Earthly Equine Evolution

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I taped Handy once again, just two days ago, and he stands 44 inches tall or 11 HH, and weighs 258 lbs. His rate of growth is quite amazing, and I have been working with him several times a week already, just for a short time, to ensure that he learns respectful limits in dealing with humans. He has displayed no fear beyond a slight startle at an unexpected movement or a sudden sound, and his recovery time is very short, as his curiosity quickly brings him back around to investigate.

He is eager for attention, and if I am working with his dam, he will pluck at the saddle blanket, stirrups, lead rope and reins, causing Madelaine mild consternation if the tug on the reins engages the mild bit which I use on her. She is of milder demeanor than Caramel, and has respect for her mouth, so I ride her in a snaffle bit, which works strictly with lateral pressure by direct rein, no leverage involved.

Handy is very near understanding to follow the lead rope without being hazed on occasion from behind by a gentle swat with a glove or the wave of my arm. He has likewise almost given up on the attempts to dash ahead and we are now finding that spot where the handler travels between the shoulder and head of the horse, much like a dog learns to heel. With horses, you want them beside you, neither in front to block your direction signals, nor behind whence a startle will send them over top of you. This is the part we are working on now, as well as learning to halt when I halt and wait until asked before resuming our motion.

I have also been grooming him when he gets his ration of pellets most days, and he is now quite accustomed to my fiddling with his tail, legs and body while he eats as this is no impediment to the process at hand. Today, I used a hoof pick and cleaned his hooves for the first time. Three legs, he was great with, but the right front caused him some concern and it took me a few moments to decide that it was an issue of balance. Horses carry more weight on their forehand than their hindquarters by dint of the extension of the neck and head. Perhaps because we handle horses more from the left side, he had no difficulty with that side, nor with the right hind. We had to bring in the lead rope and take a little walk before he would allow me to keep the right front up long enough to clean it. We engaged in a slow motion waltz for several minutes, before he realized that this was not a harmful task, and that I would persist as long as he had a mind to continue this play. I assisted his balance by placing him against the fence and gently giving support with my right shoulder, while he just stood there for longer periods each time, with me keeping his leg and hoof very centered while it was raised. Once he was reassured as to balance, we cleaned the hoof, and then repeated the whole process without protest. He was relaxed and licking his lips when we were done, after which he was turned out to graze with his dam, so additional positive reinforcement.

Looks like I shall have time to finish up my fencing repairs and begin to separate Madelaine from Handy for short rides, as an hour after our return today, I note that Caramel is stepping short and has some swelling in her right foreleg. I have applied liniment, and will continue to do so for several days while we await developments. I recall her stepping into a low spot on the trail today, which may have elicited a slight sprain, not that it discouraged her from a bit of speed work where the footing was good. I think I'll have to shut her down a bit on the speed element for a while, and return to long, slow distance work once she is recovered.

Meanwhile, a picture of Handy with his dam, which nicely shows how much he has filled out.

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There is swelling and heat in Caramel's right foreleg above the pastern, and though she stands square and weight bearing upon it, she walks with a measured stride and a deep head nod, so she will be confined to barracks for a time, as yet to be determined. Her eyes are bright and her appetite good, and she does not have the 'frown' of extreme discomfort, so this appears to be a soft tissue injury, rather than a tendon injury, which would have the potential to be quite devastating, with long recovery and a poor prognosis for her status as an endurance horse. With an injury of this sort, she may well be back on the trail in a week or so, traveling short distances at a walk to start. Plans for additional long rides may well have to be set back until next season, although such may just be my cautious nature speculating. The horse will let her status be known, and when she is once again tearing around her large paddock like a wild thing, I may re-evaluate my thoughts of this time.

There are some who would advocate anti-inflammatory medication, yet I only use those when pain is clearly indicated to relieve discomfort for the horse. Such medications impact the digestive system, which is a delicate balance to start, and have the further effect of causing the horse to ignore the discomfort that nature imposes to allow the proper rest needed for healing, and in some cases, such 'stoned' horses will inflict further injury upon themselves without the pain to make them mindful of current limitations.

Therefore, the current regime of treatment is as nature would suggest, R & R, or 'rest and recovery'. I have just turned Caramel out to graze, as there are several plants in nature with medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, and the mare will freely ingest those plants as she gets exercise at will, walking about to visit the other horses and to select from the bounty of greens available at this time of year.

Handy remembered our lesson of yesterday, in regard to feet, as prior to feeding, I approached him and picked up all four legs in sequence, and he offered no complaint about his right forefoot, with my arm around his chest as an aid to balance and support. This work was done at liberty, without the restraint of a lead rope. I then did the same with Madelaine, to reinforce in his mind that such is a normal duty expected in our relationship. He is such an observant little gent.

Here is a picture of Caramel, on our descent from the mountain, overlooking a lake on the plateau. The perspective is such that she appears to be enjoying the view while she grazes upon the bunch grass that grows at that elevation, nearing 5000 feet at that point.

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From observation, experience and a knowledge of the history leading up to the onset of Caramel's sudden lameness, I am reasonably certain that we are dealing with a stone bruise of the sole, which can cause swelling and fluid retention above the hoof as well.

Within thirty-six hours, she was walking without a limp, although noticeably not careening around the pen, as is her wont. On the fourth day, we went out for a leisurely ride at the walk around the 5 km trail, and from habit, she was eager to move out along the highway right-of-way, an idea that I soon nixed as 100 yds of canter indicated that she was 'stepping short' on the right front leg. She agreeably settled into a fast walk, at which pace we completed the route.

She is now playing in her pen, romping and kicking up, but still not racing the wind. On today's therapy ride, I used tendon support boots, and reversed the 5 km trail. As before, she exhibited a desire to stretch out, but I could still feel an unevenness in her canter, so once again, we slowed our pace, but this time we covered 1/3 of the distance at a brisk trot.

Upon returning to the yard, I set her into a canter on the soft footing of my training area, and she eagerly loped 3 large circles in each direction as bid, without difficulty. That pretty much settles the matter in my mind, as were it an injury of a different nature, the footing change would not have made a difference. I can now add arena work to her therapy and continue with light to moderate riding as the bruised hoof mends itself.

I am very much relieved by this finding, and Caramel, is happy to be returned to 'light duties'.

Some information on bruising in horses at this link:

http://www.qldhorsecouncil.com/QHC%2...%20Bruises.pdf

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Looking out the window at 5:00 a.m., I observe that we have company in the form of two miniature horses, which, upon closer inspection, turn out to be a mature stallion and a yearling colt. The youngster is scruffy of coat, which at this time of year is an indication that he may be harboring an overburden of parasites. He is a wary young thing, and his hooves have the appearance of never having been trimmed, not surprising, given his apparent unschooled state.

With a pan of sweet feed, I charm the stallion into accepting the halter, and as I lead him, the shaggy yearling follows, and I soon have them contained in a free-standing metal pen, from which they will not be able to escape. I recognize them as belonging to a neighbor, and still have her number on the wall, when she was phoning around looking for her creatures. At that time, they did not show up here, but fortunately, I had retained the number.

While I was at work, they came and retrieved the errant pet horses.


This morning, 5:00 a.m. again, and I hear an expletive from my hubby, who is not given to such voicing, and hence somewhat startling to hear.

The horses were in the yard, again.

I called, and surprisingly, reached the neighbour, at that hour of the morning. Otherwise occupied, I suggested that she could catch her own horses this time, and the sooner the better, please, as they were interfering with the management of my own animals, who could not be let out to graze, moved between pens etc. while they were underfoot and they were mucking about in my hay sheds and pooping on the feed they were scattering.

Two and a half hours later, I glanced out the window again, only to observe that the yearling had weaseled into the paddock with the mare and foal, and there was considerable chasing and kicking of hooves transpiring. The yearling was in potential danger, as were my larger horses, as miniatures can get under the barrel of a horse and damage them from below, kicking into the abdomen and groin.

Additionally, I suspected that these horses were of uncertain status in regards to Equine Infectious Anaemia, the equine equivalent of AIDS, and an open wound could be a vector for transmission.

A horse diagnosed with E.I.A. must be destroyed or quarantined for life, so now I am seriously choked. In order to sell or show a horse today, most venues demand a current clear Coggins test. My venue has always been clear, and I am horrified at the potential risk these wanderers present to my foal, the result of twenty years work in genetics and breeding.

With sweet feed, I quickly grab the stallion and secure him in the pen, as before, both miniatures wearing halters on this excursion, which has me questioning whether they were allowed out to graze and wandered off.

How to get the yearling out without also releasing my own colt and the mare? The yearling is quite small, so perhaps I can get him out by opening only the two bottom rails, the top one which will keep back the mare, at least. Handy, if he gets out, is easy enough to recapture, and of course, I am dressed for office work and the clock is ticking. Joy!

The yearling allows me to grasp his halter, before I could think to grab a rope, as the opportunity presented itself. He immediately demonstrates my earlier assessment that he is not trained by hauling back and rearing, but I do not let go. We work our way through an undignified tango, as I wrestle with this animal who weighs half again my weight and has the advantage of four grounded points to move from. He won’t walk forwards, so I turn him and allow him to back toward the gate, and then hip check him under the rail, getting a splinter in my hand in the process of closing the gate behind us. With a pan of sweet feed and an occasional bunt with my knee, I manage to move him 100 feet and into the lockup with his buddy, quickly setting them up with feed and water.( I may be strict but I am not cruel.)

After cleaning myself up, I called the owner and left a most polite yet succinct message, explaining that any future excursions would be the responsibility of the livestock control officer, as we were now venturing into the domain of health and safety issues.

She arrived within ½ hour, most apologetic and I took the opportunity to explain to her the exact nature of the risks that were involved, things that she had never given thought to, as she lacks experience with the nature of horses and the law as it pertains to stallions roaming at large, which the public and the law take a very dim view of. As I suspected, her beasts have never been assessed for E.I.A., and so I can only hope that they are not infected, and that their interaction with my horses provided no opportunity for transfer, in the event they are carriers.

There is an old saying that applies here:

GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBOURS.

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Handy demonstrates some unique behavior as I continue to work with this interesting young fellow. The other day, it was time to return he and his dam to their pen, after an interval spent grazing. With a pan of sweet feed, this is easily accomplished as the horses understand routine and treats, and Handy is usually quick to follow.

Taking the halter off the mare, I realized that Handy was not in tow, and from a short distance away, I heard him articulate a small whinny of 'greeting'. Thinking that the visitors had returned, I glanced in the direction of the sound.

Handy was gazing intently at his reflection in the window of the tack shed, the afternoon light revealing a very distinct horse looking back at the intent youngster. He stepped forward, and the reflection did likewise.

I watched with interest as his body language became one of perplex. His ears moved and his facial expression was very 'human'.

As I walked toward him, (which usually elicits a join-up response in the young horse), he walked away with a 'seeking' manner clearly about him. He walked to the front of the small shed and peered around the corner. No horse to be seen.

He distinctly seemed to be seeking another equine, as his recent experience had revealed there to be other horses in existence besides his dam and aunt. After a moment more of looking around, he turned and followed me to the pen, and to get his share of the feed before his mother got it all.

His reaction to seeing his reflection was not unlike other young horses I have raised, yet he is the first one I have known to proceed with investigation beyond touching the source of the reflection.

This youngster promises to be a very interesting fellow to make the journey with and I am very pleased to watch his explorations of our surrounds.

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The rate of growth of plant and animal life during our long summer days is nothing short of phenomenal. Handy is a robust colt, and large for his age as was confirmed by another experienced horseman, the gentleman who does my yard work with his machinery.

Today, I measured the colt once again, and in the 27 days since I last taped him, he has gained another inch of height and 59 lbs, now weighing in at 317 lbs.

The two pictures following show the colt on May 1st and today, two days short of three months. That mare's milk must have exponential caloric density.

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It is presently 80F outside, which is quite warm for these parts although not so in other climes. Horses are able to perform light to moderate work even in warm temperatures, as long as they are well hydrated and one keeps the duration of effort appropriate to their level of conditioning.

Though I am not much fond of heat myself, one interesting effect of the large dosage of Ibuprofen that I am presently taking as prescribed, is that I do not seem to be quite as affected by the heat.

I am trying to determine what is the mechanism of this effect.

Perhaps my nervous system is less responsive, although my manual dexterity and cognizance seem as usual.

Perhaps the effect is due to the slight tranquilizing effect in that I do not fret about my dislike of the heat.

Things are as they are. Just deal with them.

Time to go for a stroll on horseback before it gets even toastier outside.

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An interesting article about a lady long rider that was forwarded to me by one who knows of my interest in all things equine. Past, present and future, the horse appears to be committed to a relationship with our species for the duration.

Enjoy.

http://www.shakopeenews.com/news/gen..._top_horse-108

Some interesting links at this site, the home of The Long Riders' Guild.

http://www.thelongridersguild.com/LRG.htm

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Handy's rapid rate of growth continues, albeit decreasing somewhat as the mare's milk now has waned in richness and volume. He eats hay and grass free choice and his height is now on the increase, as he has gained three inches in three weeks and now stands 48 inches at the shoulder and weighs 350 lbs.

The two horses enjoy grazing privileges most days and the mare is turned out with a halter and bell, while Handy wears his foal halter, adjusted weekly to accommodate his growth, and which will soon be replaced by a sturdier weanling halter.

The youngster has learned that mistress does not care to be 'groomed' horse style, his last application of teeth to skin resulting in a large bruise on my upper arm and a swift jab to his muzzle. The following morning, he kept his distance, staying on the far side of Madelaine and peeking around the front of her chest to see if this was acceptable. Since then, he once again approaches on the near side, but maintains a respectful distance between us while I halter and bell the mare. He does not retreat from my advances, having learned the order of such matters.

The boss horse does the touching. Horses lower in rank stand and submit to inspection. His nipping was never intended to dominate, rather he was offering to scratch me in the same manner as he scratches himself or his mother when they participate in mutual grooming. Handy is learning that the hairless horse with the long mane has rules unto herself, lol, which conform very closely to the herd hierarchal rules, save for my dislike of grooming and rough horseplay.

He has never offered to kick or strike, which many youngsters do, and one can run their hands down his legs and over his barrel with confidence that he will not object. He makes the funniest faces of protest when I brush insect repellent in his ears, which seems to be more of an objection to the odor of the repellent or the texture of the brush, as he seems to enjoy when I gently stroke his ear-tips with my fingers instead. Having his forelock combed is still an act that causes his ears to slant backwards in resignation, lol, though he does not offer resistance beyond such minor posturing of 'why for we got to do that?'

Handy is excellent at giving me his feet to have his hooves cleaned, his leading lessons are progressing well, and I can drape my arm over him and lean considerable weight onto his sturdy young back, all in preparation for future training. He learns by watching me perform these actions with his mother, and as she offers no objection to such familiarity, he sees no reason to complain about similar treatment.

When it is time to return the horses to their pen, I head toward the tack shed to get their daily treat of grain, presently whole oats (Yukon grown) and call their names. Handy always calls out in reply and both horses come from wherever they are in the yard and march right into the pen and their respective grain buckets which are tied to the fence rails. I remove the mare's halter and bell, close the gate and toss in their hay ration.

Nicer horses I have never had the pleasure of working with.

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Yesterday was Labor Day, and now also the anniversary of Handy's first hoof trimming.

After placing his mother in a small holding pen adjacent to the barn, I led the colt into the 10 x 14' space that he is most familiar with and comfortable within.

I sweetened the deal with a small ration of oats and gave him a good brushing while he nibbled the treat and contemplated this new development. As I groomed the colt, I asked for each hoof in turn as I came to it in the course of brushing down his legs. Each hoof was picked up by the colt when asked for and his body language was soft and unconcerned.

The timing was 2:30 p.m. as I have observed this to be the start of a natural rest cycle for most horses, which is logical, as most large predators are less active at this time of day as well.

The rain of several days had softened the hard outer hoof wall, making this an opportune time for 'pony pedicures'. The floor in the barn was level sand, dry and comfortable for both of us, and best of all, the black flies, hungry after days in seclusion, are not fond of shaded enclosure.

The colt was steady enough on three legs that I was able to trim and rasp his left fore without setting it down for him to rest. The right fore, required two short rests, and each of the hind feet only one rest each.

Many adult horses require as much consideration, and Handy amazed me with his attempts to be co-operative. At one point he asked for a foot to be put down because he had to eliminate. Once he was done his business, he stepped forward again, readily offering the hoof for completion.

What a gentleman.

I am most fortunate that this young fellow has come along at a point in my life where I have gained sufficient experience of horses to recognize that they are far more intelligent than many people realize.

As much as I am designated to be Handy's teacher, I am ever a student also.

This little fellow has already taught me a great deal more about his kind, though he has been in the world only a short time.