Almost goodbye

I know it's been too long since I've posted. Nothing of consequence has happened regarding Scotty, really. Seems I, much like a lot of people have fallen victim to the economy. Never thinking I'd be in this position, I found myself temporarily trying to find Scotty, Emmett and Bonnie new homes. Suddenly not knowing if I'd have the income to support as many horses as I have is a scary feeling. Luckily, I think everything has smoothed out and for the time being I'm secure once again. A relief for sure.

Scotty continues to do well. He is out on pasture now and loving life. I have concerns as he has a lump in his throat latch area. No, it's not strangles and yes I'm sure about that. I continue to worry about the fluid pocket on his knee, which has not increased in size any. He is not off, nor does he appear to be in any pain so I have not made it an "emergency". Lastly I still fret about the nerve damage in his hind end. The atrophy is significant. I'll have to call Holly and have her come out to massage. Everything, non emergency status, had been put on hold until other things in my life had been ironed out. Now I can refocus and start again on his treatment. WHEW.

Nap time

Yesterday reached over 90 degrees and I love it. Scotty enjoyed basking in the sunshine most of the day. Sleeping flat out on his side. The only movement on his body that let me know he was alive was his tail swishing at the occasional bug. We've had some crazy winds here lately too. At least it keeps most of the insects away.

One of Scotty's favorite past times I've found is playing in the water tank. He will submerge his entire face and splash around. I think if the tank were large enough he'd climb right in. He also enjoys being sprayed with the hose while I'm filling the water tank up. I'll spray and he'll back right into it... turning from side to side, which ever he feels needs to be soaked. Must be a residual of his racing days.

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. I'm heading off horse-camping sans Scotty. Hopefully this temporary break from his routine won't throw him off too much.

To all of you who read my small little blog - have a wonderful weekend!

Scotty's friends

"Little Girl"

"Otis"

"Cowboy"

"Nakoma"

Bonnie, Laredo & Lucy with Scotty in the back

This past Friday, we said goodbye to one of Scotty's pasture mates. She was 9 years old and she had navicular. Over the past couple of weeks it had gotten so bad she was having trouble just being comfortable in the pasture so my friend decided it was time to euthanize her. Her name was Little Girl and she will be missed.

Today, since nothing exciting is going on, I thought I'd share some pictures of Scotty's friends.

Just pictures

Since today marks the exact date of Scotty's rescue just 5 months ago, I thought I would post a couple pictures I took this last weekend. Enjoy!

5 months ago

May 6 will be the 5 month anniversary of Scotty's rescue. This morning as I was leaving the barn I stopped to watch him in the pasture. Nearly completely free of his curly winter hair, his chestnut coat seemed to glow even though it was cloudy.. His coloring reminded me of a shiny new penny. I thought to myself how blessed I am to have this horse in my life. Why he is so much more special than any of the other horses I've rescued is beyond me. There have been so many horses - all rescues, and none of them have touched my heart in such a way that Scotty has. I gush about him any chance I get, almost like a new relationship still in it's "honeymoon" phase and I brag about him nearly as much as I do about my own daughter. I truly adore this horse.

As I was watching him play in the pasture - running and bucking, I thought back to 5 months ago when he was too weak to load himself in the trailer. I remembered how emaciated he was and how dull his coat appeared, how I could see every bone in his body and how he was trembling due to the harsh Minnesota cold. He had lost his will to live, given up on people - yet there he stood in the pasture when I came to pick him up, ears pricked forward.... hopeful.

It is still difficult for me to talk about - why and how he got so skinny. It saddens me that he was allowed to get within a week from death and nobody seemed to care. Nobody did ANYTHING! In my heart I have forgiven the people involved and I try not to hate them. Hate is a strong word and does nothing but bring people down. If anything I am grateful to them. If events hadn't played out as they did - I wouldn't have the most wonderful horse in the world.

Such a good boy!

Today was hoof trimming day. Only 5 weeks ago I nearly begged my farrier to return after Scotty made such a scene. He wouldn't stand still, and each time the farrier started filing his hoof, he'd rear up. We were lucky to accomplish anything at all that day.

I was dreading today. I adore my farrier and he does such a wonderful job. Takes his time and is very, very anal - almost to the point where you want to hurry him along. Bless his heart he is patient. Today I brought Scotty in and immediately was reminded of his last temper tantrum.. damn, I thought he might have forgotten. Luckily, Scotty was an absolute saint. He stood for all 4 feet like a pro, unlike his previous few episodes. My farrier even was able to take the time to show me how well his hoof wall was repairing and how much heel he had gained. Scotty was very relaxed the entire time. I'm such a proud mom.

First ride

Once again, too much time has passed since I blogged last. Scotty is doing well, the field road of doom has dried up and the weather is nearing 60. Yesterday was Easter and I was able to spend the entire day at the barn. It started with grooming, clipping and then riding. Everyone got their turn, including Scotty. I went a bit nuts with the clippers and shaved his entire face. I also decided to ride.

So this was our first official ride since the last time I hopped on his back was only for a picture. After a few uncoordinated bucks on the lunge line I hopped on. Luckily I have the laziest horse on the planet - all he wanted to do was walk. He stood dead still while I got on and we walked and did a bit of trotting. He was such a good boy and really seemed to enjoy it.