Boots and smiles are ON!

So today was the day that Cliff our barefoot trimmer was to come out. I was SO nervous to say the least, not to go barefoot, but that this hopeful method wasn't going to work..but I tried to think only positive and kept plugging through my day. I got to the barn an hour before Cliff because I wanted time with Laz and being he was so crazy yesterday, I was nervous he would be uppity again.

Look at this face and that wind blowing mane and that eye! LOL!!! But actually Laz was really great today despite MORE winds today. Go figure, an inconsistent OTTB?! ;)

"Mooooooooooooom!!!"

So right on time, Cliff and the Vet (with his two students in Equine Vet school at MSU) came in. My husband was there too along with the two BO's and our four dogs collectively...lol!

Laz loved to sniff Cliff...I think he really likes him. Cliff has an amazingly calm quality about him and I'm very impressed and honored to be taken on as he is limiting his clientele due to health issues of his own. He is an awesome man!

One thing that really impressed me about Cliff is his wanting to teach one of the vet students...he is patient and kind. Laz totally picked up on that and was really good (most of the time).

"Hi Cliff, thanks for my mani/pedi"

Cliff removed all four shoes. Typically he usually pulls in pairs but since Laz's laminitis is in his rear, we put the Easy Care Epic's on the back for comfort with thick pads and that will act as his 'shoe'

Ok, so while Cliff worked on Laz he threatened him during his bratty moments to sing to him as torture. LOL!! Loved it! Great sense of humor and great support FOR the horse, and for me!

Oh and that abscess that I've been obsessing over?! Vet confirmed that it already ruptured..there was a teeny tiny hole in his bottom of his sole (right hind) and it's done and over with. There may be more but that was the one we saw on the xrays. Whew!!!! Funny because I've been picking Laz's feet and never saw anything and he allowed me to pick his feet. Maybe it burst on that day he was really sweaty?

Cliff was very good at explaining what he was doing and why. Gave me a tutorial on how to put on and take off the Easy Care Boots. The plan is to keep boots on 24/7 and remove every other day to check on his feet, allow him to walk bare for a hour or so while I'm there, put in Gold Bond medicated powder to help fight against thrush and put boots back on.

Thanks to my Husband who took pictures, tended to the dogs and offered the support that I needed today. YOU ROCK my love!

I couldn't help but think of Forrest Gump with his new boots on! :)

Laz walked out better on these boots than when he walked in with his heart bars....so it really seems like we are moving in a good direction. He walked better, didn't fight or worry about having the boots on. They are a little hard to get on but I think I can handle it and I'm sure I'll get to be a pro at it.

Cliff's goals and now ours:

To open up Laz's pen and allow him the other half which will double his paddock area and eventually get him moving more to help with his healing. Start wrapping his legs less and get him healing without as much support. Take him out of his stall/paddock when I'm out there and walk him in the arena for 10-15 minutes. Start working his mind again and he stresses bonding with your horse (love that) to aid in their healing. His motto is nature has it's way of healing and we are there to aid in that. I am so comfortable with that thinking, it just sits right. Cliff comes back on the 9th of April and stated if I worry or think Laz isn't doing well that he can be out asap for us. BUT, he thinks Laz will be just fine and told me that his goal is to get me on his back, walking around on him quietly, this late summer...hopefully. OMG!!!!

"I'm cool Mom...don't worry."

Oh and happy 6th (we think being he's a rescue) birthday Pudgie!!!! xo

Good day, great day, awesome day!!!!!