Platinum Performance

I received the Platinum Performance for Biscuit.   He is up to date on everything except teeth floating.  I will have his teeth floated soon.

Dear Denise,

We would like to welcome you to Platinum Colic Coverage™ and confirm that Biscuit has been successfully enrolled in the program.

Coverage™ for Biscuit will begin 28 calendar days from the day your order shipped. Please find a few important items below: 

Enrolled Horse: Biscuit

Platinum Colic Coverage™ ID: EQCO68534
Level of Coverage: $8,000

Scoops to be fed daily: Two

If you have any questions regarding Platinum Colic Coverage™, please don't hesitate to call a Platinum Advisor or click here to view the terms and conditions.

Sincerely,

Caitlin Wilson

Platinum Advisor

800.553.2400

clients@platinumperformance.com

Platinum Performance Supplements

Last year Lee Ann,  the barn manager, went to California and was very impressed with the condition of the horses.  They were on Platinum Performance supplements.  She got some for the barn.  I paid for Red to have it and Biscuit got some too.  Wow.  Made a huge difference in both of them. 

We were on it for a few months until Red was so fat and sassy I took him off of it along with Biscuit.  Biscuit looked fabulous. 

I rode with Layne a few weeks ago and we talked about how good Nelson looks.  She is giving him Platinum.  I decided to put Biscuit back on this supplement to keep my boy healthy for the rest of his days.  I just ordered it auto ship today which comes with Colic Surgery of $8,000 insurance policy.  Biscuit has NEVER colic'ed thank God. 

I should receive it by the end of the week and we will start Biscuit on it. 

I don't ride Biscuit hard but we do go miles and miles - 30 last week in just 3 days.  Trying to make sure he stays in good shape!! 

Ebenezer Trail Maps

Maps of Ebenezer that I have made with my Garmin are on my Face Book Page on Ebenezer Trail Maps page.  Check them out!  

He is gone.

April 9, 2019 . Today I lost Dashing Big Red to a probable heart attack.  I got a call when I was in Baytown by Lee Ann, the barn manager.  She thought at first it was a colic.  I called Doc and when he called back I was crying by then asking if he could please go to the ranch.  He said 30 minutes.  I had to get my neighbor to go get Barry - he wasn't answering his phone.  I called back and neither she or Barry answered.  I didn't have a good feeling about it.

When I got to the barn my horse was no where to be seen.   I thought Doc had taken him to the vet clinic.  Lee Ann broke it to me that he didn't make it.  I just broke down and cried.  She said he didn't suffer.  She said he was fine at 3:00.  Jamie came at 4 and told her he was down in the pasture sweating and rolling.  She brought him up front and evidently was heaving/jerking funny.  His head went down and he collapsed and had a seizure and died.  Doc couldn't do anything for him.

He had been moved over by the equipment barn and covered up.  I went and sat down by his head and kissed his face.  He was sweaty and still warn under the tarp but his head was already cooling off.  His eyes were closed and he looked like he was asleep.  His little tiny hooves were trimmed last week today.  Bless his heart...his feet were always so small.

My heart is broken.  I loved this big red hunk.  I rode him twice  in late 2017 and as always he was a pleasure to ride.  It is hard to take it in that he is gone.  I thought I would have Red until he was old old old.  He turned 18 last month on the 15th.

Tomorrow I will take a clipping of his tail and make bracelets for me and Margaret.  I called her and she was crying at one point on the phone even though she was trying to comfort me.

Tomorrow they will bury Dashing Big Red at Plum Nearly Ranch where he came to live with me 10 years ago...left for 6 years and came back 2 years ago to stay.  Even when he was gone, I kept in contact with his girls, bringing him home when it became time.

Run free my sweet darling boy.  Thank you for all you did for me.

Baron SL is going to be my little camper!

I am working on turning the little area in the front of the Baron with the wall slid back into a sleeping area.  It is small.  It is 63" x 53" plus the little bump out nose cone. 

So, not much area to work with but this is my ideas. 

1.  Sleeping bench

2. Storage under the bench

3. A/C in the tack door on the left side or whichever side the electricity is one which is usually the left side.

4.  Refrigerator stored inside.

5.  Portable potty. 

6.  Curtain for the window.

7.  Crate steps outside the door.

8.  Muck bucket, fork and broom, saddle stand will generally go on the 2nd stall side unless I am hauling both horses.


I decided on milk crates to make the foundation.  I found some on-line in Conroe.  I went over and bought 10 for $40.  Some need to be washed off.   I then bought a 5" thick piece of foam from JoAnn's that is 63" long and 22" wide. PERFECT.  It is $80 and I plan on using the sheets we used to use when we camped in the Royal.  They are soft jersey.  I have two sets and one is a deep pool blue and the other is lavender.  I also want to make a pretty quilt for it. 

I will make the curtain for the window to match.  I will also get a rug to match in colors to the quilt and curtain. 

This is the crates and the foam section.

Brenderup Baron SL is in the driveway!

Back in 2009 I had so wanted a Brenderup Baron SL - but I was afraid it was too heavy for my car plus the horses.  I had never hauled before so was very cautious.  That is never a bad thing!

A few weeks ago I was looking on FB and saw a lady wanted to trade a Brenderup Baron for a Brenderup Royal plus some $$.  We talked but she didn't have a SL - the tires were really bad she said (my Royal's tires are in good condition!) and was 761 miles away.  I wanted a SL anyway so I decided to just look what was out there.

OMG I found the PERFECT trailer in Virginia.  It was a 2008 Baron L SL and had never hauled a horse.  It had been kept inside under cover.  I emailed and then talked to the neighbor that posted it for the owner.  They were actually coming to Ft. Worth, TX in 2 weeks and offered to haul it here!  They were Seventh-Day Adventist as I am so that was a bonus!  I wanted new tires on the trailer as 10 year old tires could have dry rotted.  The trailer was absolutely pristine!

I paid what the owner asked plus the cost of the tires.  I sent a certified check, arranged for a temporary tag and Fed-X'ed that to him.  I got insurance on the trailer just in case something happened on the 1,100 mile trip.

My friend Cherie Reddick was kind enough to travel with me to Dallas to meet them on my 36th wedding anniversary!!  We had breakfast at McDonalds in Huntsville and a Starbucks Latte.  We stopped another time for water and bath room break!

We got to the meeting place and wow.  It was perfect.  The two couples couldn't have been nicer.  We hooked up the Brenderup after he showed me how to move the wall back.  Lights were on and off we went!  We gassed up right there and then headed out.

It towed better than the Royal which was great.  We stopped in Corsicana at the place famous for their fruitcake and had lunch.  We laughed and talked all the way there and back.

So glad she went with me.  I would have stayed over night had she not as driving all the way to Dallas and back is a little tiring!

So here is the Baron

So I am not the PROUD owner of 2 - yes 2 Brenderup's!  The Royal TC is now for sale.  It is a 2009 Brenderup Royal TC.  The tires and mats are in great condition.  Floor has been replaced (January 2018) and so has the ramp (November 2016).  Tags and inspection was done in May 2018.  Call or text 409-454-1931.

Dashing Big Red and Alfalfa

I bought a couple of bales of really nice alfalfa this past week at Vinton Feed Store.  They alway have the best alfalfa.  I got 2 three string bales.

I have just tore off little handfuls for the horses - no one is getting a flake.  Red is pretty dang big right now.  Biscuit looks good - not fat - not thin.

I got Biscuit out of his pasture and took him up to the barn.  It was so windy today.  I had thought about riding but changed my mind.  The tarps were flapping like crazy on the fence but Biscuit is used to those so he ignored them.  I was getting out my rasp, the stool and hoof stand when the little pans on top of the grooming box went flying - right into Biscuit's backside.  He startled a bit but that was it.  He didn't act like a fool.  I used those grooming gloves and cleaned him up after washing his legs off.  He is still shedding but didn't seem to be as much as before.  His legs are pretty hairy!!  Under his jaw had long hair but he looks nice.  I got the rasp out and rasped all 4 of his hooves.  I am going to do Red's Friday.

I got alfalfa for Mikey and Red.  Mikey is Lee-Ann Potter's little Halflinger.  He would come trotting across the pasture nickering to me when he was across from Biscuit.  He was glad to get a bite of alfalfa.  Poor old baby just gums it.  He doesn't have many teeth.  He is in his late 20's.  Beautiful little guy.  I am pretty fond of him.

I took Biscuit down to his pasture and cut of the remaining apple for him.  I checked his hay level.  I then went down to Red's pasture.

I have to walk down the row that is muddy as all get out to get to him.  All around his gate is fetlock deep in mud.  He was by his shelter and when I got near the gate he started out at a walk..then a trot for a few steps and then a canter all the way to the gate...mud be damned!  He always loved his alfalfa and I am glad that he will bond with me again.  Friday will be the day I will groom him if I it is not raining.  He is good about his feet so I am going to rasp his feet.  I can't afford to have them done so I will have to stick to a schedule of rasping every week or so.  It is hard for me to keep up with two horses but I will have to give it my all as I don't have the $$ to pay for that every 6 weeks when I have the tools and know-how to do it myself.

Biscuit was really good today with his feet thank God because he sometimes is a toot about it.  Hoping I can ride Friday...that would be a bonus!!!

Hard Winter

We have had a hard winter in southeast Texas.  Cold freezing rain and some snow!  Woot!!!

Red is doing great.  I have left him where he is as he has access to a full round bale.  Biscuit can't have round bales - it is bad for his COPD and I don't want to aggravate that!!!  He does fine until the really hot time of the year but COPD is COPD.

On January 31, 7 weeks and 2 days after my surgery I went out and got on my horse!!!  Wooooooot!!!!  I groomed him and put his saddle on.  I took his halter off like always and off he went - saddle and all.  Thank God The LeeAnn's and Chelsie helped contain him and I was able to get my reins around his neck and walk him into the arena.  I got the 3 step mounting block and LeAnn Brown held him,  Chelsie video'd and took pictures and Lee-Ann Potter was the cheerleader.

I put that foot in the stirrup (not very high off of a 3 step mounting block!) and swung my leg up and over that cantle!!!  YAYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYYAYYAYAYAYAYAYYAYAYAAAAAAAA!  I was on.  We just walked around the arena about 5 times or so.  Not long.  I was able to dismount and that leg went right over that cantle.  Yay!!

  

Red looks better than ever thank God.  No longer thin and the Equiderma Lotion was a miracle worker.  He has spent this winter in a pasture by himself with just a wire fence separating him from Sydabo and Torique.  He has feasted on his own round bale (just Bahaia - not Tifton!  No more colic-ing for my boy!) and had extra feed.

Last week I pulled Red up to have his feet done.  OMG he was full of piss and vinegar.  He double barrel kicked at Sister and got corrected big time.  I tied him in the arena and went and got Biscuit.  Tied them near each other and Red was acting like a jackass.  I put him on the walker and he was semi acting like a goober. Miss Jean thought he was trying to lay down so I took him off the walker.  He was pawing and in general acting like a turd.  I separated him and Biscuit and brushed both of them and cleaned their hooves.  Craig did their feet and I called Barry to help take Red back down to his pasture.  I put him in one side of the arena and I took Biscuit down to his pasture.  I came back with my lunge whip and had Red going round and round in the small arena.  He did ok.  Could have done better.  Just full of piss and vinegar.  I paid their board and told Linda no more supplement for them.  Red needs to be handled more so as soon as this leg is better I will work with him more.

I groomed and rode Biscuit yesterday for just a few rounds around the arena.  I was able to dismount like a normal person.  Leg over cantle and all the way to the ground and then the left leg out of the stirrup.  Yay for me.  Hoping I can ride again this week for just a bit.

I think he is as good as he is going to get!

I went out to see the horses today.  I drove myself - it is easier to drive than to ride in the car - go figure that one.  I took Sister with me.

Had to go to the bank and Sister got a treat.  She loved that.  Then out to the barn. I stopped to see Biscuit and gave him a little handful of alfalfa.  His hair is standing on end and looks great.  I walked over and checked his level of hay in his shed.  He has enough right now.  I walked all around him to make sure there was no problems.  He needs to grow hair over where he hurt his foot but it looks ok.

I then went down to see Red.  He was munching on hay and came to the fence.  I took these pictures. As soon as Lee Ann gets back to the ranch I will discuss with her moving Red back with Biscuit.  I am going to start teaching Kayden to ride Red.    He is such a sweet gentle boy I don't think it will be hard to teach Kayden so he can be my riding buddy when Barry can't or won't go.

He looks wonderful

I have been out several times to see Biscuit and Red. A few times I couldn't get down to Red as it was drizzling rain.

Biscuit looks good and I gave him a little flake of alfalfa.  I only have one full flake left.  As soon as I can I will drive to Vinton to buy them alfalfa.

I actually drove myself to the barn yesterday to pay their board.  I drove down to see Red after visiting with Biscuit.  Jamie and Edgar were breaking up the ice from the water troughs.  Goodness - it was 2" thick.  Red came up to the gate to see me.  His back is almost flat!!!  Wow.  He looks amazing.  As soon as LeeAnn is back off of vacation I will discuss with her putting him back with Biscuit.  Biscuit looks like he dropped a few pounds but he certainly needed to!!!

I forgot my phone yesterday or I would have taken pictures.  I will take a picture of them tomorrow if I can.  I got busted when I got home for driving!!  Brandi and Jarrod were at the house when I arrived back and I got the evil eye from my DIL for driving!!

Saturday Evening

I went out to see Biscuit Thursday but not Friday.  I was too tired yesterday.  He was fine Thursday and from what I could see of Red he was fine also.  I gave Biscuit some treats.  His wound on his leg is tough skinned but it is red flesh looking.  Not ragged but I guess it will take awhile to grow strong hide and hair over it.  He whacked it pretty dang hard.

Last evening Debi posted that she would pull Red up for me so I could see him.

Barry and I went out there this afternoon and she and Bob were right ahead of us.  I got out of the car pretty wobbly.  My right leg feels very weak and is giving me fits.  I have taken 3 hot baths today to massage it which is helping.  Anyway, she walked from Biscuit's pasture down to Red to bring him back up.

I gave Biscuit cookies while Barry and Bob were talking.  I opened Biscuit's corral and got my curry comb and brushed all of the mud off of my boy.  He was a little bit on the dirty side.  I brushed all over him and his face.  His shoe boil is almost absorbed.  Thank Goodness!!

Debi finally made it back with Red and OMG he is looking absolutely fantastic.  Butt is filling in, top line is pulling up.  He needs to be groomed and I brushed him a bit.  He wanted to be friends with Val but she let him know with a squeal that that was not happening.

I showed Debi his racing Tatoo - it is still pretty clear.  I told Barry I think by the first day of summer his mane  and tail will look much better.  When he sheds out in Spring he will look like polished copper!!!

Debi walked him back down and she said she could come get me next week and we could bring Red over to where Biscuit is.

I will talk to Lee-Ann about how much he is getting per feeding.  I want him to get to the right weight and then back off of the feed.  I don't want him to colic or founder.  I will need to go over to Vinton and get him and Biscuit some alfalfa.  Alfalfa keeps those bowels moving.

With some work, he is going to look like a million bucks!!!  Way to go Dashing Big Red!!!

Wednesday - doing ok.

I went out to the barn yesterday to check on Biscuit...I can't get to Red as there has been too much rain to take my car down the row to his pasture :-(

Biscuit came up slowly from the back of the pasture. It looks like the little flap from his cut on his foot fell off so I won't need to have it cut off.  I gave him carrots and could see that he didn't eat all of his food.  It had salt in it!!  He was glad for the carrots and I petted and kissed him up.

I went into the office and Miss Jean and Linda were very impressed with my progress and that I was getting around well.

I did physical therapy Monday and the nurse came out and took the bandage off of my leg.  Todd thought it looked really good.  It looks like a bruised banana to me.  Lots of staples and blood blisters.  Ugh.  He redid the bandage and talked to Brandi on the phone about changing it for me.  So glad Brandi is trained in this!!!

Danielle, the PT, said I was doing well and was at a normal place in progression.  I did tell her the white stockings were driving me insane.    Miss Jean said she wore her's during the day and not at night.  I went home and liberally dosed my legs with Monkey Butt Powder, dumped MBP in the stockings and slid them on.  They weren't as bad.

I was so tired Monday and Tuesday.  I got back in bed Tuesday after going to the barn and slept finally.  I haven't been able to sleep because of these hose.  Ugh.  They are the Devil's Spawn.

During PT today I was able to get to a little more than 110°!  That is really good Danielle said.  I went through the paces with her and she was able to see my balance issue.  I think she was surprised even though I have told her...people have to see it to believe it.  I told her today because of that I had worked hard for the past 5 years to compensate at all kinds of things.  I was able to get on the recumbent bike in the middle of the night and peddle it!  We will work on that tomorrow she said.

It is still swollen and was hotter than dammit last night.  So today I have iced and iced that rascal with broccoli.  I took the stocking off before Danielle got here and left them off till this evening - the bandage had also came off.

Ava was just fascinated this evening and was so concerned that her Gimmie was hurting.  She wants to go hold my hand when they take them off so I may get Brandi to take me and let Ava go.  Sweet girl!!

I have the stockings on right now on Wednesday night but am going to take them off to go to sleep after while.  Hoping to be able to sleep without these torture devices on!

Out to see the horses - first trip out of the house

Today was the first day I left the house since my total knee replacement this past Monday.  I was able to get in the car much easier than I did Wednesday - the leg is bending better.  I took so carrots for the horses.  Biscuit was standing in his little corral.  I was surprised he didn't walk off when we drove up.  His internal calendar and time piece works very well.  His face was a little dirty but I kissed him up anyway.  He was more than happy to have some carrots while I hugged him and kissed his face.  We just stayed for a few minutes and then drove down to where Red was.  I couldn't go down there and it was too wet to drive so Barry walked down there as I hollered Dashing Big Red.  Red made his way to the fence like he always did before.  He wouldn't eat the carrots but Barry petted him and took a few pictures for me.  He is looking great.  I am very pleased at how he looks.    We drove back to where Biscuit was and gave him the other carrot.  I asked Jamie to give Biscuit some hay...he didn't have any.  

It did me good to see my horses.  They are always a great panacea for whatever troubles you!  

My knee is coming along nicely.  The stockings drive me insane.  The soreness is a PITA.  The knee is hot and that is just to be expected.  I have rubbed and massaged the lower leg constantly and it is helping relieve some of the tightness and pain.  I took a hot bath at the end of the day with my leg up out of the water but massaged the back of the knee with the hot water which felt nice.

My daughter in law, Brandi, came today and fixed us hotdogs for lunch - went shopping for me - cleaned up - put some of my decorations out and then fixed us a killer dinner like she did last night.  She is a blessing to Barry and me.  She thinks the leg looks good and that I am moving good.  As she used to be a PT tech and a wound care tech she knows what she is talking about.  

I am able to get in and out of my deep tub quite easily so I am hoping to translate that into getting on Biscuit in 4 weeks.  I am thinking if I can get on and take a little ride around the arena with The Lee-Ann's watching over me that will be a good thing.  Maybe do that several times a week until I am able to actually ride for a while.  We shall see...it is good to have goals!!!  My goal is to be riding in February with ease.  :-)