The day I officially rescued Laz end of Sept 08
After owning him for about 30 days Nov 08
Jan 09
Laz in late April 09 looking great for coming out of his first Michigan winter
April 09 after his first bath
(he tried to jump out of the round pen that day...scared the bejesus out of me)
May 09
May 09
Below is Sept 2009, probably the best shape I had him in
Oct 09, the day before he got ill (Potomac? Colic? Ulcers? All three and then laminitis)
Oct 09 waiting for vet..
Nov 09 (during healing of laminitis)
Dec 09, a lot of laying down bless his heart
Jan 2010
Feb 2010
March 2010-switched him to barefoot care and opened up his turnout
June 2010 after a Chiro appt (which he HATED)
July 2010 (riding again, mostly walk with obstacle course/poles)
All bareback
August 2010
Sept 2010
Oct 2010-got his first bodywork done
Jan 2011
March 2011
May 2011
July 2011-switched to new barefoot trimmer when 3 week 'abscess' wouldn't go away
August 2011-feeling back to normal
Sept 2011-moved to a new barn
Early Oct 2011-gorgeous! I drastically changed his diet/vitamins/lifestyle
End Oct 2011, a little leaner with new 24/7 larger turnout
Nov 2011 bumped up beet pulp and hay, and gained weight back
Now treating thin sensitive sole with hopes to regrow/thicken on RH
Dec 2011
My hopes for this winter; maintain to do work/riding/hand walking to keep muscle tone as hoof sole heals.
His trot is still quite stiff, but Vet seemed to think we need to get hoof growth thicker, and then address the other body issues to bring him back slowly.
Chiro appt set for Dec 22nd and we are very excited!
After looking through these pictures I don't see too much negative change (sagging back, etc) for the worse despite him not able to use his body correctly. I just hope once his RH hoof grows in stronger, we can address the other body issues to get him sounder and more comfortable.
It's been a LONG haul for this big gentleman.
I've only been following your blog for a couple of months, Gosh you have been through a lot with this boy. Great post!!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful change :)
ReplyDeleteI'm new too. Quite the journey you 2 have had.
ReplyDeleteHe looks so wonderful, Kristen. Seriously, he is a beautiful beast:) He always has been, but you've really brought out the best in him...congratus on your gorgeous OTTB:) You whould be very proud!
ReplyDelete*should be very proud:)
ReplyDeleteYou have done amazing with him. he is lucky to have you and you him.
ReplyDeleteThese photos just remind me what a wonderful owner and mom you are for sticking by your beautiful boy on this journey. You are both amazing!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Marissa! You should be so proud!!
ReplyDeleteA lot of the time a swaying back is created from lack of condition (fat) not a horse being able to use itself improperly unless it has a serious skelletal/muscular problem. Then if they can be corrected the muscle atrophy is usually not permanent. Try durasole. It's amazing stuff it can help thicken his soles. Have used a bit of it now with satisfying results.
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