal health, movement and gaits; shoes weaken hoof horn due to the nails that are driven into the hoof producing holes and weakened areas of the horn; shoes provide only a temporary, artificial band-aid fix to many hooves that are physiologically unsound thereby enabling the unsoundness to increase. Horseshoes also prevent the natural traction of the Equine hoof designed by nature, herself."
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| Damaged Hoof Wall |
This is how the right hoof looked when he arrived.
We opened up the wound which was riddled with fungus and bacteria to allow light to penetrate and heal.
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| Sania cleaning his ponies hoof |
My little boys love to take care of their ponies hooves. Note how patiently little Coco stands and he does not need to be tied up.
Our journey has begun, we are in Idaho - photos will be up soon.
I leave you with this cute little video of my pony boys!
oh i love that video! so awesome with the music, lyrics matching the wind blowing in sania's hair! it gave me chills. bless you for taking care of those poor horses. it's so sad how many animals need rescuing in this world, but so uplifting to know there are so many people who love and care for them. have fun on your adventure!
ReplyDeletejust had to update my blog info... we are off to miami next week - i hope we see you when you come back through. : )
ReplyDeleteDear Jeanene
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful video, Jen, Erin and I have just sat here and watched it together. You are all so amazing, the wonderful work you do with horses, how lucky the world is to have a family in it as wonderful as yours.
Much love to you,
Linda
Ah - now, as I read your words, I hear your voice very clearly in my head. And I watch the video, and wish I were there, running with the ponies. The little black one was so adorable, following along with the boys, so interested. I sat with Hickory yesterday again for nearly half an hour. He had his head dropped within inches of my face for most of that time, and I swear he fell asleep on his feet. Everyone else had left me and gone to the barn. Don't worry too much - I keep my eye on Dustin - his ears set the wind blowing, and I try to stay upwind of that always. Even in that little stall, I was watching them and ready to move. I walk among them always, and try to stay alert. But you have my permission to worry a little because nobody can pay attention all the time - and loud noises can suddenly happen.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to the song you chose. And pleased at the way it fit the vid narrative. But as I listened to the lyrics, I found myself puzzled. I knew what she was saying, but discovered that I can't run with them. I couldn't choose it. Because love is grounded and takes a great deal of holding still and doing things you wouldn't have chosen in the minute. I cry when I watch them run, and part of me longs for the freedom, but I chose family, and choose it still. So the song was poignant for me.
Watching you, I gained some insight about how certain training things are started - things I was wondering about just this morning. So now I will go out and mess around in the barn and let them out on the grass. Did you notice how shiny they are getting?
Hello Jeanene :-) That poor horse his feet were shocking! My horses are all barefoot and we put boots on some of them for rides out. I have a QH who had bad seedy toe when I got him and wrecked tendons from doing rodeos but he is great now. I put tendon boots on him at night at the moment to increase circulation as it is cold and they are working a treat. Good on you for helping the horses :-) I have just rescued a pony who is super scared of people and reacts by attacking if he is given too much pressure. I am clicker training him with food rewards, have you heard of that method? Its working well and he is so keen to bond and do what I ask. I have had him a week and he was untouchable when I got him, now I can run my hands down him to his hips and most of his front legs plus all of his head and chest. He is a sweetheart. I had my old TB put down so the universe sent me this little man to look after :-) Wish you and me and Kristen could all get together for a horse session....it would be awesome! Have a great holiday xx PS My mare is 100% now thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had horses, I embraced having my horses be barefoot. I found a barefoot trimmer who had trained under Pete Ramey.
ReplyDeleteSo sad seeing those horses mistreated but I am glad that they found you/or you found them..... so they can be rehabilitated. You are such a good person!