Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Countdown

Tomorrow is the day (well, actually Thursday, but I lose control once I drop her off tomorrow so...) I'm a nervous wreck, I'm not going to lie. I'm nervous about fronting the money for the vet bill (which is going to be my salary for a little over a month and a half) and then, just the fact that they don't know what they're looking for. I would probably feel better if they knew exactly what it is that is near her bone.

She's such a sweet horse, and such a doll baby (when she wants to be.) We've been doing hand-walking dressage/showmanship. I have been walking the patterns with her, explaining that "at this point Denali we'd be trotting, but you're not allowed." She's been so good and she is listening really well. The first few days I had to hold her head back and continually stop her and back her so she'd stop leading me. She doesn't do that at all, I can let the rope go slack and she'll stay right where she belongs. I'm teaching her showmanship and to square up. She's getting better at it, but still doesn't put her back leg down (and I don't make her for obvious reasons!) If she does then I praise her, but if she doesn't and she's square I just say it "counts." I'm just doing it for fun and to give her something to think about.

Thank you everyone for your support! I greatly, greatly appreciate it!! I'll try to post on here how surgery goes once I find out on Thursday. Wish us luck!

P.S. This video made me bawl. I am just exhausted and stressed, but I thought it was so cool!

10 comments:

Leah Fry said...

Good luck with the surgery. Perhaps an adult beverage or two is in order?

Anonymous said...

Very best of luck for the surgery, and its results. That leading work you're doing with her is good stuff, and will come in handy during rehab.

Ashley said...

Good Luck Denali! I think she will do great. Try not to worry too much about her! And yes, adult beverage is exactly what you need!

OTTB-Little Big Red said...

We're thinking good thoughts in Texas for Denali and you too!!!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and Denali both luck! I agree with Kate, all of that in hand work is great. It will be great for rehab and when the time is right it your leadership will transfer to under saddle work. I bet months from now you'll be looking back and seeing that this truly is a blessing in disguise. Go team Denali!

WishIHadAHorsey said...

Hang in there and good luck tomorrow! My thoughts are with you and Denali over this stressful period.

Kristen Eleni Shellenbarger said...

Ugh that video was a tear jerker..it reminds me of that feeling that you get during the time of your sick or injured animal. You feel stuck and looking for what direction to turn..you are SOON going to have more answers and know what you are dealing with and can recover all that much faster!!
Laz and I are sending our good healing thoughts for Miss D!!! and you!! xo

Gingham said...

bah! good luck! I haul my girl to the vet today too... Not exactly the most fun way to spend a day off from work with your horse.. but I'll take it I guess. Fingers crossed... but something tell me that our mares are FAR to stubborn to let things going anything short of smoothly.. xxo!

Jay Jennings said...

Best of luck and wishes!!!

Frizzle said...

Thinking of you and Denali and sending positive vibes your way! :-D
Geez, if that mare only knew what you go through for her...!