I always did reckon that Radar wasn't the sharpest tool in the box....
He simply can't work out how to eat or drink in a muzzle. There he is, standing in the field with three other people happily sticking tufts of grass into the hole and munching them, but he can't work it out. I feel sorry for him, but what can I do? he has still put on weight, so there's no problem there, but it would be better if he would at least try to copy the others. He was thirsty this morning too, so he didn't drink overnight either. I'm slightly worried about possible colic, but he seems OK.
Ace was great on his feet on the road this morning. Smacking them down good and solid like he used to before they went sensitive. He coped really well with my test-patch of carpark too. He nearly fell over at one point - he spotted a patch of dark damp tarmac and did a 180 turn. But he also slipped and nearly went over, because he was trotting at some speed as he did it. We got away with it, and I spent the rest of the ride walking him over every damp patch I could find, and through every single puddle. He was reluctant, but obedient, in fact a very good boy for a baby.
Jazz did some wonderful right-on-the-button flying changes but struggled to lengthen the trot. I guess, though, that I am asking for more than I used to, and that a year ago I would have been well pleased with what he managed today. His spavin lump on his near hind is now absolutely GINORMOUS! I'd be very surprised if any of you have ever seen anything like it, it's so big. I certainly haven't. It is impossible to believe that he is sound on it with a flexion test. The only problem it gives is that he is less willing to weight it than the other one, and I have to watch for it being less active when it is on the inside. I must take a photo, it is SO big.
C
Aw, Radar. Poor boy. Maybe if you stuck his face in the water bucket?
ReplyDeleteThe Ace incident reminds me of my friend's horse on the road years ago. I was behind and we came upon a white line painted on the pavement. Suddenly all I saw was heels as the horse performed a perfect capriole up and over the line. They landed and just kind of walked off. Perhaps it could be a method to teach Ace the airs above the ground should you ever want to....*G*
Sound as if the spavin doesn't bother Jazz too much, How strange. Maybe it he just feels it when he puts that leg in certain spots or angles? Glad he is such a stoic fellow about it.
Awww, poor lad. You will have to give him some drinking and eating lessons with the muzzle on. First you put one on and then show him how to do it. But you must have this on film :-)
ReplyDeleteThere are three other people out there showing him how to do it ML, I really don't think I can help. Phew, that's me off the hook on that one :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's warm too Jean, but he really doesn't appear bothered by it at all. It's been getting steadily bigger for two years now, but he is still sound even on a flexion test. He's probably no more stiff or one-sided than any other nine year old which does advanced dressage movements. I will put him on a joint supplement soon I think. Certainly when he's in double figures.
C
I had to help Bebe work hers out by feeding grass through the hole, at ground level. It took a few days for her to get the hang of it. It didn't help that she's the sort to shut down when something worries/upsets her, so she just stands there looking pathetic.
ReplyDeletePS, got x-rays yesterday. Very interesting. She's got wonky bones and a slightly odd pedal bone conformation. Foot balance is way off, shoes will be coming off next week (sooner if I can convince the farrier to do it, the clenches are so tight I'll not manage it).
Amanda it sounds like you have some hope of keeping her more comfortable, especially now that you know she is footie because of IR or EMS problems.
ReplyDeleteyour description could be Radar!
C