:(
I wanted to write a quick note today because I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the results of our vet visit today.
Unfortunately, things didnt go well. Somehow my mare has managed to sustain a similar tendon injury on the left front while standing around in her stall. The problem is, knowing that she's managed to hurt herself twice in 3 months under the most simple circumstances leaves me with a pretty clear decision about which of my two horses to keep long term.
I hadnt really cried yet about any of the drama I've endured the past 6 months at all but today that all changed. I tried to hold it together but as I bandaged up her newly injured leg after the ultrasound, the tears started dripping and they just wouldnt stop. It was that shaking, heaving cry where people just hold you tight because there is nothing really to say. I am so sad that the dreams I had with this incredible horse will not come to fruition.
The vet said with time and patience, she will recover, but the issue is, I dont think she'll hold up for the rigors of eventing (which is obviously what I do and will continue to do).
So now what? I've been answering that question in my head for the past 3 days before even getting the diagnosis. Now that I know what is going on it's pretty clear.
With these injuries she cannot just get turned out or pastured and be expected to have a good prognosis long term even as a pasture pony. What's in her best interest is still controlled undersaddle rehab. I am fully commited to giving that to her a) because I love her like crazy good times or bad, and b) to set her up for success so that her next home is a great one. So we've got 3 months of tack walking ahead of us. Then if I want, we can re-ultrasound (which I'll probably do) and then I make the next decision of what to do with her.
Bottom line is Pongo is going to be my main horse, decision made. Once he runs out of hay and shavings at his current home (since I've already paid for all that) in the next month or so he'll come back to DK. Not that he's going to get rushed along just because of this, but at this point I'd rather have the kids in the same place. Just trying to simplify SOMETHING here!
Wish I'd had better news. At the end of the day, I have been praying for a very long time for help in making the decision of which animal to keep, particulalry given the first tendon injury Miss P sustained. And, my prayer was answered. It wasnt quite the way I wanted it to be answered but now there is a path forward. It's sounds cliche but when God closes a door, he will open a window. I will just continue to pray and wait patiently for that window to open and show me where to place my mare in 3 months. I know he'll do that for me. So, I guess going forward this blog will be mostly about my adventures with the spotted one, he's no slouch friends. That boy is a showstopper with his big build and loud color...it's still going to be a very very fun ride! But today is for sure a sad sad day.
Unfortunately, things didnt go well. Somehow my mare has managed to sustain a similar tendon injury on the left front while standing around in her stall. The problem is, knowing that she's managed to hurt herself twice in 3 months under the most simple circumstances leaves me with a pretty clear decision about which of my two horses to keep long term.
I hadnt really cried yet about any of the drama I've endured the past 6 months at all but today that all changed. I tried to hold it together but as I bandaged up her newly injured leg after the ultrasound, the tears started dripping and they just wouldnt stop. It was that shaking, heaving cry where people just hold you tight because there is nothing really to say. I am so sad that the dreams I had with this incredible horse will not come to fruition.
The vet said with time and patience, she will recover, but the issue is, I dont think she'll hold up for the rigors of eventing (which is obviously what I do and will continue to do).
So now what? I've been answering that question in my head for the past 3 days before even getting the diagnosis. Now that I know what is going on it's pretty clear.
With these injuries she cannot just get turned out or pastured and be expected to have a good prognosis long term even as a pasture pony. What's in her best interest is still controlled undersaddle rehab. I am fully commited to giving that to her a) because I love her like crazy good times or bad, and b) to set her up for success so that her next home is a great one. So we've got 3 months of tack walking ahead of us. Then if I want, we can re-ultrasound (which I'll probably do) and then I make the next decision of what to do with her.
Bottom line is Pongo is going to be my main horse, decision made. Once he runs out of hay and shavings at his current home (since I've already paid for all that) in the next month or so he'll come back to DK. Not that he's going to get rushed along just because of this, but at this point I'd rather have the kids in the same place. Just trying to simplify SOMETHING here!
Wish I'd had better news. At the end of the day, I have been praying for a very long time for help in making the decision of which animal to keep, particulalry given the first tendon injury Miss P sustained. And, my prayer was answered. It wasnt quite the way I wanted it to be answered but now there is a path forward. It's sounds cliche but when God closes a door, he will open a window. I will just continue to pray and wait patiently for that window to open and show me where to place my mare in 3 months. I know he'll do that for me. So, I guess going forward this blog will be mostly about my adventures with the spotted one, he's no slouch friends. That boy is a showstopper with his big build and loud color...it's still going to be a very very fun ride! But today is for sure a sad sad day.
I am so sorry for your loss of a mount. You are a very generous person in thinking about what is better for her and not being selfish at all. You are in my thoughts while you are going through this painful time.
ReplyDeleteWhat sad news to get. I'm sorry.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, my heart is just breaking for you. I know that it will all work out for the best for you and Miss P and Pongo, but it is nonetheless a very sad, sad day and a loss like this is never easy to handle. If you decide Puna wants to be a mommy, I've got some great recommendations for you. I'll be thinking of you dear. Big long-distance hugs!!
ReplyDeleteSo very sad to hear your news. But you've got a good set of options and plans, which is some consolation.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about the bad news. What horrible luck! Hopefully a path will illuminate soon for you. I know you will do right by your mare. I think she will be happy either way, what horse would not like to be a pleasure horse or a mom? She is lucky to have such a caring and thoughtful owner.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry :( that is news that no one really wants to get but I think you are doing the best you can by her. I will be thinking of you guys!! The mare I was leasing from my trainer did the same thing (injured 1 eventing and injured the other one in the stall). With 6 months off, stall rest, and a good rehab program she is perfectly sound and much happier horse. Hopefully the same will come true for miss p. I'm sure u will find no problem finding a home for this lovely mare. Just know you have our support!
ReplyDeleteAw no :( I'm so sorry to hear that. I know how frustrating it all can be. Sometimes the universe works out in odd ways you... you never know what might happen.
ReplyDeleteSending all my good thoughts your way :(