Sunday, October 3, 2010

Blue's Boo Boo



Blue is always a handful but lately when under the saddle, he has resisted the bit especially while walking.  In doing so he brings his head up and down as though saying 'yes' but it is really a 'no'.  Sometimes there is a fly on his chest or on his forehead or just those persistant gnats but during the summer (besides the usual fly spray), I put the Cashel riding mask which helps a lot.  But it is no longer summer....


Last Sunday we traveled down to Lexington to practice cross country at a local park.  I never went cross country with him and of course he was wired.  Jessie was in the trailer munching on hay and out of sight.  Uh oh! I knew there would be nervousness from that alone, but he was with three other horses and the wide open fields has several horses and riders running around.  He finally settled down but this head bobbing during the walk was constant, as though I put a quarter in  this horse machine....up down, up down, it was getting tiresome.  His behavior required a more firm feel of the mouth than the usual arena work although he settled down somewhat.  His bit is an expensive copper three part D ring snaffle which supposedly fits horse's mouths better and enhances acceptance.  I thought the little bean would make the bit more comfortable for him.
When horses are in pain, they move away from it.  I noticed his back is getting better and the simple act of gently laying the saddle on his pads, resulted in no movement the other day.  I was surprised as we have been working hard but his back is pliable and there is no muscle firing...for now.  That might change again but I hope not.   Noticing this, brought me to take a look into his mouth.  Maybe there was something hurting him.  I dislike getting hold of the tongue so I peeked in and thought I saw a tiny slice on the right and a dot of red on the left.  These marks were not at the edges but inside, especially the dot.  I was very very upset.  This is not good, this is not what I am about.  My horses receive the best care, the best tack, the best of everything that I can afford.  My wardrobe has suffered greatly due to the money that goes to my horses, but I don't care anymore which isn't very 'girly', I know.  No more manies, no more pedi's, that extra cash goes to my ponies.  They rely on me and I must give them the best possible care.  I can't stand people who say they cannot afford to have the vet in, then go off on a vacation, or overspend on some useless material object while their animal suffers.  It makes no sense to me, and these people are not true horse people in my opinion. 


We went to the vet the next day at 5 pm.  Blue needed some vaccines so I saved $60 by hauling in.  This is what the vet saw...this is part of the reason for the head bobbing though my vet and my instructor agree that the resistance will not stop...that is just Blue until I correct it and they know I spoil him.  I didn't notice the dot on top of the mouth until I zoomed in on these photos and I know my vet didn't notice either!  (And his tooth looks chipped in the front but it isn't!  ) 



Poor Blue, has such a bad boy reputation and didn't help the situation much by biting the vet!  Yes, he bit the vet!  It wasn't bad, but I know it hurt and he drew blood.  I was told there is an extra fee for that, but I sassed back and told my good vet that he should have known better and gotten that big fat tongue to the side.  The vet has never been bitten before after all these years and this is the first time!  Thanks Blue, please remember the vet is our friend, not our enemy!


So, there is no ointment or meds to administer as my vet says these cuts are very minor and nothing to worry about.  He said that I should see some of the mouth sores that are out there...no thank you, Doc.  I think this is awful enough.  I did get some vaseline to cover the dot and I was told to give it five days with no riding.  I guess I will be doing a lot of handwalking! 

Blue, you are a baby! Those marks probably came from all of your head tossing in Lexington.  Why can't you be good like me and be brave? 

So that is the lastest on Blue.  They were happy to get back into their paddock although they like short trips. I will try Jessie's medium stainless steel eggbutt snaffle. I checked all the bits for rough edges.  I had originally gotten him a larger bit, but my instructor said it was too big.  I thought I measured correctly but I readily listen to those who have more experience.  Maybe I shouldn't have....time will tell.  Ok big Blue, get ready for some groundwork and there better not be any resistance!

19 comments:

Flat Creek Farm said...

Blue is gorgeous! You make some very good points, not only for horse owners, but for ALL who are animal caretakers. -Tammy

Country Gal said...

Im sorry to hear about Blue, I hope he gets better soon, When I was younger on the farm my horse didnt like any of those bits, he prefered the old straight bits as I found out that was what the head throwing was about for him , to me that was his way of telling me that the bits were bothering him, kind of trying to get it out of his mouth I suppose , as for you spending all your money's on your horse hell who wouldn't I know I would if I still had horses, my sister has horses and she does , as for the clothes who cares, us country folk dress for comfort and besides I myself wouldn't have it any other way ! Have a great day !

Razzberry Corner said...

It's always something, isn't it? You take good care of Blue, I'm sure he appreciates it. I hate to admit it, but I don't spend money on all the girlie things anymore, either. I guess our priorities change as we determine what's important to us.

~Lynn

JC said...

I'm glad Blue will be ok ...

Paint Girl said...

Hope Blue's wound heals up soon.
There are so many people out there that don't take care of their horses, or animals in general. I get so angry when I see or hear about situations of neglect.
I never spend money on myself anymore. I am in dire need of more winter work clothes, and I keep putting it off! Feeding the horses, dogs and cats is way more important!

Verde Farm said...

Oh sweet Blue with the black toupee ...I sure hope your mouth gets better. Be sweet to Doctor Vet!
Amy

lisa said...

Blue is just beautiful! Glad you found out what was going on! Poor doc :(

Rural Rambler said...

Blue is a good lookin' boy. Hope he gets to feeling better pronto. I love sweet Jessie. I also love an eggbutt snaffle. For the horse, of course! I used to be so into clothes and stuff, now just give me my Levi's and my paddock boots and I am good to go. Kritter Keeper, just curious, are you a Levi Gal or a Wrangler Gal? Or somethin' other?

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

hi rural rambler, i guess levi's but mostly i hang out in my breeches. 15 years ago i was so into clothes but when i began riding all of that went down the drain.

from me to thee......... said...

morning, just found your blog, through Dog Trot Farm....and I am now a new follower. The paint horse caught my eye, as well as the golden, and cats, etc.....We have a farm with chickens, cows, horses, and cats....glad to meet you, smiles, Linda

Angela said...

Blue sure is a beautiful horse! I can't believe he bit the Vet and the Vet hadn't been bit before!
Hope Blue gets better soon!

Have a Great Day!
Angela

Kent Island Red said...

I decided to check out your blog since you left such a nice comment on mine. In short, I love it! I like reading about all your animals. Consider me your newest follower!

Dog Trot Farm said...

Kritter Keeper, I do so admire your dedication to the well being and health of your animals. Blue and the rest of your menagerie are truly blessed.

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

thank you kent island red! just followed you! julie that was nice, thank you! and about the country fair, you know you are responsible for me pointing out all of the crows there for amy to view since she is crow happy due to your suberb fall deocorating! would love to have had your there! i wish we all could meet one day.

Jen said...

Blue Is Beautiful! I just read you live on 80 acres and no chickens!?!? Oh my if I lived on 80 acres no telling how many more chickens I would have, lol.

Willard said...

Beautiful animals and it is good to see that you care for them so much.

AJ-OAKS said...

The moment you said Blue was tossing his head my first thought was the bit. With so many bits on the market these days and most claim to be the one you need, it is hard to know which one is right for your horse. I went through at least a dozen bits before finding the one that works best with my horse. And you know how expensive bits are!
Glad Blue will be fine. I wish everyone loved and respected the animals in their lives like you do. Hugs.

Kritter Keeper at Farm Tails said...

Thank you AJ, i did some researching and upon the advice of a friend and after reading all positive comments i ordered a 'nathe' bit. it looks like a one piece but it isn't. it is covered in a synthetic rubber and there is a little hinge in the middle and the cheek pieces are o rings. they say the rubber tastes awful and the horses mouth stay dry. so many people from england to our country and on different sites seemed to like it. of course the manufacturer could be finding these forums and writing in as though they are horse owners, but a friend of mine recommended it and her horse loves it so that was the clincher! we will see though. i used jessie's eggbutt yesteday and he didn't react as much but still there was some head bobbing and pulling at the halt. never at the trot or the canter though. must be bit positioning, his mouth was nice and moist which was a big difference. hope you are well!

Mare said...

Your boy Blue is gorgeous, and I can DEFINTELY appreciate a nice-looking Paint Horse! LOL...It's funny how something as simple as a little dental work can fix a big problem! Glad you found the problem, sometimes it's not that easy!