OUR FIRST RIDE

I am still coughing but we went riding this past Sunday.  I took Sister.  I picked Alivia up at Kellie's and walked over to see Elan.  He is looking brighter in the eyes.  She sold Thymeleigh to Robin Dodson so she was picking him up a little later.

We hauled to Tyrrell and met Paulette there.  I tacked up Biscuit in Barry's Billy Cook and put my Sharon Saare on Churro.  Biscuit didn't seem to care for that girth.  I walked him around a bit and then mounted up.  Harder to get in that saddle.

We started out and Biscuit was moving forward like a good boy.  We saw some roseate spoonbills in the bog and a dead hog in the water further down in the slough. 

When we turned to go down the bayou we got to the culvert and it was half washed out and had a tree grown up over the part that was there.  We will have to take stuff to clear that out and then go across but it is narrow.  They will need to fix it.  We turned around and went back.

Several times Biscuit took off at a trot and jog.  He is feeling so much better!

Temps were cool when we started but warmed up. 

All in all we had a great time.

Didn't go to Ebenezer

I didn't go to Ebenezer - it was way too hot to take Biscuit - poor guy would have melted in the trailer.  I came down sick myself.  I was put on a z-pack.  Biscuit is doing great!!

Crazy Week

It has been a busy week of sick kids, wedding cakes and trying to get out to the barn.  I went most days and for sure every other day to give Biscuit his DEX.  I moved it back to 1.5 cc's instead of 2.  He is doing well.

I went out Sunday and took him out to eat grass for a few moments.  I need to do his hooves but Monday and Tuesday I have had Tristan.   He was fine yesterday and crying today.

The Clydsdales are at the barn and I hope to get out and see them and get to see their routine.  Maybe tomorrow but I will have Tristan at least half the day.  I told Morgan I need to get out and do Biscuit's hooves.  I don't want to pay for it to be done.  I need to do it.

Talked to Diane today and we planned a trip to McKinney Roughs for Nov 1-4.  She will probably get there on Oct 31 but I have a Halloween Party at the house so I will get up and leave around 7:00 AM or there around.  It is a 4.5 hour drive if I am not mistaken to Happy Horse Hotel. 

I also plan on going to Rustic Sky for Thanksgiving weekend leaving on Friday and staying through Sunday.

I am going to Ebenezer this weekend for Friday and Saturday.  I can't wait.  I so need a break.

Sunday

I went out to the barn around 12:30 PM today.  It was hot but had a breeze and when the clouds covered the sky it wasn't hard to stand out there! 

Biscuit came in and I gave him a treat that Miss Jean had gave me for my birthday.  He seemed to like it.  I haltered him and took him out to lick on the HorsLic.  He was a little dirty and needs a bath.  I will do that tomorrow. 

I gave him his Dex in cookies so he should be fine.

Alivia texted that my saddle got wet in the storm at Doc's.  I told her that was ok and I'd come get it. 

I was helping Barry outside wipe down tote boxes full of Christmas decorations and other stuff.  Kellie and I were texting back and forth about Thymeleigh.  I really think if Barry rides him he will like him enough to buy him.  I told Kellie if she paid the board for a month and gave Barry the opportunity to ride him he might decide he would make a great mount.  So we decided one month trial.  He will come to the barn in a week.  Barry can ride him and see how he likes him.

I think Barry would love to ride endurance.  He likes going fast and far and to win at endurance you better be on an Arabian. 

I went out to get the saddle and oh! how sad Alivia's house is.  She is next door to Doc and they got 4.5 feet of water in the barn.  Doc walked horses out twice 1 mile up the road in deep water starting chest deep with unruly horses.  Poor Azziza walked out all that way on foundered feet.  God love her. 

I stopped at Kellie's to see Elan and bring him treats.  He was standing in front of his fan that was misting water on him.   His face was dripping wet.  I fed my sweet Gorilla Man some treats and petted his face.  Such a sweetheart.  I miss him.  He used to place his head in my lap. 

I went out to see Bandit, Thymeleigh and Lady Dollar.  I gave them all treats.  Bandit really is a very nice horse.  Kellie said she is going to ride him.  I got to see Thymeleigh better.  He has put on weight since he came back from the trainer.  He is about as tall as Sarge was and about the same size but not as muscley like a QH is. 

If we can get in some rides on him that will be a good thing.  I have reservations in Ebenezer in October and we will take Thymeleigh for a final trail ride if the weather is good.  Hopefully, Barry will like him and decide to keep him.  Price is right and he is a good boy - Biscuit will then have a pasture mate. 

Friday out to the barn

I went out Friday to the barn and Lee Ann P was there with her daughter Devin and her little granddaugher Lena from France.  What a little cutie! 

They were brushing Levi's mane.  It had gotten so twisted in the storm.  He must have been running around like a wildling. 

I went down to see Biscuit and gave him his cookies with a little Dex in them.  I didn't stay long as it was about to rain. 

I didn't go out to the barn Saturday.  I was exhausted. 

Thursday - Flood Day

Rain.  Rain and more rain.  Tropical Storm Imelda sucks.

My cake kitchen flooded.  Dogs in the house.  Water coming in my bedroom - now that was a sad moment.  Wet towels to beat the band.

Water almost coming into the house.  By the grace of God it didn't except for the bed room.

Took Barry's truck late this evening to give Biscuit his meds.  Paul, Miss Jean's grandson fed the horses today once but he wouldn't have known to give Biscuit medication.  I took a little bit of pellets and added the supplements he has to have.  Biscuit seemed just fine. 

I am tired.  Long day.

Biscuit is healed!!!

It was pouring rain when I got up to go take Biscuit to the barn.  I set my alarm but it didn't go off.  I was rushing to get there.  No make up and slapped a hat on my fuzzy hair.  I put on my rain jacket and hooked up the trailer in the rain.

I got to the barn and the gate was open, barn light on, dogs out....feed barn closed.  I pulled up and opened the feed barn.  Horses hadn't been fed as the Kabota was dry.  Dang..where was Jamie and Edgar?  Down to get Biscuit...all of the horses were calling out for me to stop!!  There goes the feed wagon!!

Biscuit was solid on facing his feed bucket.  I rolled up my pants and stepped out in ankle deep water in the corral.  I haltered him and as I was leading him out I noticed Fat Kate's muscles were twitching all over.  Not shivering - twitching.  I took Biscuit up front and opened the back of the trailer.  Loaded him and shut the ramp and back flap to keep out as much rain as I could.

I called Lee Ann P and told her I felt like I was in the twilight zone.  I was looking for Jamie and Edgar's trucks and they weren't there.  Hummm...was a black car there?  Yep..That was Edgars.  I guess he was waiting to Jamie to get there to feed or for the rain to slack off.

I called Emma - Kate's momma and told her about the twitching.  I said I was headed to the vet and would tell them what I saw.  Got to the vet.  Katelyn came out to the trailer to take his blood.  I told them about Kate's twitching.  Said it could be the rain, allergies, etc.

The test was $79 so that wasn't too bad!!  Emma texted me a video while I was driving home.   She said they told her to bring Kate up and dry her off so she did.  She was already gone when I got there.  I fed Biscuit on the wash rack and cleaned the horse poop out of the trailer.  I got the Kabota and took him down to his pasture and turned him out. 

Doc texted me around 10:53 AM to tell me:

Muscle enzymes slightly above normal.  Everything else within normal limits.  He's good to go!!

I asked what the number was and he said 490.  Normal was 120-470. 

I want that to come down further so Biscuit will stay on the medications.  I will have him tested probably in January to make sure those numbers are coming down. 

I sent him the video right then of Kate.  He called Emma and said he'd come take a urine sample.

I went back out there when Doc was there with Kate and Emma.  She'd cut her eye and he put one stitch in it.  He thought it could be low electrolytes. 

He called her later and after running the blood test and said it was looking like allergies.  Wow. 

This is the video:

I am hoping Fat Kate will be ok. 

Tuesday

I had Tristan Tuesday because of his teething.  He and I went to Kroger to get diapers and Halloween plates!

We stopped at the barn and I gave Dex cookies to Biscuit.  He gobbled them up and I had to leave.  We are going to the vet tomorrow

Monday at The Barn.

On the way to the barn Emma, Kate's momma, sent me a video of Biscuit.    He was trotting around, flagging his tail and snorting.

I got out there and she and her husband were trying to catch Kate.  Biscuit was out in the pasture but he wouldn't come to me.  They finally caught Kate and led her out up to the barn.  I tried to walk out to him but he was going around me in circles so I didn't want to start that crap again.  I got in my car and backed into the runway.  Before I knew it he was standing in the corral.  I got out to get him and they were back with Kate.  Biscuit let me halter him with no problems and I led him up to the barn.

Kellie wants to get Thymeleigh off of her ranch as he is a being very dominate with Elan.  She is sending him to Plum Nearly and he is going to go into the pasture with Biscuit.  Barry is going to ride him.  She just told me a lady is coming from Stephenville next week to try him.   She would like us to buy him...it will depend on if Barry likes him or not.  Who knows.  

I took Barry up to the wash rack and spoke to Lee Ann P about putting Biscuit in with Thymeleigh.  He is coming Thursday at 10:00 so I will meet her out there and introduce him to Biscuit.  We will see how it goes.  

I did Biscuit's hooves all around but only the bottoms.  Tomorrow I will try to do the top edges.  I brushed Biscuit's body and mane and tail.  

I visited with Lee Ann P and B, Ashley and Emma.  The weather changed and the temperature dropped.  I checked the temps for this weekend.  It is going to be in the 80's so the temp is definitely dropping thank God.  

I am taking Biscuit to the vet Monday for another blood test to see if his numbers are coming down.  If they are he and I are going riding this weekend.  If not - we aren't.  Sister is limping on her front right paw so I am not taking her.  Maybe taking Lu Lu.  We shall see.

Biscuit seems to be doing really well.  He looked like he was breathing a little heavy - not heaving by any means though.  He had been running all over the pasture so I think that had something to do with hit.  It was hot and humid but started up a nice breeze.  

Thursday through Sunday

I took Ava out to the barn with me Thursday.  She likes to pet Biscuit.  I gave him his cookies with his Dex in it.  He is looking great.

We tried to get Lamb Chop to come to use but it was no bueno.  Legato came galloping to me along with Zurra.  Ava loved petting her soft nose.  So cute!!

Friday I had Rhys for about 4 hours.  We went out to the barn and got in the Kabota.  I strapped him in and we went down the ranch road to see Biscuit.  I took Biscuit and and let him lick on the HorsLic and eat grass.

He is adorable.  He wasn't afraid of Biscuit and didn't make any sudden moves.  He was waving around his ribbons and I told him to put it in his pocket so he did.  I put Biscuit back up and strapped him into the Kabota and we went back up to the ranch and left.  It was hot!

Saturday I went out around 4:00 with Morgan and the kids.  We talked to Brittney and I was petty Gus.  Dang...that is one big HORSE.  I introduced Morgan and Brittney.  Talked to Edgar and Jamie.  I squirted his DEX in a bucket of feed for him so Jamie could feed it to him.  I think too many . treats seem to aggravate his throat.

Sunday I went out to see Biscuit around Noon or so.  He came in and Fat Kate stayed out of the corral.  I put his halter on but didn't take him out.  I just pulled his HorsLic in and he was enjoying it.  Kate limped in - that poor girl is lame off and on.  She was RIGHT BEHIND ME.  No ground manners.  She will not move off when asked.  She tried nosing me out but I didn't allow.  I finally took Biscuit's halter off and walked out and tied the gate.  She moved in to lick on it for a few seconds until Biscuit snaked his head at her with ears flat.  She moved off just in time for Biscuit to lift up that butt and kick at her with his back left hoof.  She half heartedly kicked at him back.  

I am taking him to the vet for blood work Wednesday so I can determine if I am going camping this coming weekend!!!

I 

Wednesday

I went to the vet's to pick up the meds for Biscuit.  Kassie was putting diapers/duct tape on Azziza's hooves.  I am so sorry that Azziza has foundered while over in Waco to be bred.  It is rotated at 20 degrees.  That just broke my heart.  I have known Azziza since she was 6 hours old.  I used to tell her I was going to buy her when she grew up.  She was such a sassy girl.  I hope she gets better and I know they are doing all they can for her.

I talked to Kassie extensively about Biscuit.  Generally EPM causes the rise in the enzyme levels.  His levels aren't that bad she said but I did point out he is on total rest.  The medication is DMG 3000 and he will take a scoop in the morning and night.  Double it on Thursday - Sunday if I take him riding.  I will have him tested the Wednesday before I go to make sure he is ok before I go.  If he isn't better I will cancel my trip.

I went to the barn and got a bit of feed to give Biscuit his first dose.  I told Jamie and Edgar how to give it to him.  Biscuit looked a little tired today.  Must have arrived when he was napping!!!

I am going to keep a close eye on my boy and hope he is 100% soon.

Tuesday's results

I got the message to call the vets office.  I was told that Biscuit's enzymes were still a little high and they were ordering the medication for him.

Doc called me later and repeated that and said it should come down with this medicine.  He said they'd order it and it would be in late in the afternoon and I could pick it up Wednesday.

I went out to the barn and went down and got Biscuit.  The Lee Ann's were there and we all visited on the wash rack and I worked on Biscuit's front hooves and groomed him.  Emma, Kate's mom, came out and I spoke with her.  She said Biscuit was so sweet and got upset when her little girl fell down!  Zarro came up to where Biscuit was and was nuzzling him and he was very sweet with her.  He would make a good horsey uncle to her!  He got a ton of treats.

I took him back to the pasture and gave him his cookies with the DEX and he coughed - I think he ate too many today while up on the wash rack.  He then snorted and blew horse snot ALL over my shirt.  Thanks Biscuit!!!

I got a present from Sara McNeil and Lena, Biscuit's half sister!  She bought one for herself and sent one to me.  I hope to make this before Christmas.  It is beautiful!!!

Monday is FINALLY here

I got up early and headed to the barn around 7:30.   I gave Jamie a giant whoopie chocolate pie coming in.    He had locked Biscuit up for me.  I pulled in and turned the trailer around and dropped the ramp.  I got in the Kabota and headed down to get Biscuit.  I put his halter on and we headed up to the wash rack.  I hosed him off and brushed his mane and tail.  Cleaned his face for him. 

I loaded him up still wet so he wouldn't get hot as it was muggy Monday morning.  I stopped at McDonald's for an Egg McMuffin.  The ham came off for the dogs. 

I got to Doc's and unloaded Biscuit and walked him into the aisle.  When Doc came out he was poking Biscuit all over with a hemastat.  I don't remember him doing that before but he said Biscuit wasn't very responsive in the back end and he certainly was Monday.  He was looking at me with big white ringed eyes wondering what the heck Doc was doing to him. 

Coggins was pulled and shots were given.  Doc had Kayla walk/trot him up and down the aisle and Doc was trying to pull him off balance by his tail.  Biscuit was pulling back!!! 

Doc said he looked great.  Great weight and condition and he said he'd never seen him look better.  He listened under his jowls and then on his back to listen to his lungs.  He said he couldn't find even a slight wheeze!!!  I asked about the enzymes so they pulled another tube of blood.  I won't know about the enzymes til Tuesday. 

Doc said I could ride him once the enzyme test was back.  He said wait til a little break in the weather. 

I was thrilled!!!  Cost today was $243.  But that was shots and Coggins plus the other records.