Know how to get me to break laws? Send me a text that says, "Denali is acting funny." I'm pretty sure I made it 43 miles in less than 40 minutes. Denali was acting weird yesterday too. Really grumpy and agitated. I was convinced she had a brain tumor yesterday. (Because I'm neurotic like that.) The care taker text me to tell me that she was "off" and was really hot. She said she checked her out and that she'd be okay, but even at 7:30 at night I had to go see her for myself. I started her on Devil's Claw last Wednesday, and my friend had warned me that it could irritate a sensitive horse. I own the most sensitive horse in the world, what was I thinking.
I got to the barn and everything was turned off (it was 8:15 at that point.) Found the lights and groomed Denali and checked her out. She seemed calmer than yesterday when I groomed her, but slightly jumpy. Water was drank (probably 1/2 a bucket in 2 hours) and her mush was gone. Lots of poop, so not too nervous about colic. Still a little nervous. It's me, how can't I be. As much money as she costs me I will be devastated if something happens to her.
After grooming her and getting the mud off her legs, I decided to try to teach her some tricks. "Touch your belly." She sort of got it after 5 minutes, so I don't think teaching her tricks will be hard. She just wants the treat and does a million different things to try to get it. I didn't want to give her too many since she's acting a little funny. I think it's just the Devil's Claw. If she's still wonky in a week I'll freak out.
I felt horrible when I was leaving. Denali HATES, HATES, HATES her neighbor. He's an ex Hackney Stallion (now gelding if you didn't get that) and he just freaks her out. She didn't want to come in tonight, and I think it's because she hates him. When I turned the lights off he slammed himself into the wall screaming. I ran to see if it was Denali or him. She was a wreck, panting and pacing. I stood and talked to her and told her he was an idiot, but I still feel bad for not staying longer. I couldn't get the lights to come back on and it was pitch black and a little too quiet for my liking. I hope she's okay.
I've been looking at barns. I contacted Melissa at Paradigm Farms to look at options. Tonight, when I found out that Denali didn't feel well it reminded me why I want her close. I know they would take the best of care of her (which is why I contacted them, I think they are awesome) but for now I need her close. Another barn actually contacted me to see if I'd be interested in working there in exchange for reduced board. I'm going to go look at it at some point... I'm not vaccinating Denali right now and they require proof of vaccines. The shots just throw her for such a loop, and I don't think her body is up to fighting that right now. My vet agrees with me. (BTW: I love my vet.)
Thanks for your kind words. I actually had a lengthy conversation with the "Big Guy" on my way out to the barn. I am sure people driving past me thought I was nuts, but I figured I'd put it out there. When I was a little kid I always wondered if God could hear our thoughts or if we had to actually say them for him to "get the message."
6 comments:
I give Nina Devil's Claw, but I also give her a teaspoon or so of Slippery Elm with it - both in her beet pulp. The Slippery Elm is to keep it from irritating her digestive system. About $2 worth at the health food store lasts over a week. I also get the Devil's Claw there - $8 lasts for 45 days, unlike what it costs if it is labeled for horses.
I don't think God cares if we think them, speak them or scream them. But sometimes we need to express ourselves that way. ANYWAY, I had never heard that about Devil's Claw but certainly don't dispute it. I learn so much from reading people's blogs. Do you think Denali's issue could be the studly hateful gelding next door? Can she be moved away from him?
If God can't hear my non verbal prayers I'm in big trouble as I rarely pray out loud.
I sure hope you and Denali can find the perfect permanent barn for her that will be close enough for frequent visits and won't break the bank.
Hum... I will have to look into Slippery Elm. For now I'm keeping her off of it to make sure it's not something else.
Thanks for posting this - my mare had an accident last year in October and when I had the vet out to X-ray we found that she has a bone spur in her hock. I tried a supplement, it didn't work and I was actually thinking about Devils claw and Yucca.
Let me know how it works out for you =)
Poor D! She sounds miserable next to that gelding. Does she have to be next to him? If he's being that ugly she probably didn't get any rest or relaxation all night. :(
I hope it was just the Devil's Claw and that she'll be okay now that she's off of it. It's just trial and error with supplements because no two horse is the same about them.
I've wondered the same thing about prayers. I rarely pray out loud, but I sometimes wonder if I have to specifically spell out what I want or if a simple "help me please!" is enough. :) I struggle with that one.
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