Sweetie's Saga- Rest In Peace Sweet Mare

[carman_liz]

I didn’t either! Holy cow I am sooo glad I started this thread and so many knowledgable people chimed in about that!

Reminded me of after I had my son in a way. I puked so bad with him, all day, all 9 months, after I had him I still puked. This time it was because I was so hungry and wanted to eat all the time, but my stomach was so small I was puking everything I was trying to eat back up. My OB told my mom, because I was 16 at the time, that they somewhat jokingly call it “accidental bulemia”. I would have to re-enlarge my stomach’s capacity with little meals and slowly increase how much I ate or I would be sick again.

Not exactly the same of course since horses don’t throw up like we can to expel stuff, but the whole small stomach and body turning on you idea of it kinda matches in a way.

[carman_liz]

Maybe what she was born with is coming back…maybe it’s neigh-ba-off-brand-show-sheen-lleeeenn…lol. all joking aside her coat is looking better and she is getting a slight winter coat in so I am really happy about it!

[Obsidian_Fire]

I’m glad you started this thread too. For all of us who’ve thought about doing what you’re doing, but didn’t think we’d be capable. You are doing a remarkable job and you’ve not been shy about your thoughts and feelings throughout.
We should all be like you!

[carman_liz]

Ty for warming my heart this chilly morning!! I don’t know that I’m necessarily capable half the time I’m just flying by the seat of my pants!

It really helps to have all of you to vent to when I am beyond frustrated or at a loss for options and need to ask for advice. You all always bring me back down to earth and I love you guys for it!!

[ShenanAnna]

Not quite by the seat of your pants; you’re involving your vet (and taking their advice!) in your endeavors, and not afraid to question yourself.

[swmorse]

From what you’ve been doing, sounds to me like you do know what you’re doing. And know enough to follow the vet’s instructions and ask questions and give all answers serious thought.

She’s looking good

[Sdel]

We have a mare in similar condition at my barn right now. She’s currently sharing turnout with my mare. When she came, she didn’t move a lot (foundered) and they think she might be currently pregnant. It took a few weeks of good food but she has definitely has opened up more, is more steady on her feet, and is moving more.

You mare will get there. When they have been abused, I find they really come to appreciate the people who treat them right.

[IPEsq]

Sweetie clearly still has a long way to go, but I think she’s already looking better! How are the poops?

[carman_liz]

Good and bad, she will have an all firm day, then at night go splat again, or vice versa or any combination of solid n watery during the hrs between her 4 feedings of the day. Right now there are more firm but still softer apples than liquid. Two steps forward, one step back it seems, still progress though.

[carman_liz]

Changed the name of this post, felt like it was alot of caps to look at at this point haha. But update, farrier comes Thursday morning woohooo. Not my first choice, newer to trimming guy but at this point around here if you do not have a ton of horses, no one bothers to show up, ugh.

I already ‘warned’ him about her condition, her back left leg n hoof issues, that it will take a little longer than a normal trim, and that she cannot get a ton taken off at one due to her arthritis and age. I want her reshaped and her toes brought back, heel able to un-pinch n widen slowly, so her muscles, tendons n ligaments have time to adjust as we go.

I remember working as a waitress in college at a nightclub, in boots with 4in heels, we would have to clean when the bar closed and we all wanted out high heels OFF by 3am. One of the bartenders was amazing and told me do not get flip flops to clean in, get a small wedge flip flop to wear so your legs re-adjust from being propped up in those heels all night, it made a huge difference in calf cramps thats for sure! I figure the same theory applies here?

Anything else I should ask or keep an eye on while he is trimming? Hoping he is not like some of the all male farriers who cannot take a woman, even nicely, critiqueing his work.

[Huntin_Pony]

A strong second for asking the farrier to do LESS than he may want to do. She’s been managing with the current “trim” for quite a while so can continue with slightly long toes for a while. That would be much better than making her sore at this moment. Hopefully, he can come back in (say) four weeks and do a little more. (If you can, maybe a small “tip” will endear him to Sweetie and get you on his calendar for the next visit.)

You are doing a great job!

[carman_liz]

He is charging 50 a trim, my old farrier that had been doing it for yrs until his back got bad and he disapeared only charged 30. Usually only the barefoot holistice type farriers charge over 40/horse. So 100 for her n pony seems like he is tipping himself to me lol. I hate inflation…I see what you are saying though.

[trubandloki]

$50/trim plus a farm calls is the going rate in my part of the world so though it sucks, that is how they can do small places with just a couple of horses.

[carman_liz]

Very true.

[Huntin_Pony]

Maybe some cookies and a drink?

[carman_liz]

Well it is going to be at 7:30am, maybe a mcds bfast muffin n coffee?

[lenapesadie]

I’m a farrier tipper. I didn’t used to be, but getting a decent farrier to show up for just my two horses is an issue. When I have a situation where the trim or shoeing takes longer than normal for whatever reason, I tip keeping the normal rate in mind. If farrier has to spend twice as much time bc we are trimming, shooting x rays and trimming again then I pay twice as much plus a bit extra. The farrier tells me it’s not necessary, but I think it is.

Having me and the horses ready to go at appointment time and being understanding if farrier has to adjust schedule are also important imo.

I’d say coffee on a cold morning might be appreciated more than food.

Hope the new farrier turns out to be a keeper!

[trubandloki]

As someone who does not drink coffee, I would offer a hot or cold drink with some choices.

[carman_liz]

Good idea!

[SBrentnall]

It’s $75 all-in for a barefoot trim with my farrier.