Date
1 - 11 of 11
Need some perspective here please
Pamela Bramell
I have been struggling with my "mature" ponies over here. Frosty's eyes have been acting up off and on for a few months. Butters needs weight, so been upping the ODTB (cha-ching) and back to r/s/r BP. This is the third winter I have been dealing with this for her. Think they need teeth floated too. Butters had hers done about 6 weeks ago and afraid it was only a so-so job. Was supposed to get Frosty's ACTH tested tomorrow, but had a really slow week at work, so had to reschedule. It has been wearing on me with the weight problem for Buttercup and Frosty's eyes. My high is low s/s, but the digestability is not good. Can get better hay, but have to buy a year's worth at one clip. I didn't financially prepare to lay out $2000 for hay this year, so stuck with what I have. I have started preparing to buy the better hay next year. Had Buttercup sound, then trim got out of control, so back to taping pads on. :) I am having de'ja'vue with my Cuppers. All of this is doable, but I have been feeling very tired from all of it. It weighs heavily on me that I can't seem to get it right for these two geezers. Butters is 21 and Frosty is 29. I just need some perspective to keep on please. Can I get a "there there, it will be better?" :) I think that I need to have a perspective on these guys are ponies and can live a long time, but they have health issues. Thankful for my Story, who is young and only IR and a peach to ride and take care of. Just requires some love and brushes. Been learning how to trim too, so that wears on me too. Are toes too short? Is that false sole? Those heels got that high in two weeks? Just needed to get that all out - having a struggle over here with Frosty and Buttercup - who I love dearly. Maybe I need to have a cry with Laura and Boo Boo :)
Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for me
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/_Case%20History%20Template%20and%20Ins/Frosty%20%26%20Pam/
Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for me
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/_Case%20History%20Template%20and%20Ins/Frosty%20%26%20Pam/
Pamela Bramell
And since I am getting it all off from my chest - how about the 8 weeks of diarhea (sp) I was fighting with Buttercup? Finally heard a dry toot come from her last week and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Then there's the fall in the mud in the paddock while scooping poo, then the lost shoe in the mud in the paddock. Add to that the return of BP shreds/dust/pieces all over my kitchen countertop along with the dropped ODTB cubes on my cleanly swept floor. And did I mention actually having to R/S/R BP was my choice? Otherwise it was back to buying other hay and soaking for THREE horses. When will I get the slow feeder trees up in my paddock and when will Story's expanded paddock be done. How will I kill off the grass before she gets in there? ACKKK! What is going on here?????
Okay, now I think I really feel better. Gotta' laugh when you are happy to hear dry toots from your pony! Life is good then! :)
Pam who feels about 25#'s lighter/Butters who's gulping ODTB/SHP/BP as we speak/Frosty who is just Frosty/Story who wants to know why these other two take FOREVER to eat
12/10
Va
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Okay, now I think I really feel better. Gotta' laugh when you are happy to hear dry toots from your pony! Life is good then! :)
Pam who feels about 25#'s lighter/Butters who's gulping ODTB/SHP/BP as we speak/Frosty who is just Frosty/Story who wants to know why these other two take FOREVER to eat
12/10
Va
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
I have been struggling with my "mature" ponies over here. Frosty's
Lorna <briars@...>
Hi Pam,
Thanks.I was having trouble wondering how much longer I can keep at it,too.
I guess the answer is 'as long as it takes'. But don't quote me right now.
Lorna in Ontario,Canada
ECIR Moderator 2002
*See What Works in Equine Nutrition*
http://www.ecirhorse.com/images/stories/Success_Story_3_-Ollies_Story__updated.pdf
Maybe I need to have a cry with Laura and Boo Boo :)Shove over.Make room for me?
Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for meAnd this is why we just keep trucking.
Thanks.I was having trouble wondering how much longer I can keep at it,too.
I guess the answer is 'as long as it takes'. But don't quote me right now.
Lorna in Ontario,Canada
ECIR Moderator 2002
*See What Works in Equine Nutrition*
http://www.ecirhorse.com/images/stories/Success_Story_3_-Ollies_Story__updated.pdf
Chanda
About all I can help you with is the "There, there, it'll get better". I can't imagine what you are going through, but I think one day I too will be there and will need someone to say the same to me. I have one diagnosed Cushings mini gelding, he is only 12 years old, so I could be at this for a very long time. And, I have an older mini mare with issues that aren't completely sorted out yet, and she may very well be Cushings as well (from other blood work vet just said well you already have pergolide, just try it on her), or perhaps IR; still figuring it all out.
Chanda
MT 9/04
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Chanda
MT 9/04
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
I have been struggling with my "mature" ponies over here. Frosty's eyes have been acting up off and on for a few months. Butters needs weight, so been upping the ODTB (cha-ching) and back to r/s/r BP. This is the third winter I have been dealing with this for her. It weighs heavily on me that I can't seem to get it right for these two geezers. Butters is 21 and Frosty is 29. I just need some perspective to keep on please. Can I get a "there there, it will be better?" :) I think that I need to have a perspective on these guys are ponies and can live a long time, but they have health issues. > Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for me
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/_Case%20History%20Template%20and%20Ins/Frosty%20%26%20Pam/
gypsylassie
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
Times like you describe are when I miss my Mom, gone too soon at 72 back in 2002. She was a master of the, " You've worked so hard, and done so well with your horses, it will get better, you need to give yourself a break. You take such good care of them, they'll be OK.".... etc... Practically speaking, do you know anyone with a good rototiller? Either a good big older model TroyBuilt or a garden tractor mounted one. (I guess a large tractor size would be even better, but we didn't have that option) My husb. tilled a new area for a dry lot, very heavy, long established grass. He started by throughly tilling back & forth, side to side. Then the grass started to sprout again and he redid it a couple of times. Now the grass is gone, replaced with velvet leaf and Jimsom weed. But those are easily pulled by hand,which I've been doing. Once that's pulled I can let the boys out there and I think that will be that as long as I keep it patrolled.(hopefully not "famous last words").
Also Lindt chocolate can be very helpful.
Laura K. Chappie & Beau
N.IL.2011
Hi Pam,
... when will Story's expanded paddock be done. How will I kill off the grass before she gets in there? ACKKK! What is going on here?????
Times like you describe are when I miss my Mom, gone too soon at 72 back in 2002. She was a master of the, " You've worked so hard, and done so well with your horses, it will get better, you need to give yourself a break. You take such good care of them, they'll be OK.".... etc... Practically speaking, do you know anyone with a good rototiller? Either a good big older model TroyBuilt or a garden tractor mounted one. (I guess a large tractor size would be even better, but we didn't have that option) My husb. tilled a new area for a dry lot, very heavy, long established grass. He started by throughly tilling back & forth, side to side. Then the grass started to sprout again and he redid it a couple of times. Now the grass is gone, replaced with velvet leaf and Jimsom weed. But those are easily pulled by hand,which I've been doing. Once that's pulled I can let the boys out there and I think that will be that as long as I keep it patrolled.(hopefully not "famous last words").
Also Lindt chocolate can be very helpful.
Laura K. Chappie & Beau
N.IL.2011
palomino.1982 <sbaumgardner@...>
Pam,
I hear you loud and clear! It is times like this when we need to remember to laugh and to keep pluggin' along.
My 30 yo had sludgy squirts for the better part of a year, a washer load of poopy towels every day. I do a happy dance when I see a dry butt and his back socks are still white!
He's had pulses the last 4 weeks, xrays ( cha-ching ) and now am going to learn how to apply Epona's . He is on a senior mash diet but can still likes to chew hay, so I spent the better part of an hour every day cutting it into pieces less than an inch. He gets fussy with his minerals, so I coax him like a toddler.......
My IR/ iron over loaded girl eats everything, including the dirt clods that are in her high iron hay! She destroys a hay net on a regular monthly basis.
Linda may be able to offer some help re: Frosty's eyes.
Butter's: let have a look at her diet and make sure she is getting the calories needed for safe weight gain.
Thanks for the links to their history files.
Today was better......Sundown's pulses are quieter and Mariposa's hay net is still hanging, I got horsey kisses and 2 memorable rides today.
Pam, the journey never ends, just throws more curve balls, so hang in there there, girl and we will help you sort this out.
Hugs!
Susan
EC Primary Response
San Diego 1.07
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I hear you loud and clear! It is times like this when we need to remember to laugh and to keep pluggin' along.
My 30 yo had sludgy squirts for the better part of a year, a washer load of poopy towels every day. I do a happy dance when I see a dry butt and his back socks are still white!
He's had pulses the last 4 weeks, xrays ( cha-ching ) and now am going to learn how to apply Epona's . He is on a senior mash diet but can still likes to chew hay, so I spent the better part of an hour every day cutting it into pieces less than an inch. He gets fussy with his minerals, so I coax him like a toddler.......
My IR/ iron over loaded girl eats everything, including the dirt clods that are in her high iron hay! She destroys a hay net on a regular monthly basis.
Linda may be able to offer some help re: Frosty's eyes.
Butter's: let have a look at her diet and make sure she is getting the calories needed for safe weight gain.
Thanks for the links to their history files.
Today was better......Sundown's pulses are quieter and Mariposa's hay net is still hanging, I got horsey kisses and 2 memorable rides today.
Pam, the journey never ends, just throws more curve balls, so hang in there there, girl and we will help you sort this out.
Hugs!
Susan
EC Primary Response
San Diego 1.07
--------------------------------------------------------
I have been struggling with my "mature" ponies over here. Frosty's eyes have been acting up off and on for a few months. Butters needs weight, so been upping the ODTB (cha-ching) and back to r/s/r BP. This is the third winter I have been dealing with this for her. It weighs heavily on me that I can't seem to get it right for these two geezers. Butters is 21 and Frosty is 29. I just need some perspective to keep on please. Can I get a "there there, it will be better?" :) I think that I need to have a perspective on these guys are ponies and can live a long time, but they have health issues. > Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for me
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/_Case%20History%20Template%20and%20Ins/Frosty%20%26%20Pam/
merlin5clougher <janieclougher@...>
Pam, you have always been one of my great heroes, right from the time you picked up that rasp to set Buttercup on the path to correct feet, and on to taking in a blind PPID horse, then adding a third "special needs" (but also pretty special!) gal to your herd.
Hang in there! It will get better (sometimes). How is it that these critters can fill our lives to such an enormous extent? If the minerals have been consumed: Joy! If someone goes on beet-pulp strike: Despair! My day can be made fab or necrotic just by noticing that Maggie's weight is good or creeping up; or those pictures I took of the trim I just did either look okay, or like the whole job needs to be done again - pronto. So I hear you loud and clear when you say "It weighs on me heavily that I just can't seem to get it right for these two geezers"
So here comes your shot of perspective: remember where Frosty was before you got him. Was there blood testing? Pergolide? Diet management? Review the pics of Buttercup's feet before you started on them. Are they a little long now? I'll bet they are still a zillion percent better than when you started trimming her 2 1/2 years ago.
Take a really good look around at the next horse show or horsey event you go to. Look at the crests, and the feet. Eavesdrop on people talking about how they bute their horses to school or compete, or how they say, "Damn, I know I should have gotten that ribbon, but his back was pretty sore again today" - yet taking the horse out of the class didn't occur to them. (I actually heard that very statement once)
Now, repeat after me: Butters, Frosty and Story are in the best place they can possibly be, and it is you (YOU, do you hear me?) that is making their pleasant lives possible for them.
Now, go take that Advil, and I will join you in a little hand-wringing over foot form. (okay - a lot of hand-wringing)
Jaini (BVSc),Merlin,Maggie,Gypsy
BC09
EC mod/support
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory/files/Jaini%20Clougher%2C%20Smithers%20BC/
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Hang in there! It will get better (sometimes). How is it that these critters can fill our lives to such an enormous extent? If the minerals have been consumed: Joy! If someone goes on beet-pulp strike: Despair! My day can be made fab or necrotic just by noticing that Maggie's weight is good or creeping up; or those pictures I took of the trim I just did either look okay, or like the whole job needs to be done again - pronto. So I hear you loud and clear when you say "It weighs on me heavily that I just can't seem to get it right for these two geezers"
So here comes your shot of perspective: remember where Frosty was before you got him. Was there blood testing? Pergolide? Diet management? Review the pics of Buttercup's feet before you started on them. Are they a little long now? I'll bet they are still a zillion percent better than when you started trimming her 2 1/2 years ago.
Take a really good look around at the next horse show or horsey event you go to. Look at the crests, and the feet. Eavesdrop on people talking about how they bute their horses to school or compete, or how they say, "Damn, I know I should have gotten that ribbon, but his back was pretty sore again today" - yet taking the horse out of the class didn't occur to them. (I actually heard that very statement once)
Now, repeat after me: Butters, Frosty and Story are in the best place they can possibly be, and it is you (YOU, do you hear me?) that is making their pleasant lives possible for them.
Now, go take that Advil, and I will join you in a little hand-wringing over foot form. (okay - a lot of hand-wringing)
Jaini (BVSc),Merlin,Maggie,Gypsy
BC09
EC mod/support
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory/files/Jaini%20Clougher%2C%20Smithers%20BC/
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
I have been struggling with my "mature" ponies over here....
Pam/Buttercup who started me on this journey May of 2009/Frosty Who has taught me so much about being a confident rider/Story who is just the silver lining for me
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory4/files/_Case%20History%20Template%20and%20Ins/Frosty%20%26%20Pam/
Pamela Bramell
Thanks all for the encouragement! Thanks to Jaini, I realize I did it to myself, with the exception of the Cuppers because I didn't know what I was getting into! LOL! I think the hilarity of it settled in last night when I went to feed and put out hay. Had my rubber clogs on with no socks, stepped right out of the clog into (I hope) a mud pile and had to fall into the slow feeder trough to stop from falling into the mud completely. I mean, really, at that point, what is there to do but laugh?
Susan, I have been working closely with Jennie on my balancing/diet situation. I have been having a hard time discerning Butters situation, some days she looks better and some days she doesn't. Vet said she was body score of 3.5 about 4 weeks ago or so, said he would like to see 4 or 4.5. Will keep on with the BP and the extra meal of cubes when I can. I think she needs a GOOD float too. Will work it into the budget. I just checked and I need to update Buttercups history. Will do it today. I know Frosty was updated in August. Will also upload recent hay analysis. Trimmer coming on Wednesday to tweek Butters trim and give the once over to Frosty and Story.
In the meantime, feel much better because I am not on this road alone. Story and I are going camping in a couple of weeks with a good friend of mine. Much needed horsey down time! Love this group! And yes Jaini, it's heartbreaking to see people and hear "well, his crest is huge, but it hasn't fallen over yet!" and the "I know my farrier isn't doing a great job, but he gets mad when you say something". Sheesh! Yep, Frosty and Buttercup are better off where they are, right here, in my not as perfect as I would like world.
I also think Frosty's ACTH may not be controlled, thus the eye issues. He hasn't had this amount ever since I got him last year. Believing for busy work week so I can get blood tested next Wednesday.
Lorna, preaching to the choir! I am right there with you!
Glad that funk is gone - what a bad mental trip to go on........
Pam/Butters/Frosty/Story all of whom are waiting for their breakfast. And how is it that the blind guy is staring at the backdoor waiting for me to come out every morning? I just need a nicker or 3 and we will be back in the saddle (tee hee)
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
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Susan, I have been working closely with Jennie on my balancing/diet situation. I have been having a hard time discerning Butters situation, some days she looks better and some days she doesn't. Vet said she was body score of 3.5 about 4 weeks ago or so, said he would like to see 4 or 4.5. Will keep on with the BP and the extra meal of cubes when I can. I think she needs a GOOD float too. Will work it into the budget. I just checked and I need to update Buttercups history. Will do it today. I know Frosty was updated in August. Will also upload recent hay analysis. Trimmer coming on Wednesday to tweek Butters trim and give the once over to Frosty and Story.
In the meantime, feel much better because I am not on this road alone. Story and I are going camping in a couple of weeks with a good friend of mine. Much needed horsey down time! Love this group! And yes Jaini, it's heartbreaking to see people and hear "well, his crest is huge, but it hasn't fallen over yet!" and the "I know my farrier isn't doing a great job, but he gets mad when you say something". Sheesh! Yep, Frosty and Buttercup are better off where they are, right here, in my not as perfect as I would like world.
I also think Frosty's ACTH may not be controlled, thus the eye issues. He hasn't had this amount ever since I got him last year. Believing for busy work week so I can get blood tested next Wednesday.
Lorna, preaching to the choir! I am right there with you!
Glad that funk is gone - what a bad mental trip to go on........
Pam/Butters/Frosty/Story all of whom are waiting for their breakfast. And how is it that the blind guy is staring at the backdoor waiting for me to come out every morning? I just need a nicker or 3 and we will be back in the saddle (tee hee)
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
--- In EquineCushings@..., "palomino.1982" <sbaumgardner@...> wrote:
Pam,
I hear you loud and clear! It is times like this when we need to remember to laugh and to keep pluggin' along.
Butter's: let have a look at her diet and make sure she is getting the calories needed for safe weight gain.
Bonnie
Dear Pam and others fighting battles,
Here's a good quote: "Fatigue makes cowards of us all."
Sometimes there is a need for self-care. Ask for help with a task, drop a non-urgent task from your list, sit down and take mental time off whenever possible, take your vitamins, listen to music you love, get some sleep, write down 3 things you can be thankful for.
Bonnie Ivey, Ontario 12/08
Here's a good quote: "Fatigue makes cowards of us all."
Sometimes there is a need for self-care. Ask for help with a task, drop a non-urgent task from your list, sit down and take mental time off whenever possible, take your vitamins, listen to music you love, get some sleep, write down 3 things you can be thankful for.
Bonnie Ivey, Ontario 12/08
Way to go Pam. I totally understand the funk. Totally know the "how did those feet get so long?" feeling.
You can do it. So can every other member out there.
Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003
NewEnglandEquineBalance@...
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
You can do it. So can every other member out there.
Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003
NewEnglandEquineBalance@...
--- In EquineCushings@..., "dixie6264" <dixie6264@...> wrote:
...
I mean, really, at that point, what is there to do but laugh?
Pam/Butters/Frosty/Story all of whom are waiting for their breakfast. And how is it that the blind guy is staring at the backdoor waiting for me to come out every morning? I just need a nicker or 3 and we will be back in the saddle (tee hee)
12/10
Va
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/ECHistory3/files/buttercup%20pam/
And go hug your horses!
Thanks Bonnie
Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003
NewEnglandEquineBalance@...
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Thanks Bonnie
Nancy C in NH
ECIR Moderator 2003
NewEnglandEquineBalance@...
--- In EquineCushings@..., "Bonnie" <bon.ivey@...> wrote:
Sometimes there is a need for self-care. Ask for help with a task, drop a non-urgent task from your list, sit down and take mental time off whenever possible, take your vitamins, listen to music you love, get some sleep, write down 3 things you can be thankful for.
Bonnie Ivey, Ontario 12/08