This past week of time spent working with Laz.
Mason the wonderchocolatepup is so patient during our hour long drive to get to his favorite place, "the Farm" which he now knows our little schedule like his feeding time. Crazy. :)
The sweet life in Laz's eye
I tried to capture how his bay coloring isn't just brown. It glistens with copper, gold, red, dune, gray and black hairs. He is getting quite used to me kissing that sweet muzzle and is learning to tolerate and even expect it
This is his bad foot and please excuse the mess..it was before I cleaned it, which I should have photographed it after, but I didn't, sorry. This shows the bars (I think) and how uneven they are due to the laminitis, and possible the wedge shoes? Laz is doing really well barefoot and I have to keep remembering, it's only been 6 weeks! It feels like a lot longer. I haven't had xrays since Feb 18th, and he is completely off his meds and I feel walking better than he ever has.
We decided to wait on more Xrays...there is some discussion that xrays could cause a delay in the healing of laminitis. I guess, if you compare that with going to the dentist/doctor and they drape you in a heavy protective apron during an xray..it must do something to our insides right?
One thing for sure with laminitis...is there isn't anything for sure.
This was his mood for the day. Sweet puppy face sleepy boy. You know, the PERFECT day to ride and just kind of kerplunk around. For me, being into just pleasure riding (I'm so impressed with so many of you and your riding skills with you and your horses...wow) and to just enjoy the bonding while riding, these were the days I would LONG for with my OTTB.
Sigh..soon enough but even to just have him to enjoy is definitely enough.
So, instead of riding which we still can't do yet, we do our Cliff approved walks in the sandy arena for about a half hour. Laz is doing better and better in the 'spooky' corners and I am too with being a brave leader. I have to admit though, on the sleepy puppy days, I'm a great leader. On the windy, fire dragon days, I rely on the help of the BO "C" to help me through it.
Here is BO "C" working with us with the Clinton Anderson lead and desensitizing Laz with the 'whip' by hitting it on the ground until he relaxes and isn't tense. When I first got Laz he was petrified by whips and cracking sounds.
Handsome boy.
Yes, still ribby, muscle tone has gone to blah since his bout with colic in October, but overall, not too shabby.
And look how he is standing on both hind legs!
Here we are working with having him stand still by mounting block and remember what it's like to have a rider and legs/arms dangling around. Obviously he could care less and was pony perfect.
You can see how sleepy he is and we do our desensitizing work within a 15 minute capacity to not exhaust him mentally
Reward is Cliff approved grazing for 10-15 minutes. I still get SO nervous about allowing him to graze but so far he's been doing well with it.
And to the far left, that is the BO's puppy Carley, who is getting SO big!
Kristen!! :) He looks AMAZING. Every time you post pictures up I can't beleive how much has changed in only 6 weeks. And he is only 9... Thats basically a lifetime left to enjoy all the pleasure rides you two will have. I can't say enough how much I continually learn from you two. You should SO write a book about this experience.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eva! I know, he is SO young..I hope I have a lifetime with him and am only thinking those positive thoughts!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI am smitten with your Reno, what a handsome man he is! I stalk your blog to read all about your workings with him
Aw yay kristen! He looks so great baring weight on BOTH back feet. Hang in there, I see rides in your future :)
ReplyDeleteYou have definitely helped this traditionalist see the benefits of thinking outside of the box when it comes to treatment options!!
lol blog stalking is addicting. I actually run to my computer when I get home at night. There could be worse addicitions I guess :)
ReplyDeleteYour post brought a smile to my face for about 100 different reasons. Thank you for sharing your nice day with us!
ReplyDeleteLooks like hes doing good. If you have to put shoes on him you should try the easywalkers I used/use. A lady down the road used them on her foundered (5 times now)pony the last 6 months or so and before he was barely pasture sound. Shes been driving him lately and you would never know.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize your so close to me! If you ever come north of the border I am about a 45 minute drive from the Ambassador bridge.
I love the pic where he is sticking out his tounge with his ears back!!! So animated! He looks like he is totally feeling better. You can almost see a smile on his face!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! Those are some uneven bars/heels! But at least the Laz-man is looking wonderful and happy, and THAT is what counts! Those feet will come around eventually, with the help of Saint Cliff.
ReplyDeleteSo, so, SO happy to see the two of you thriving and lovin' life! :-D
I love the life that Laz is leading now. He seems happy mentally which has to make the healing go faster. He is lovely. Keep enjoying and appreciating! It is so good for everyone - including chocolatey Mason.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you and Laz! This is great news!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy this time out of the saddle together. Rarely do we have "forced" non-riding time, it's such a different and special perspective from always being on our horse's back.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing of how the bond between you will grow!
p.s. I do think you'll be on Laz's back again someday for sure! :)
Hi Kristen :)
ReplyDeleteJust from reading about Laz, I can tell that you know this horse inside and out. It really seems like you have developed such a great bond with him. I'm so sorry he's had these problems, I know how it feels :(. He really looks like a wonderful horse and it's so cool that he's found such a great friend in you. I look forward to reading more.