[QUOTE=Reds-n-Greys;3543137]
If one day you get a knock at your front door - don’t be surprised if I’m standing there - I would love to meet you and your whole Crew! :yes:[/QUOTE]
You are very welcome, seriously, if you are looking for working holidays - if you don’t mind food “ish something mashed up” once a day in rural area - be brave and take a chance! if you are brave, you will even get a ride on Puika 
(As a special bonus!)
I must have missed something! What happened to Puika! I cannot believe how your farm has grown…you guys are amazing and Peter looks like he is having a blast riding…I wish you guys the best with your horsie friends…Will Shella be okay in the box in the winter with her breathing and how is Giva doing?
Shella must be kept outside 24/7 - one night at barn and she is wheezing again so we had planned to build the place where they can have secure wooden fencing with run-in shed so all 3 can stay outside all winter and use the stable boxes only if there is necessity like vet or it will really go cold like - 20 or so. (Nelson in turn will be living in box all winter as he just can not be released for for free movements next 4- 5 months).
The project would be already completed but we found another rubbish pile burried in planned winter turnout area so we must clean the ground there before the fencing will be completed. For example, yesterday we had found things like caterpillar track pieces, 3-4 yards long (we shall use tractor today to drag them out of pastures, they are not movable by hands, really heavy), at least one frame of tractor trailer, two huge combine tyres and billions of smaller things. My scrap shed is completely full again, and serious load is also waiting outside. Today I will have 4 kids to help with forks to check the whole area again to be sure that nothing is left in ground. If not this new, unexpected rubbish pile, fencing would be completed already.
When, Oh when ALL the rubbish will be cleared out here???
Giva is doing great, healing well, there is no more need for serious medical treatment, now she just needs love, basic care, food and excercises. For her wound the keyword is TIME and good luck. You can not see her ribs anymore, and her bum is starting to fill in nicely. She will be ok, and seems that she will recover 100% (we already ordered a special gel pad to go under saddle to protect her withers when we shall be able to safely put saddle on, but it is far away from now, could be only next spring).
Peter is taking lessons because of Giva as she is from quite talented jumping line here, and she wants to work - she really wants to work! Believe or not - after all her bad experience with previous rider she is so keen! In few weeks time we are planning to make some low jumps so she can jump for fun by herself - her boredom must be killed somehow and small jumps will keep her happy and will make her feel like in job again.
About Puika - nothing new had happened, only his gas colics do not want to go away (we really hoped that they are created only by lack of movements with previous owner and life outside,with mild work shall cure it, but no, he most likely has one cord inside too long where gut is getting stuck all the time thus creating colics again and again. That surgery can not be done (many reasons) so vet found one medication which seems to be working - Tympasol (reduces gasses) - and I’m waiting the company to inform us about long term usage as seems that Puika must have this medication on daily basis for the remaining life to prevent these mild daily gas colics.
At least now, when he is not in gut pain, he is such a sweetheart and we feel much better around him. See, I’m still a novice, and Puika is my first horse experience - wild, unpredictable monster with lack of basic manners - complete danger to happen (If not our supersweet Shella I would think that all horses are like that 
). Few times he already had ripped apart hot wire fencing so that is a reason why he is back on chain again. Hope he will do better in wooden fencing - we are building it stronger for him.
Medications now had turned him into sweet, predictable horse with only lack of manners and we have better ground to work with him. Now we can ask him to do this or that and behave himself - before we never were sure is this bad behavior or just pain again making him jumping high out of the blue, kicking and rearing. We suspected that it is just pain but now we know for sure - without pain he is a good horse willing to learn and obey.
If these medications will not work in long term then our vets had suggested to put him down as it is not fair to keep him suffering. It would be terrible and very very hard decission but I know that there is not a reason to keep him just because I hate to fail. Our love must be fair and if he is suffering without hope then putting him down will be the right thing. But so far medications are doing the job and he feels ok so we are trying and hoping.
Wow Anna,
I haven’t been on here to read your thread in a while. I’m so sorry to hear that Puika is having trouble. I hope the medication works. Congratulations on your new horses!!! You guys are doing such great things!
Jingles for Puika!
You and Peter are awesome. I’ll have to keep up better with your news! The last time I read you were just about to get Shella!
Just an idea;
Have you wormed Puika for encysted worms ? - they can cause the same symptoms. It may be worth a try and can not hurt him.
Some information here;
http://www.surgi-carecenter.com/topics/200511internalparasites.pdf
Panacur® Powerpack
by Intervet
Panacur® Equine Dewormer
Panacur® (fenbendazole) Paste 10% contains the active anthelmintic, fenbendazole. Each gram of Panacur® Paste contains 100 mg of fenbendazole and is flavored with artificial apple-cinnamon liquid.
Actions: The antiparasitic action of Panacur® Paste 10% is believed to be due to the inhibition of energy metabolism in the parasite.
Indications: Panacur® Paste is indicated for the control of large strongyles (Strongylus edentatus, S. equinus, S. vulgaris), encysted early third stage (hypobiotic), late third stage and fourth stage cyathostome larvae, small strongyles, pinworms (Oxyuris equi), ascarids (Parascaris equorum), and arteritis caused by fourth stage larvae of Stongylus vulgaris in horses.
Panacur® Paste 10% is approved for use concomitantly with an approved form of trichlorfon. Trichlorfon is approved for the treatment of stomach bots (Gasterophilus spp.) in horses. Refer to the manufacturer’s label for directions for use and cautions for trichlorfon.
Contraindictions: There are no known contraindications for the use of Panacur Paste 10% in horses.
Dosage: Administer orally at a rate of 2.3 mg/lb (5 mg/kg) for the control of large strongyles, small strongyles, and pinworms. One syringe will deworm a 1,100 lb horse. For foals and weanlings (less than 18 months of age) where ascarids are a common problem, the recommended dose is 4.6 mg/lb (10 mg/kg); one syringe will deworm a 550 lb horse.
For control of encysted early 3rd stage (hypobiotic), late 3rd stage and 4th stage cyathostome larvae and 4th stage larvae of Strongylus vulgaris, the recommended dose is 4.6 mg/lb (10 mg/kg) daily for 5 consecutive days; administer one syringe for each 550 lbs body weight per day.
Size: 25 gram paste 10% (100 mg/g). Tube size is 4" and the nozzle is 1-1/2". 5 tubes.Expiration date on package.
Thank you, but yes, we suspected strongyles at the beginning too, and he got Panacur, first on March already, and then repeated - nothing. And lab tests did not showed anything. The autumn deworming will be done soon, after we shall get first serious frost.
Annacrew- when you used the power pack did you do the 5 days? Did you do a fecal test? If so that can tell you if he has ANY worm problem…The simethicone is good stuff and it will not hurt him…can you keep him out all the time so he can graze 24/7? any empty tummy is not good but a bit of work might help too…
Good luck and let us know how he does…
ENCYSTED worms show no signs on fecal tests as they are [COLOR=Red]ENCYSTED [COLOR=Black]in the wall of the large intestine.
“There are over 50 different species of small strongyles (cyathostomes) worldwide that parasitize horses. They are less pathogenic (cause less damage) than large strongyles because they do not migrate beyond the wall of the large intestine. Once ingested by the horse, the larvae reach the large intestine where they burrow into the wall and become “encysted”. When in the encysted form they are not susceptible to dewormers. If large numbers of small strongyles emerge from the encysted stage at once they can cause severe damage to the intestinal lining. Signs of small strongyle infestation are colic, diarrhea, slow growth, loss of condition and poor haircoat. It is unclear why the small strongyles tend to emerge at once, but it is speculated that it may be associated with seasonal change, (winter/spring in the northern areas and spring/summer in the southern areas). Dewormers from the avermectin family are very effective in treating both large and small strongyles however, benzimidazoles and pyrimidines are also effective. Fenbendazole (Panacur Powerpac), given once daily for 5 days, is the only dewormer labeled to treat all forms of encysted small strongyles.”
[/COLOR][/COLOR]
Thank you for suggestions! Yes, he got Panacur course in March as strongiles were suspected. But nothing had shown up later - his overall health condition is excellent. Blood tests - perfect. Hoofs - perfect condition. He had not had diarrhea, loss of condition and poor haircoat - he is just looking better than ever, haircoat shiny (now it is starting to change, on his head it is getting a bit flyffy already, winter is coming).
Puika is out on pastures 24/7 since arrival of Shella, so since May 3rd. The whole summer out in good quality grass. He was in the box only two nights and few hours at noon for about a week when we had the heatwave here in July.
He had mild work every day, excercises just to keep him moving, and we had hoped that all will be ok, but no.
Last two weeks before we started medications he had several mild colics nearly every day. We tried to work out the possible reasons like weather changes, pressure (dry v.i. rainy weather), food, stress factors, riding excercises… No consistency at all had been found.
Our vet suggested to put him on poor grass now, and add hay to his ration. Puika is not happy about it, but vet says that he will do better on hay than on grass. So he is now moved only a bit around on fresh grass and is standing with a hay pile in front of him while all around is green, green grass. Poor boy, but it works.
When winter turnout will be ready he will be moved there so only on hay, no green grass. He has salt, water 24/7, vet also mentioned that he might need electrolites to increase his water intake. He is not drinking much.
I had reading sooo many articles about different reasons for colics but no - no any ideas right now.
Anna How is our Horsie friend family doing?
last I did read is that you will temporary grown to 4 horse strong now.
this should be easier found post… like at favorit forum 
Nelson is here
So, today Nelson has joined our crew. And he is doing great as well as we all here - horses already welcomed him when just box arrived, and since then they are calmly talking, dogs said “yeah, another horse, why not, keep them comin , more poop for us!” and we, humans, think that he is sweet, bored and very fal little horse who must have strong diet a bit of brushing and few tons of love.
So here is Nelson, proud member of COTH now
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/09-10-08-nelson/PICT7393.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/09-10-08-nelson/PICT7422.jpg
Other pictures here
http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/09-10-08-nelson/?start=0
Anna, what does Puika think about having another boy in the barn? I am so worried about Puika, after your latest posts… does he really colic every day?
Since Puika is on medications, he had not colicked at all, so at least we know what the problem is exactly. So now we are trying to reduce amount of medications and trying to convince Puika eat laxseeds. He is very conservative, so it takes some time, but he is nearly on the daily dosage - at the beginning we mixed the small amount laxseed with a lot of pellets, and each day we are reducing amount of pellets and increasing amount of laxseed. Few more days and we shall be able just decorate laxseed with a bit of pellets. I’m also mixing fresh pumpkin in his mash, and he is staring to like it. We would like to find the proportion of mash that would keep his guts clean and smooth, without extra help of Tympasol.
And the best news - his beheivior is becoming better and better - I just returned from pastures where i was watering them - Puika was nearly as sweet as our girls are - not trying to bully me, not naughty actions, not nipping attempts - normal, well behaved horse, looking for cuddles and love. That’s the best thing that medications have done - he has no pain in tummy, so he has time to think now and be nice.
As far as about Nelson - they all seemed quite happy to greet him (they started to neigh as they spotted horse trailer approaching), but no actual meetings expected now as Nelson will spend this winter in box inside, and the lot - outside, so no big chances to have tet-a-tet. Nelson was at the bottom end of his previous herd and now he seems quite happy that nobody tries to bully him. He can see them all, talk, and that’s about all.
When he will settle in, we are planning to introduce him to girls - taking girls one by one in and leaving for about a hour or so in the next box so they can get used to each other more.
Just wanted to share good news - we put Puika out in electric fencing 3 days ago, and so far all is great! He is beheiving great and had not had any restless moment at all!
He is also off the medications and is having laxeed/pumpkin mash daily, and it is working.
I’m so happy that he can enjoy his freedom now! His whole new life!
Nelson is doing great, we took him out for the first small walk and he is perfect - easy to handle, very sweet and cudlyy boy, looking only for kisses. Even Giva, who is our alpha mare, seems to like him.
My only problem with Nelson - how to keep him clean??? With very small amount of bedding (for his tendon) he looks soo dirty every morning! Brushing does not help 100%, so he has orange spots after it anyway
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/14-10-08/PICT7477.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/14-10-08/PICT7452.jpg
And our latest rescue is a swan. Mute swan, this year’s youngster. He was picked up by shelter people in town, and as they have no facilities dor wildlife animals, he was delivered on Sunday night to us. He was poorly, nearly stiff, but seems that he will make it - he had hole in his lungs, which our vet stiched, and serious damages on the right side of his head. Probably led poisoning and hitting powerlines. It is not clear how his right eye will be but it has improved . An eye surgery will be needed, vet needs remove the trirl eyelid, but it can wait just now, First thing swelling must be reduced.
Here are few of his pictures:
Arrival night
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/12-10-08swan/PICT7433.jpg
Damaged eye
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/12-10-08swan/PICT7441.jpg
And today on his first walk around here
you can see his assimetric face
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/16-10-08gulbis/PICT7497.jpg
Damaged eye (much better)
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/16-10-08gulbis/PICT7495.jpg
Enjoying swimming
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m138/BBCedrik/16-10-08gulbis/PICT7490.jpg
There isn’t much that you can do about keeping a grey horse clean. They LOVE to sleep in their poop. Its gross but if you guys keep on top of brushing him, there shouldn’t be a problem.
Is there a harness on your Swan?
Nelson and the swan are cute!
yes, it is a harness on the swan - due to the stiches after the surgery he is not keen trying out flying again, but I was concerned about getting him out of the pond - he is still weak, blind on one eye, disorientated (after head injury or led poisoning, probably both) and it is mid October - next week snow is promised so I was not keen on swimming to get him out of pond so as a dog person I just made safe harness and used 5 m horse leading rope.
Anna- you guys are amazing! Is there any animal you cannot fix!
Great news on Puika and the swan is awesome…
And as far as keeping a grey white HAHAHAHA! Cowboy magic is the only thing I know people use…I never want to own a white horse…If I have to retire my horse can I send him to you?
So happy to hear Puika is improving! Nelson and your gorgeous swan are fantastic. Thanks for cheering me up today, Anna.
You guys always amaze me with what you ad to your farm… That’s wonderful that you are helping that swan! he’s beautiful.
As for Nelson… I’m afraid I have to concur with the others… there’s no such thig as a white horse. ROFL!
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