Almost there....

We're closing in on 5 weeks of stall rest for our restless boy.  Rachel took him for a walk in the indoor arena last evening and then for some grazing outside.  He was remarkably well behaved with only a couple of "freak outs".  Rachel is a pro at reading his body language and telling him (or asking him) to behave before it escalates. 

He was so happy to be outside and checking out all the other horses that were being worked in lessons and grazing in their paddocks.  By the time Monday rolls around she'll be able to walk him mounted, which will be a relief for all involved. 

We live approximately 40 minutes from the barn so we're lucky to have a great network of friends and Westar staff who have treated his knee when we haven't been able to get out there.  Many thanks to one and all!

Check Up

Today its been 3 weeks and a couple of days since Stormy strained his knee at the Ottawa Capital Classic. A checkup was scheduled for 9:00am today, so down the road to Kemptville and the OVLAC for an assessment.  Some friends think its hilarious that we would take our horse to the vet...instead of the vet coming to us. (not like putting your dog in the car and zipping down the road).

The advantage we have with taking Stormy to the clinic is we get instant results from the x-rays and a copy on CD to keep for future reference.

BIG improvement, still a little bit of swelling in the joint but nothing major.  X-Rays were taken again and the diagnosis was 75% healed, NO arthritis and little to no pain.  So, another 2 weeks of stall rest and hand walking only.  We're taking it slow and easy even though its frustrating for horse and rider. Its better to be cautious and ensure everything is well healed. 

Passing the Time

This week Rachel has been riding several different mounts in the barn.  One is the cutest large pony which arrived on Tuesday evening, a grey Welsh x QH who goes by the name "Martini". Make mine a double!!

Today Rachel attended a Silver level show at Ashland farm and rode "P Spice" for Westar Farms.  A lovely mare with just a wee bit of attitude!  (the horse and ok, sometimes the rider).  Rachel had one of her riding friends grooming for her, so Dad and I arrived when we wanted (not the ungodly hour of 6:30am) and watched 2 classes before departing for the golf course. 

The speed class was exciting with 8 riders advancing to the jump off.  Rachel and "P" won the class with a blistering pace of 33 seconds - a full 4 seconds faster than the 2nd place competitor.

It's Official!

It's official! Rachel posted the ad today to bigeq.com.  Mixed feelings all around but we're hoping for a good home for Stormy and a new challenge for Rachel....


My horse "The Perfect Storm" on Bigeq.com