I rather go to the Tractor Supply than the Pharmacy - and it's "Take your horse to work week"

Last Friday we came home to find a dead lame Chambord in the pasture. He was miserably calling out, not wanting to move at all. OK, trying not to panic or freak out (what's the difference anyway?). I carefully lead him into the barn to check him over. On the bright side, no blood gushing, nothing seemed broken, but clearly every step seemed to hurt. LF (left front), same leg he was lame on last week and subsequently diagnosed with an onset of Ringbone. Our usual vet was not booked, but luckily her boss was able to come within an hour.

It didn't took Dr. Ryker long, he immediately suspected an hoof abscess, used the hoof testers "Yep, there is something", pulled the shoe, started digging -- and in no time had the abscess draining. Whew! That was part one, part two: expert wrapping of the hoof until a shoe gets back on. While I am trying to be frugal, I still opted to get Animalintex (poultice pad) from the Tractor Supply Store, instead of running to the pharmacy for diapers. Too many choices, Infant, Toddler, Adult?? (Nope, not buying those!).

I am happy to report the shoes went back on today, and Chambord is celebrating his new-found and pain-free freedom (he had to be confined in a stall with attached round-pen panels) by kicking up his heels and plenty of dirt in the pastures.

Chapin, Roz' working student, is exploring BC this week. As good help is hard to find I volunteered to fill in for her. I do like to groom and take care of horses and equipment, and helping Roz is fun. Other than being chided by the barn owner for not hanging up the lead ropes 'correctly' on the gates, and almost having to break into the tack room because the electronic lock was not cooperating, things are going fine.

The boys at home had an earlier wake up call than usual so Remy could catch his school bus, driven by yours truly. While I was busy with Roz' horses Remy got to chill in a paddock until it was time for my lesson. Cool new exercise today: Flying changes on a circle. Counter canter down the long side, then 20 m circle, then change. Remy's changes got more expressive and we had fun. After that it was recess for Remy until the school bus took him home.

I could get used to "take your horse to work week"!