3 weeks of stall rest

Its been 3 weesks since Duke was able to interact with any body hes been on stall rest, he pulled his stifle or back knee. Hes gotten so hurt he cant go outsidel
On about February afternoon after Duke had his Feb massage with Michelle Clark, he went out to the paddock on a sunny day and I left feeling happy that he was exercised and happy in the sun.
Krystyn called me on that Saturday night and let me know that Duke was injured. He rested or about 4 days.  I went over to the barn mid week to meet to help give Duke an assessment.  When I got there Kristin was helping Krystyn by holding him and exemining him. They had him in the arena and then then showed me a video that Krystyn had taken of Kristin running with Duke with a dressage whip and she was sort of hitting him as they ran. I was pretty upset that Krystyn hadnt waited for me to do this, and why would she use a crop o whip?  Im still upset about this.
Later in the week Krystyn spoke to Kerri  and she came out to the barn to give him an assessment and and checked him.

Crazy Week for Duke

Started a lesson, then right after some lunging, Duke started to choke on his grain

I had been excited all week to go over after work and have a lesson with Duke and Krystyn. It doesnt need to be too much. I love riding my guy but his time may be over for riding. Hes been telling me in so many ways that hes not comfortable any more with a saddle and me.  We'll work together with what ever he is up to doing. Ground work, attitude work, round penning whatever keeps his mind busy and happy.
So recently hes been wild boy and full of himself out in the paddocks. I never know what Im going to be doing each day.

Duke on rest, hes in pain

Went over to barn to be there at 9am to meet Michelle for an Equine Massage for Duke. I had gotten a call from Ashley to see if I could watch Valerie in the morning. I figured that it would be nice, not too cold and we could watch Duke with Michelle.  Well Ashley came over and Val was great sweet little face.  Really enjoyed her. We kept her in her little PJs and dressed up and left for the barn after Ashley hung out a little.

I took the carriage and we went into the barn. I cleaned Duke's stall and then got Val. It was my first day iwth the Truck and having Val was an added bonus. Well She worked on him and I did about 4 stalls, Gailin, Lily, Johnny, Joliet and Fancy. It was a quality day. We went for a walk down the road. As I took the carriage away and I was walking on the side near the grass, I heard Duke call out. I thought should I stay there?  I didnt think so we walked our the driveway and down Greenwood road to Bonnies house. It was so cold I knew we would be out of there after the massage. I paid her 80 for the message and I was really happy she seemed to conect with him.  later she mentioned that his neck had alot of tension, said later that his back did too.  Nothing about the legs, said there was no swelling or any problems.

I looked at my phone and Krystyn had called 2 times left a text to call asap.  Duke was in pain, terribly lame and she had June check his hoofs and they were ok.  I had not checked his hoofs today. I just really tdidnt do too many chores at all with him.  Im so worried that Krystyn said he could have pulled a muscle, it could be an abcess. Hes on stall rest for a few days. Ill go over tomorrow and check on him. Im so sorry hes in pain.
Next Day Sunday:  I was thinking about poor Duke feeling so badly that they called Kerri 2 times for advice. I think hes being medicated but I need to go over there and take cqre of him. Brush him out check his legs.

5pm lesson but Duke had an episode, No more apples or carrots now

Got to the barn around 445pm I wanted to be earlier. Krystyn was doing the night feedings etc and she said she could do a lesson after she closed up.  She was still doing chores when I got there. Duke had his bucket full of grain and was very happy. I had a few cookies in my pockets but you cant give him anything before we go do our lessons or he'll act up too much. Well Duke was covered with mud on his leftt side. I had brought in my new treeless saddle but really didnt think that its time to ride him yet. I want to keep him conditioned. So I got my mud brush and when at him. Hes shedding alot but I dont think its time for spring yet.

Krystyn had finished her chorses and I said I had my new saddle and I could put it on. We began disucssing how Duke and I have been progressing in the arena.  Krystyn says I need to keep working on him and things will improve. She did a little bit of work with him as you can see in this picture then Duke took a break. I love how he runs by me and makes sure I see his eyes that hes doing such a great job wokring out.

Krystyn thens said that I should go out and try to work iwht him. As I was getting the lunge whip, he didnt seem himself. He wasnt responding at all. I said that it seemed like hes was choking or he had something down the wrong pipe.  I moved and Krysyn checke dhim out. Quickly she ran to the office and in 2 seconds she came back iwth a short to help him relax. He was swallowing but unable to cough out the teriible discomfort he had in his neck. I turned aorund again and there was Bonne. Shes so comforting to have her there. She asked me straighforward, how do . think hes doing.  I continued to walk wiht Due in the arena. He was hesitant a few imes because he was concentraing on getting his esophogus clear.  Krystyn and Bonnie showed me where to massage on his neck under hi nect on his essophongus. He apprecaite it as I was giving him a message.

Saturday only, I hate winter

Just a quick post, I had a fun time at the barn on Saturday afternoon. I hurt my back last week and its scary to lift anything or to go working out at the barn i you cant really lift anything. I feel helpless
Well they were all in and Jess Ann was there.  I was there later in the afternoon. I Saw that Duke was in all day. I feel so bad for them when they are stuck insside. Duke had lots of energy. I was trying ti imagine how happy he would be that he was able to get into the arena and stretch. Im still working with Krystyn on his terrible attitude. I need her to help me get over my hesitations with him. Im glad shes got the faith in us both.

Well I was at the barn on Saturday for a while. I had missed the Farmers Market and was unable to help with stalls, so I stayed at home and got ready for Vals visit. Also I wanted to make sure I saw Duke before Valerie came by. Joe and Ashley were going out and Bob and I were going to take her overnight.  Its exciting but I have to make sure I keep up my Duke and Barn time.
Like I said I hate winter.
Anyway, Duke showed such great power and he was so happy to get out there in the arena and stretch. I also took him for a short walk outside before turning. I like ot go down the road but today I just walked out the driveway and then back to the barn.  I did his hoofs and gave him all of the grooming love he deserves.

14 degrees, helped w/4 stalls horses were in

Bullets to begin
Went to the farmers market got my stew stuff, salsa and meat for the stew
Got to the barn, the feild is clear since last weekends melt.  I knew there was a snow storm expected at 8m and that its always early late or turns to rain so I got over around 12. The horses were in, that disappointing. I helped out with 4 stalls and then got Duke outside. Its hard to work while they are loading the gator with the stuff for mucking etc and the shavings for the stalls. I brought Duke outside and he jumped aorund. I have been feeling that this isnt the best year for Duke and I having a gentle relationship. I did start the ground work and round penning with Krystyn but I think its not enough. I think that I need to start having Krystyn actually ride him and also the arena work needs to be like 2 a week. That would help.
I went into the arena and it was difficult. As I put him into position he comes over to me and acts too aggressive. He actual seems to walk too close to me and my space.
I think I need to establish my space and then keep him back iwth a powerful force and keep it up continually.

Jan 2020 Classic Picture

The pic below symbolizes where I have come with Duke over the past few years. Things have changed. Duke has stopped being a western riding horse, hes stopped having a huge heavy saddle for 11-50 lbs.  This year we have had a few changes. We have stopped riding with a saddle that has a wooden tree. 

We have not worked out walking together ground work along side each other as much. We have started lessons with round penning and lunging in the arena.  Many lessons teaching Duke and I to work together to see if he can learn to find out how he can live his best life.  This year Duke started getting equine messages from Michelle. Hes gets his muscles relaxed.  

I began to get my snacks at Agway and also was able to worm Duke last week, Pyrantel His next one will be in March and he'll need Benzimidazole.