Not So Lame Anymore, Maybe Not...

I thought she would have improved more by now...

Today I thought I should try lunging her to see how she was doing. Well, she is definitely still off and quite reluctant to move forward... Not super happy about that. Quite a few days ago now I found where the abscess erupted, it was in two places, out her heel and her bar... My BO was a little concerned, he thought that it may have gone all the way through but may have an infection. So, I'm going to start soaking her foot again to see if it helps, possibly even get some antibiotics. If she isn't better within the week I'll have the vet out. Not super happy, hopefully she'll get better, it is worrying me slightly.

Besides that I've been taking her on walks every time I'm out there and just trying to keep her up on handling. Our bond is getting stronger, I can feel it. Before, I felt like every time we were together it was forced and she was just doing stuff because she had to, but now she is becoming more willing and happier to stay with me. She has trust issues and I need to remember to balance that out.

We have also decided on our place to move and will be signing the boarding papers this weekend. Not sure how soon we'll move but fairly soon. I'm nervous yet excited about the move, multiple people said that we'll like the new place. So that makes me feel a lot better! After we move I will be taking a load of pictures, especially with all this wonderful weather we've been having.

Happy hay face!

Ava soaking her foot right before she tipped the whole thing over...

Few minutes after this shot it started pouring down snow!

My injury while caring for the beast

Pretty girl

Most recent picture, took this today

Showsheen Try-Pak Giveaway

I was just exploring around on blogs the other day when I found this awesome giveaway from She Moved to Texas. It is an Absorbine ShowSheen Try-Pak giveaway and she is picking 5 winners!! So, if you have some time to spare definitely enter it here- The Giveaway!!

Another post to come but in the mean time, enter the giveaway!

This is Lame... Oh So Lame...

My day started out like any other normal day when I heard someone leave a message on the phone. Didn't think too much about it as we get lots of unwanted phone calls. Only, after the message was done my mom called me down and said it was from my BO. It said that Ava was lame in her right hind foot... Me being a wuss, I started crying, thinking that I couldn't lose Ava too... My mom pulled me together and we started sorting things out. I called my BO back to get more of the situation. He said that she was pretty lame and probably has an abscess... I could literally feel my heart breaking the more he talked... Finally I called the vet but of course they were booked full and wouldn't be able to get out there till late or the next morning, meaning, I would have to pay an enormous bill..

Then we went down there. She was standing in the pasture next to Poco. First I thought she looked okay but as she started walking towards us I could definitely see the limp. You could tell that she was trying hard as she walked towards us, it was sweet. When she stood in front of us I also noticed she wouldn't put her hoof flat on the ground, her pastern would shake if she tried. So then caught her and slowly lead her into the barn. My BO took a look but we both couldn't find anything that made it seem like an abscess. We were kind of stumped and still are, there didn't seem to be any noticeable pressure points or very unusual looking areas. I did notice though that around her fetlock area seemed swollen, thinking maybe she twisted something. So at the moment I am soaking her foot twice a day for 15-20 minutes in warm water with epsom salts; she also gets a nice pan of grain mixed with a variety of treats. If she is not better or improving by Monday I will have the vet come out and check her over.

But besides her little footy, she seems to be in pretty good spirits.

Cocked right hind foot. This is her temporary holding pen
as a stall was too stressful for her

 

Coming out of her shelter with a limp

I also went over to the tack store and bought Ava some things. I got some powdered bute (yummy!), apple flavored treats, a rubber feed pan, and a bag of Purina Strategy Healthy Edge (not my first choice but I needed something). She is going to be spoiled rotten by the time she is better!

Tack store haul

Please Excuse...

My inability to stay consistent in posting. It is mainly due to my laziness.

One of my favorite boarder's horse standing like a boss.
They aren't here anymore..

Things have been pretty well. Ava and I have been trying to spend more time outside if the weather permits and are working on our western pleasure prettiness. She is becoming very soft in the mouth, almost to the point where I can barely touch the reins and she will give, it looks so lovely too! The only thing is is that she is becoming harder to catch. Like today I walked in and she and Poco start walking away from me (surprise surprise) so I moved them off. They started out slow but then for the next few minutes they were cantering and galloping all over their pasture (most of it was me but I didn't have to do much...) I'm not sure as to why she is being such a butt but hopefully we'll get through it.

One other thing that I want to make a note of is that she gets a little fidgety when I cinch up. Keep in mind that I don't go straight for ultimate tightness all at once, I gradually tighten it. Maybe the saddle is bothering her or possibly being in heat could make riding a little more agitating... I've also been wanting to get a pad that fits the saddle better, maybe that would help...

As for our moving plans we are still a little in between... I don't want to get into it because it could take me forever to explain but I will let you know our committed plan when we come to it.

After a nice bareback ride

Today it was freezing cold, only because of the darn wind! We rode inside and did a little with the cows, Ava gets excited when the cows are around. One tried to ram his head towards her too! Ava reared slightly but handled herself well. Finally when the cows were gone we worked on our western pleasure and transitions, she is getting really good! I also tried her in a new bit and although it has a shank I could tell that she liked it much more than her snaffle. After that we helped a novice rider by having her horse follow behind Ava as we cantered. Other than that we rode a little outside and finished up.

Ava sniffing Morris the barn cat

Sniff sniff, Morris is so sweet!

Hi there!

Today I also finished the book Horses Never Lie by Mark Rashid. Holy cow, it has been moved to my all time favorites list. Wow!! It was amazing. Really gave me a good look at horse training. I've started applying some of his teachings to Ava and it really helps the both of us.

Check it out!

Happiness, Finally!

It was kind of a secret.

I was trying out a saddle in hopes not to jinx it and it looked like it worked! Because I just bought myself a saddle!!! I got an amazing price for it as well. They were asking only $300 but the tack store owner helped me get it down to $225!! It is a nice saddle too, custom made by someone I know that lives in my town. It is also light weight yet durable, nice supple leather, and so much more. I am so glad I found it and I finally don't have to worry about not having a saddle anymore!

Sweet girl <3

Sleepy pony

Strike a pose!

The field

Squared