When my gelding was in his mid-30s, he had a torn check ligament (rough-housing in the field as usual). The vet said she didn’t know if the swelling would ever disappear completely. It took awhile, but a few months later, you couldn’t tell there had been an injury. He was totally sound and happy until I lost him at 38.
Sending your boy healing thoughts. If my ancient guy could have a complete recovery, I’m sure yours will too, just as your vet says. 
I totally get it. I’m meeting my with therapist tomorrow over this actually. Between going into spring this year with a horse that had a mild laminitis flare last year, colic concern always, getting a trailer and being nervous to haul as well as his stall not being matched by someone last week I’m at a max. Someone mentioned the 3 feet thing and I have done that without knowing the terminology with laminitis risk and colic risk as much as possible, as well as installed a gravity latch on the stall as an extra fail safe if someone doesn’t latch his stall. Those things are all still regularly on my mind though as well as things I can’t control.
Non horse related, I think Covid is also playing into increasing anxiety/ocd tendencies as I am higher risk due to autoimmune/heart conditions. The world at large is working its way back to normal and I’m not comfortable doing much differently. I’ve had to go through ADA accommodations at work which are ridiculous hoops to jump through and not guaranteed to continue working remotely from home. I do have an uncle that’s a corporate benefits attorney that is in the loop with the process and it does help a little, but it’s still a lot all at once.
You’re not alone 
I read about that concern that you had, and I understand.
That awful— yet beautiful— stable I was at for a while had staff members who forgot to feed my horse several times. When I went to the “manager’s” office to complain, I was told, “Well, the workers are only human, and they sometimes make mistakes.”
Those anxieties were partially alleviated by my making two trips a day, around feeding times, just to make sure he was fed. Well, and by the fact that I left. 
Where I’m at now, I totally trust the hands-on trainer who also lives about 20 yards from the barn. I don’t fret about feed or staff supervision. Instead, my anxiety has become laser focused on my young horse, who’s so full of promise. I have periods where I worry obsessively about him suddenly dropping dead or becoming unrideable. So I guess it boils down to an overwhelming fear of losing something/someone I love dearly. Again. And not being able to control their demise and ultimate departure.
Oh wait…
Maybe you guys helped me stumble on to the underlying cause of my Equine Anxiety… 
I feel you strongly on this. There are already so many excellent responses, so I’m just sending hugs. It’s an awful feeling. Therapy definitely helps. Also, check out different types of therapies.
I don’t think so…not diagnosed, anyways. But I’m all ears for those coping strategies anyways!
Me too please.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
