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Post by jaybird on May 21, 2008 9:49:37 GMT -5
Through the hard work of a lot of people, SAFE has acquired two new horses: Pie, a 30+ year old chestnut quarter horse type gelding; and Isabelle, a 13 year old chestnut Appendix mare. Pie was advertised for sale on Craigslist and his description raised a great deal of concern with SAFE members: old gelding pasture pal or lawn mower - $50we have a very old gelding that really needs to go somewhere that he can be 1 of 2 horses. We have to many and he gets pushed around. he is very under weight but he is 28 years old and everytime we try to fatten him up he founders. so in the spring he gets fuller and is a great kids horse but winter is hard for him. he has to have a blanket and a shelter. i will supply the blanket if you can supply the shelter. he needs somewhere to enjoy the last of heis days in happiness and love. If you think you can take him will you please let us know. [/i] Gingersmom and Whitewolf821 attempted to contact the poster, and Whitewolf was able to get a response from her and start a dialog about allowing SAFE to help this gelding. Through her efforts, Whitewolf convinced this person to surrender the horse to SAFE. Cat67 then made a trip out to the farm, braving flooded roads, to take a look at this gelding. She reported back that he was indeed in very poor shape - a 1.5 on the body scale with rainrot, living in a dirty stall with poor quality hay. She also reported that he had a friend who shared his enclosure - a mare, 13 years old, whose condition was as bad if not worse than the gelding. Thankfully, the owner agreed to surrender both horses to SAFE. Chelsea and I made the trip out to pick these two up and deliver them to their new foster home. The two horses were very hungry and they could not believe their eyes as they were led into their stalls, deeply bedded with clean shavings, with handfuls of beautiful grass hay to eat and clean water to drink. Their new foster mom is extremely well-versed in bringing neglected horses back from the brink of death, and showed us--among the other horses in her barn--a beautiful dark bay 40 year old Thoroughbred mare...a gorgeous 17 year old Appy gelding who had been 24 hours away from death due to starvation and neglect when he arrived in her care...a younger warmblood mare that was unrideable due to an serious accident who happily showed us a few of the tricks she has learned (as well as the strong bond between her and her owner)...simply put, we could not have found a better place for Pie and Isabelle to start their rehabilitation. This is Isabelle after arriving at her foster home:
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Post by jaybird on May 21, 2008 9:52:45 GMT -5
originally posted 1/9/08:
Kleenex at the ready...another update from Ginger and Melanie...and a VIDEO...!!! They are just doing great!...I will do a proper update tomorrow...vet will be here at 9a.m.and I will send results to you along with more pics. Melanie has posted a video on youtube of their first pasture turnout from today...what a couple of fine people those two are...their personalities are just blossoming thru....they make me smile every time I am around them, and they smile right back! How great is that?? www.youtube.com/watch?v=scXAJJ-MEGwmessage from foster mom, Bossmare, posted 1/12/08: Hello all, here is the next installment from “The Equine Health Spa” Big Red, who is now officially named "Pie", as in, "Sweetie pie", and Isabella, have continued to blossom and are beginning to settle into a happy routine of eating, resting, eating , napping, and eating....well, you get the idea. Isabella likes to spend more time in her stall and have lots of attention, but Pie is more of an outdoorsy kind of guy. Melanie thinks Isabella wants to belong to someone, perhaps a nine year old girl, who will fuss with her mane and put glitter on her hooves, and maybe let her wear pink fuzzy leg wraps and saddle pads. Pie just is happy to be able to graze with a pal, and entertain people with comical faces, and, oh yeah, get lots of carrots! He is a good conservationist, too.
On Wednesday, they had their first doctor exam. The vet was appalled by the condition of both horses, and examined them with gentleness and compassion. Isabella and Pie were very well-mannered & polite, and seemed to understand that we were going to help them. In fact, at one point during the exam, Isabella reached over and nuzzled my face gently, and then playfully flipped my hat off! She touched it where it lay on the ground, and then looked at me, as if to say, "well, don't you know how to play this game?" She was totally gentle and careful, but she reached out to me....I was honored to be accepted into her trust. (She is a VERY intelligent mare, already showing great curiosity and interest in everything going on around her, and we believe she is has also had some very good training.)
So what was found, (to no one’s surprise) is both she and Pie have nasty pointy hooks on their teeth, and the mare has sores in her mouth from both the sharp edges...and possibly from trying to live off tree branches and twigs. She is healing quickly enough, though, and thank heavens for the mushed, pelleted feeds to give them easy to eat nutrition! Neither horse is having any problem chewing up their hay. Even at his advanced age, Pie has sufficient teeth and will power to get the job done. It was determined that at this point they are still much too weak and fragile to go thru the stress of getting their teeth floated... they are able to live and thrive on the mush & soaked hay just fine for now. Pie also has fairly limited vision in both eyes, although when he is introduced carefully into a new area, he is able to adapt well enough, but worries a lot if his pasture pal leaves him. Neither horse has lice, and we have already started treatment for the rain rot, and it has improved already. Their feet are pretty good, all things considered. In fact, on the plus side for Pie, there is no evidence of any current or previous founder.. But, the vet did notice that Pie had yellow gums and his eyes were quite yellow, too, which was very bad sign, and he was pretty concerned that both horses had compromised immune systems due to malnutrition, so he did a blood draw on both, to screen for infections and see what they have to face next. We all fretted thru the night, worrying about “what ifs”.
The results came back from the lab today and it was much more positive than we dared hope...Pie has a probable urinary tract infection and some inflammation, but his liver and kidney functions are normal...what a relief! (He has already won all our hearts with his personality...he is such a clown! And to lose him now would be wretched.) And Isabella needs antibiotics to help clear up the mouth sores. So the treatment at this point is that both Pie and Isabella have been started on sulfa drugs , and we have upped the probios to help offset any problems. Since Pie also needs to be on bute for a brief period, we decided to add an herbal ulcer preventative. So, the GREAT news is that they have both made it over another big hurdle on the way to wellness....so far every problem we have found is very treatable, and while the long term prognosis remains guarded, life is very good today, and that is enough for now. Both horses are improving hourly, physically and emotionally. The vet confirmed what we all suspected..there is little wrong with these horses other than sheer starvation and neglect. I suspect Karma will have its way with the people who did this to these two fine souls!
Today, Melanie and I took the red guys out in the pasture for a lovely turnout in the (brief) sunshine we had here. Isabella never lifted her head from grazing, she is serious about her food, but Pie promptly found the best sunbathing spot and snoozed, soaking up the warm, with his hip cocked, eyes closed, lip hanging down...the picture of pure relaxation and contentment.
Which brings up a funny story that I must tell on myself. Of course, we horse people are always panicked by any sign of colic, so when I checked on Isabella in her stall Wednesday afternoon and found her laying down, with uneaten hay strewn about, I was immediately concerned & made her get right up. I did the usual checks and we walked a bit....she seemed o.k. and started to eat again. So I left her in peace. A little while later, I looked in again, and she was down, and stretched out like death...I PANICKED, BIG TIME! “Up mare”, sez I, loudly, and checked her all over again......WHAT WAS wrong?? Should I call the vet?? She looked over at me, gave a big sigh, & started to nibble her hay again, all the while keeping her ear cocked toward me, just in case I had another fit, I suppose. It took me a while to realize that she was finally strong enough to be able to get down and back up again without struggling, and felt safe enough in her new environment, that she just wanted to lie down for a nap instead of having to nap while standing. If I would just leave her in peace!! A real DUH! moment for me. :>)
Luckily, we are not stressed for space & it will all fit together fine for the time being. My husband has done the “boy bonding” thing with Pie, and is happy to let both of the reds continue to hang out here for another week or two, until they are a over the infections and a bit stronger, so no worries there. Melanie has been donating her time helping care for the reds, and she deserves a lot of credit for her special TLC. She is also the master stage director responsible for the video & music arrangements on youtube . We will keep everyone updated with new pics & video as things progress.
Well, that’s all for now, cheers, from “The Equine Spa” A Foster Adventure for two, Highlands Spa, Jan 23/ 08
Well, hello to all from the frosty spa. We are a bit behind in our reports because feeding schedules, pedicures, and “hair” appointments take up a lot more time in this frigid weather. But, as you see from the pics, the horses are pretty happy eating & sunning themselves. Isabelle in the pasture: Pie and Isabella have really settled in and are loving all the feed and attention, and for the first time since arriving, Isabella is actually speaking up and nickering for her food, and actively seeking peoples’ attention. This is a HUGE thing for her, as she has been very withdrawn and stoic since her arrival, and very sad. We were quite worried about her. We think the turnaround occurred when we had a young girl came to visit the farm last Sunday. Isabella was VERY interested when she heard a childs' voice and cautiously came over to investigate. The little girl went over to her, and rubbed her face & talked to her, then hooked up the lead rope, and soon, the two of them went out and about for a little exploring. (in case anyone is worried about MY sanity in allowing this, be assured, this little girl is a fairly competent horse person, and, she was also under close supervision). Well, Isabella followed her everywhere, walking in tiny steps, very carefully, and stopping when asked, and never took her eyes off the girl. After watching the interaction between them for some time, we strongly believe that she once belonged to a young girl & there was much love between them......and Isabella remembers it. ( In a more perfect world, we could find that girl & reunite them.) Her spirits have risen since that time and she is interacting with everyone, loves to be groomed, and we believe that she will now begin to improve as Pie has....by great leaps and bounds! Isabelle and Friend engage in a little "girl talk" Seriously, these guys were so close to death, we knew we needed to be prepared for the reality that neither horse might be able to live thru the first week, or maybe not even the first night. And yet, their courage keep them from giving up. We cannot begin to tell you of the thousand little breakthroughs that have happened so far. Should we later find that Isabella is trained & sound enough for riding, she will make some little girls’ dreams come true, and fill their heart with joy. This mare is a precious little jewel. And Pie just needs his own stage for performing, a safe stall at night, and a companion, and he will entertain & amaze you every day! Well, time to get back to the mixology of the grain!, ‘till next report, that’s it from the Spa....G. P.S. With the sheer numbers of other horses desperately needing rescue/foster homes right now, we have offered to extend Pie and Isabella's reservations at the spa. We hope you will agree that both horses will benefit from a stability in their situation for a while longer, as they become stronger. We are more than willing to continue providing hay, stabling, & care, and wish to thank, wholeheartedly, all you wonderful people involved with SAFE, who continue to support our efforts with donations toward bedding, grain/pellets, and vet care. We all know we can’t save everyone, but together, we CAN save these two, and that is a wonderful thing.
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Post by jaybird on May 21, 2008 9:53:12 GMT -5
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Post by jaybird on May 21, 2008 9:53:22 GMT -5
post by Alyssa from the old thread, dated 4/19/08:
Alright, I got the video done but I am not very happy with it I did want everyone to see how well Isabelle is doing though so I got it done. I am just so tired from watching my pony, still no baby. Anyway, Isabelle is doing awesome. I know there are a few things people may comment about so I will address them first. I know her caveson is too low, I have not used a flash nose band in forever and since I was using the it to attach the lounge line this time, I didn't want it sliding through her mouth. I will need to put a few holes in the crown to make it fit her better. My daughter, lounging Isabelle, was playing with her friends when I called her over to do some lounging for me so I could film from a different angle so yes I know she is wearing a skirt and crocks but as you see, Isabelle is a very easy girl to work with and after working her for a week or so, I felt confident that she would not present any problem for my daughter post by Alyssa from the old thread, dated 5/6/08:
Hey there, I don't have a lot of time to write today but I wanted to give a quick update on Isabelle. I have been lounging her under saddle for the last few weeks and she has been doing awesome, she is a pleasure to work on the ground. I was hoping that she had further training under saddle as well. Last night I saddled her in my western saddle, which fits her awesome, and lounged her just a bit, she didn't even break a sweat. I firmed up the cinch and gently climbed up. I hung over her back with one foot in the stirrup and she stood perfectly still. I swung my leg over and settled into the seat and still nothing. Gave a gentle squeeze, nothing, pulled the rein left, nothing, pulled the rein right, nothing. So although she did not protest my being up there, at the moment, I do not think she has been ridden, perhaps only lead. In the next week or so, I will keep trying to see what she thinks of me being up there and will eventually have someone lead her if I need to. So far so good, she is still a bit sore in the back and her stifles lock if she tries to gallop but all in all she is doing really well.
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Post by huskiesnhorses on May 21, 2008 10:23:48 GMT -5
Kitten has now added "X" to his repertoire after "Q"?
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Post by schwung on May 21, 2008 10:57:46 GMT -5
FYI - I think those butt shots are Pie, not Izzy.
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Post by cat67 on May 21, 2008 11:08:17 GMT -5
I think that was Izzy. Wasn't she the one that still had the auction tag affixed to her butt when I met her? Pi didn't come from the auction. Bonnie, you posted before coffee though. Go re-read your post and edit.
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Post by lizstabbertphoto on May 21, 2008 12:21:26 GMT -5
Well I'd say the "after" butt shot is Izzy for sure lol The before shot is the one thats been up on her info page, this is Pies butt shot She still had her auction tag on her?? I thought she had been with that woman for some time?
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Post by alyssa on May 21, 2008 12:49:05 GMT -5
Thank you Bonnie for starting a thread just for Isabelle and yes the butt cheeks are definately Is, I know my girl the ones Liz posted later belong to Pie. Anyway, her butt is way bigger now! I will have time to post a great update with a couple pics after work today so stay tuned ;D
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Post by cat67 on May 21, 2008 14:39:18 GMT -5
That auction glue is a nightmare to get off. We are still picking it out of Colin's tail. If you didn't even try, it made sense it'd still be there months later.
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Post by alyssa on May 21, 2008 19:12:02 GMT -5
Alright, I finally got a moment to post an update! Isabelle is doing great. She is a well behaved, well ground trained girl. She is easy and safe to do anything to. I have been keeping up with her lounging at a walk and trot but still do not regularly ask for a canter. On Sunday, before working on the fence line, those who wish to remain nameless since there are going to be pictures, took some bold steps forward in Isabelle's development. She has clearly been started but definitely does not know what to do when someone is sitting on her. I am continuing to use my western saddle because it fits Isabelle's uniquely shaped back perfectly. She was lounged both directions for just a few minutes. The girth was tightened and weight was put in the stirrup and over her back. With some encouragement from a lead line and the ground, Isabelle took her first steps with weight on her back. After a half trip around the coral with no indication of trouble, the leg was swung over and the rider gently settled into the saddle. Isabelle was perfect ;D Since Isabelle is so well trained on the ground, she continued to need encouragement from someone walking beside her but she did not need to be dragged by the lead line nor did she make any indications that she was going to do anything naughty. So I will continue with her schooling and in a week or so, hopefully, Isabelle will be moving along on her own I will try to get some better pictures of her without the saddle soon so everyone can see what an amazing improvement Isabelle has made over her whole body. (Hey, I made sure we were both in all the pictures!! )
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Post by jaybird on May 21, 2008 19:34:26 GMT -5
(how come the "weight" isn't wearing a helmet???
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Post by cat67 on May 21, 2008 20:46:03 GMT -5
She looks FANTASTIC! Wow, what a transformation, Alyssa!
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Post by shireluver on May 25, 2008 15:47:21 GMT -5
(how come the "weight" isn't wearing a helmet??? and is wearing tennis shoes?
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Post by alyssa on May 25, 2008 17:09:23 GMT -5
Well we aren't perfect but let me tell you, this mare is so mellow, so well trained (at least from the ground) that you don't even think about needing a helmet or boots, a safety vest or chaps.
So I apologize to all who are perfect in their safety measures for my failings. I will no longer post pictures of any work with Isabelle if all involved are not properly attired.
I am training and caring for this mare on my own without any assistance in her daily care and training, I do take advantage of any moment that I have another body available to continue and assess our progress.
If anyone is interested in volunteering some time with Isabelle, please let me know, all are welcome.
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