Warm Summer Tuesday nights drive + 10 arena laps & walking outside

Better day on Friday before

Tough goes through the worst

Its hard to look at this picture and admit all that Duke went through.  How it all started.

I met with Stacie, Hannah Breane and Kathryn at the Brickhouse for a ez going lunch/breakfast. They were there early, I was going to go directly over but sometimes I give myself guilt for not being more social.  Well we had a nice bite to eat, I played Pokémon Go with the girls and let them use all my Pokeballs up to learn, so many Pokestops in Chelsmford center.  We left to go over for a 1pm lesson for Hannah.  I don't always think Im riding Im just checkin on my guy.

So I went out to the paddock.  He didn't exactly run for me or speak when I walked toward him.  As a matter of fact he was avoiding eye contact. I forgot my apple so I felt like a jerk but I had peppermint.

I opened the gate and he didn't play a game with me on sneakingout.  Instead he backed away from me and waited for the gate to be open.  That's strange . . .

So I was going to walk him right away in the arena.  He knows that what we do, warm him up.  The sweetheart Breane walked with me as we brought him around.  He wasn't himself really, no real communication.  Different from regular, well we walked all of the 5 laps and as we did it, he was trying to be good.  He even trotted when I asked him to.  Breane took a turn working him in the arena.  I was pretty proud of her with him.  I didn't realize yet he was so sick, just maybe tired or hungry. Stacie asked me if I wanted to ride, I told her that Duke wasn't up to it today.  Im staying in the barn with him.  I gave him a peppermint.  He took it but he was kinda reluctant.  I knew he wasn't ok.  I stayed in his stall and he started doing those things that I learned are terrible, leaning on one side, digging, or staying still in general or the all terrible laying down.  If a horse lays down while having a colic problem he could very well be making his  dying decision.

Soon I was going to be spending my next few hours trying to keep him alive.

Walking him a total of 3+ miles without eating in the 95 degree sun.  I was dying.

I didn't even dress for this and had no time to change into the clothes I had brought in the car, or even go to the bathroom.  Thank god Kathryn was very sensitive and gave me one of her waters.  With all this going on, I was being carefully watched by the new family that had moved in with their horses Safari.  And also Stacie had Hannah out for a buggy ride and then she and Kathryn took a ride with Cowboy and Townes too.

Breane and Hannah were so worried.

Then as you can see in the picture above, that was the moment that everyone else in the stable besides me and Breane  knew that something terrible happening.

He went to lay down and everyone at the time was in the stable, Bonnie and Krystyn saw and Krystyn ran in with me to try to make sure he didn't lay down.  They just lost their horse to colic the week before.
I took him into the ring and began the walk to keep him alive.  I tried so hard to keep him up.  He became worse and worse. slowing down. I had to pull on him and I could see in his eyes that he was in such terrible pain.  As I walked him inside I began to cry Stacie was getting the buggy ride going and then she was planning a ride with Kathryn.  I was doing the best I could to keep it together.  Bonnie saw that Duke was failing as he started to try and sit down in pain again.  She said, "want me to call Craig?  I said, YES.
He said hed be over in 45 minutes. I had been walking him the best I could.  The barn was very busy. I walked him in the arena and it was think with heat and no air for us.  I did rinse him off and walk him in the sandy area outside of the barn back and forth until Craig arrived. I was in the arena when Bonnie told me that Craig was there. I walked him over.  Dr Craig Smith or Craig knew that Duke was in trouble he asked us all if there was anything different about him lately.  I only saw him like this that day.  He had been feeling great before this.
He said he needed some warm water in a clean bucket and Bonnie ran to get it for us.  I told the kids that I was very stressed and that it would be best to stay away from me and Duke while they were working on him.  As Craig began to work on Duke he spoke with me and Bonnie and Krystyn.  I know that they had just gone through so much with the loss of the horse from colic the week before.  Bonnie was my absolute brick.  She was strong as I needed her to be.

Duke received a shot that I was very scared he was going to collapse.  He said that he wouldn't but Duke was still leaning on my as he was being worked on from the rear. I cant imagine feeling so terrible and then getting that rear examination. I could see his face, he was failing.  It really make me cry to see him in such pain.  I was glad he was given medication. 

After he was more relaxed was when Craig started to tube him.  He started the process to get the warm mineral oil with warm water directlhy into his stomach by way of his nose.  It didn't take long. Craig had to start the tubing like he was syphining gas from a car.  I realize that the stomach juice must have been able to be almost tasted by Dr Craig. 

He worked and worked on him then we had a talk.  He said wed have to watch him and keep him busy.  I had so much admiration for Bonnie during this event.

If this didn't take we were going to bring him to Grafton.  What we were looking for was movement in his abdomen.  I walked Duke after a while (20min) I started to walk him again.  Soon I was

Craig explained to me that he was going to "tube duke".  he took the clear plastic tube and started to run it up Duke's nose.

Later after more medicatioin to put Duke into some comfortable feeling, I don't remember the name of the medicine but Bonnie said that they have it for if Craig is on his way but cant make it.

I held Duke until he felt better and then walked him.  We needed to see if he would poop and if he did it needed to be molded road apples and not mushy because if it was mushy it meant that the food had to go around an obstruction and that he was still stopped up. 

I began the walking.

This went on for a long time.  In the ring and out in the front of the barn.

Well later that night he did poop and it was road apples and oily but still it was several days before he would be eating again.  He could only eat watery oats or mush. 
He later when I returned to stay with him into the night time, he had some movement in his stomach.  Krystyn had the stethoscope and we listened to his upper and lower stomach.  Breane was checking on Duke while I was gone.  Also I was so glad that Kathryn has medical training, she was very helpful and made me feel more at ease with her nice mannerisms in a crisis. 






Breane and Hannah were amazing!  Excellent children.  Breane was especially great.  That night she checked on him every few minutes to see if he was ok in his stall.

All day at GW w my hungry Hot tough guy

Cool evening visit with Duke

Went to meetUp unplanned too early, Hot, buggy, but Duke and I did it all

• Was going to have an easy going visit on Sunday because I had Christina and Kelly over on Saturday.
• But . . . STacie texted me at 730am.  She said to sneak out and have a "quick hack".  I saw it a little bit later and said I Needed coffee and stuff.  I never wanted to go that early or w/o a shower coffee etc.
• Because of the big rush, at the barn I became anxious, Hoping not to make Duke anxious too.  I usually waarm up Duke for about 10min before going out. The rush feeling I was getting to get out and tack up was pressured that I didnt warm up Duke and then like jerk,  I forgot to fly spray him.  And if that wasnt enough I didnt have a fly mask.  This made things complicated. He did that thing with his head shaking and shaking up and down after we got into the field.  About half way down the first field, Stacie stopped to mess with her camera for a while.  As we stopped waiting Duke took this as a distraction and really acted up with his head and became like he had been attacked by horseflies. His head was waving up and down quickly and it was difficulut.  I wasnt very happy with this idea and then I was thinking I didnt want my first trip out with Duke to be like this was going. All the times I took him out and then this. I thought I better go back and spray him.  I was also worried about his meds.
• Duke and I went back. I decided that I really didnt like how the ride was going and I had better ride Duke alone for the first ride. We contiued to ride but instead it was back to the barn.
• We rode around the farm in the back I wanted him to walk up to his paddock, Duke was getting to the point where I was getting mad at him because of his attitude.  I had not seen him like this.  I know that very soon, I will need to give him a Guide Ride, where I get all over him and make him do what hes told.   But with an audience and all of the comments, including ;putting video on FB, I know its not that right environment for working with Duke. Over the past frew weeks, Duke had done such a nice job in the arena.  I dont like how things were going while I am not alone, "Note to self, Duke and I train alone".  Dont need any comments that wont help, just not a positive method.
• I took him around the farm and then in the arena for quite a while.  He hit his 2+miles.  
• Then I jumped off him, untacked him quick and went and showered him off.  
• It was fun, As I sprayed off his hoofs and body, I realized.  Hes changed so much, he put his head in the stream of water and then while I was hosing his neck he opened his mouth with cute teech to grab some water.  Hes amazing with water now.
• After last week playing the game in the arena, "Cone" back and forth running, I felt like he actually enjoyed playing around with me.  I see him running behind me as I run along.
• Then this week, we walked up to the paddock and played together he ran around behind me as I was goofing around with him in his paddock.  Then all of a sudden, he threw himself down and then rolled and rolled and rolled.  He was so cute and filthy.  I was delighted.

Just a quick visit with April and Mel

Although it was a Friday and I had to do so much extra stuff, I also brought home 2 pizzas.  Ate up, swam and the girls were going to leave to drive back to NH.  I aske dthem if they wanted to take a real quick ride to Greenwood.  Its funny but April was like the first one to say "yes".  The whole way we went to get pokestops and caught lots of pokemons.  We had a great fast ride to GW.  We Brought lots of snacks and was able to go visit Duke with the girls.  We brought carrots and Hoofsnax.  The girls met all of the horses and I took the gates open for Duke and for Townes.  The girls loved Duke they think hes so big.  Tina told me when they got back home they let her know how much they loved the barn.We went back after about 25min and the girls left back home before dark.

Warm summer Evening visit to Greenwood

Came over to visit my guy on Thursday night, just wanted to share some hoofsnax and get the flyspray in the container and also I had heard the horrible news about Winnie's collic.  When I got there is was totally quiet and dark.  It was late, dusk.  Duke made a snicker when I pulled up to his window.  IT was dark totally dark, but I liked it that way.   gave  everyone snacks in our ailse, I like that Fancy is next to Townes. I think she likes him. When Im in his stall she comes over to be with us.  I went  in and checked his hoofs, and I brushed him.

I thought alot in the darkness of the barn how lucky I am with Duke.   Winnie had just been purchased from a family who was sort of loaning her to Krystyn and the barn, she had been at the barn for years on free lease.  Winnie is an important part of the barn, she is the one and only lesson horse. Also a nice lady named Scotti had been leasing her also.  Hannah also had been taking lessons,and gotten so far built confidance etc.  It almost seemed as though all those wonderful people in Winnies life but none of them owned her.  Talked to Krystyn today to let her know how sad I was about Winnie but that I had thought of her as Krystyns horse.  Krystyn said, yes she did feel like Winnie was hers. I gave her 5 of my sunflowers in a nice container.
Back to Thursday, They all drove to Turfts in Grafton Mass following Winnie in the trailer.  Dr Craig had given them the "its time" you need to move fast when its Colic..  The cars were out on the side of the barn in the dark.  All of the horses had a feeling of anxiousness.  I love that I was able to give them carrots and hoofsnax.  This barn is pretty special.
I was there in peace in the dark, for a while with duke in his stall.  Then, the empty trailer with the cars following. Krystyn was there.  Scotti and soem other people too.  I stayed away near Duke while they all settled back.  The word tha tnight was that most likely Winnie could get better.  The next day they learned that she was too sick and died after saying good bye to Bonnie, Krystyn and Scotti.
After they left except Scotti was over at the edge talking to a lady.  I got in my car and counted my blessings.  Its so sad to know that the family lost their sweet little girl.  Krystyn called her "Girlie"  I like that alot.
THe whole way home I sort of was in another world thinking about how blessed I was and that each day is a gift and you never know about tomorrow.

Peaceful cloudy Sat and Sunday at Greenwood - alone

Great weekend both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday

Went over to Bobbys on Saturday around 12 noon.  As I pulled in I parked under the crab apple tree.  I needed to give the helmet to Cassie.  Cam and my helmut got switched. I had been wearing a navy blue medium and Cam had the large.  Cassie noticed it seemed too big and check it.  Shes a smart lady she found the one that was mine and figured out tha maybe we got them switched. I have her the helmet right away.  I talked to Theresa and Cassie then went into the tack shed met Theresa's new boyfriends Son.  Saw Kelly Bryce.  Then went into the big barn where Bryce was washing Shawnie down from the red white and blue paint that she painted her for the 4H rodeo.  I hung out with Val, hugged Apache.  He responded to me by snuggling.  I was pretty happy to have his affection.  Val said that Tonto was feeling bad in the hoof and that Dave was coming in the morning.  We hung out a bit.   I saw Bobby he was working with the hay.  It was looking like it was difficult to manage.  He was bringin the hay from the trucks to the 1st barn at entrance plus trying to feed the boarder horses.

Every one said that they missed Duke and I.  I let them know I was going to be coming for a trail ride soon.  

Back at GW I enjoyed so much peace.  I tacked up Duke in his stall.  It was kinda cool out.  I put on the english saddle. I knew it may be a problem getting on him with the english  At least I can hold on to the horn when getting on the western.  But today I need to work with Duke on the mounting block.  Its going slowly. I didnt use the treats on Saturday. I didnt give up and was very worried about not having that a handle on the saddle.  I didnt give up and finally got him to stand still and I jumped on him with no grace at all.  Thats when I do my best.  We rode a while in the arena, I know he has to warm up and then walk.  We did a walk that was good enough but not what I would like.  Duke still seems like he hates riding with me. I know he'll go crazy when we get on the grassy trails.

I loved my time with Duke.  

Sunday

Was pretty excited to go over to the barn.  When there are no cars at Greenwood I feel fortunate. It means just him and Me.  Because of the clouds and the weather forecast of rain, the horses were all in their stalls.  I had an appple for Duke but I gave some to Townes, they split it actually.  had a second apple and I gave bites to all of the horess before I left.  I had some of the older snacks from Nevins and agve them to everyone there a few times.
I went into the stall with Duke and this time I was going to tack him in the walk way of teh barn.  I was shooting for riding bareback in the ring.  After many minutes of trying to get on him. I decided that I was wasting valuable time that we could be working out.So I started to walk Duke around then kept trying to mount him with the mounting block.  What neded up happening is I formed a new game to keep him going.  I called it cone.  So the game was that I put a cone in the arena in the middle of the ring, then me and Duke stood together and I said Cone Duke Cone adn ran toward the cone and around with my left hand out, Duke ran like I had never seen him along with me as I went around the cone and ran back.  After a few times, when I said Cone, Duke's eyes lit up and he at one point was running and literally kicking up his heels with excitement to be playing with me.  This made me feel so wonderful. I was really delighted, I thnk he was playing with me as if I was one of his friends.  I felt a closeness that I had not felt while being in at Bobby's Ranch.  I definetly feel like Duke is excited to see me when I get there and also he knows I am his owner, just me.  This feeling is not like anything I have felt before.  At Greenwood I am part of Duke's life and part of taking care of him too.

Playing with Duke in the Arena was very fun.  I played with my friend Sunday.
Poor Townes has a hoof bruise Stacie said.  He looked pretty good when I saw him but she said that hes walking painfully.
I took Duke out for awalk around and to hose his hoofs and give him a quick shower after our fun too.

Duke - Broke the Stall door, or took it off the tracks

Bonnie
Danielle hosing off a hot Duke.  Looks like hes not a bad boy with her.

Visited Duke on Wednesday Night Thursday AM broken down stall door

Got a note from Bonnie that Duke had broken down the door down, took it off the tracks.  This made me very nervous. The night before he was just himself, asking for snacks.  Not especially kicky.  Then I recieved the note from  Bonnie.
The night before we took a walk, had a shower, rinsed his hoofs and relaxed after a hot day.

Dukes paint spot

This week's the 30 minutes in the arena was not as good as last week's.  At 10min I was feeling terrible. Duke loves the trails, but I cant control him near the grasses. He was slow in the ring.  We went around many times but it was only for about 12min.  I felt bad for him. I thought he was feeling terrible. I jumped off him and as soon as I did he wanted to play the run and snack game. I dont know what to think.  I remember how nice he was in the snow at Bobby's.  With the grass hes so aggressive.

As I was riding in the ring I thought that he may not live very long but when I was with him on the ground he was excellent about stopping at the "hoah!".

Hes really got such a nice way about his stopping.  I love giving him a snack when hes good.  After our walk in the arena I took off his saddle in the stall.  Duke loves his stall.  He loves to eat as I brush him out and the only problem Im having is I need to put his bit and bridle in after we get into the arena.  Today we rode Western.  I cant tell if he likes the English or the Western best. I like the westnern for getting on him in the arena.  I Like the English for riding him in general.

This horse in teh picture below doesnt like anyone there.  He especially doesnt like when Duke stands too close to his stall.  You can see it in this picture. I put Duke in the ring while I did some chores.  He liked walking around in the ring without any one telling him what to do.  

Here is Duke's new fly bonnet.  I think he was tryin gto get it off his head today.

Here is Duke after I hosed his hoofs and gave him a little bath. This guy has paint in his background.

 Duke  --  Percheron and Paint

 Back at the paddock

After Duke's brush out, tack up, mounting,  workout, Untacking, cool water for hoofs, cool
refreshing shower, walk in the grass, sneaking grass eating behind the barn back to paddock.