An Update, Kermits, and a Rowdy Boy

My sister called me around noon to give me an update on My Boy. She was out working her horses and said he was still agitated, but seemed to be better than he was last night. She observed him wandering around, standing under the overhang of the shed, and drinking water. He even rolled. He coughed twice when he got up, which she said she has never heard him do (I have actually never seen my horse lay down or roll. I think it is strange. Then again, I do not live on the property. But I know he rolls because I am the one that has to clean the mud off of him!) One of my sister's mares, the one that never coughs, did so while being lounged today, too. After work, I eagerly drove up to check on My Boy. It was starting to drizzle but we took him out and lounged him. Already I could tell a huge difference. He shook and nodded his head a few times, but it was nothing like constant almost seizure-like head movements of yesterday. I was very relieved. I had talked to my director at work earlier in the day. I told her about My Boy not feeling well and that I needed to work a half day tomorrow in order to meet the vet. I said to her, I do not know how I am going to be able to emotionally handle having children if I get this stressed and upset about my horse. I just don't know how I can do it!


My Boy even felt up to flirting with his girlfriend. Well, maybe not. I think he is a little more interested in that grass! Interestingly, the weather has changed today. It clouded over, cooled down, and a rain shower passed over this afternoon. So now I am even more perplexed. Was it something in the air yesterday? Or is there a tooth bothering him? Ear mites? I did graze his ears while halter him and he jerked his head a little. These seem to be possibilities. The vet will definitely check him out tomorrow. If his symptoms continue to diminish that is obviously a good thing. But if he is not exhibiting symptoms, it may be difficult for the vet to make a good diagnosis. Perhaps she will recommend an antihistamine to try if he should suffer from another "outbreak." On another note, as we hung out and checked out My Boy, the little rain shower brought out the frogs.


Last week I collected empty pond water for a science experiment at school because I could not find any frogs or tadpoles. That turned out to be a cute story and I will share it another time. But I was excited to find two very green little amphibians today! One of them was housed deep down in one of My Boy's muddy hoof prints in his pasture. I used a dandelion to coax him to hop out. The alternative would have been to become an Appaloosa pancake. We put them in a little mini-aquarium. They are only "on loan." The farm owners would not let me leave until they had the right grass, water, log, sow bugs, and mud in their little temporary fake world. I am surprised I did not have to take a frog caretaker test, or sign a waiver, or pay an adoption fee. I promised I would return them safely for release later this week. As long as they don't escape in my classroom. Oh, little green legs, if only you knew about the many little kiddo faces that will be staring in at you tomorrow! Uh, hello, please get us out of here!



I had to share pictures of a goat on my sister's farm that cracks me up. His name is Rowdy. He is often tethered in front of My Boy's pasture. I have my sister's boyfriend hold him so I can get My Boy out of the gate and past him. Because hello, have you seen the size of those horns?



Just in case you don't realize how big these horns are. Because honestly, I have nightmares about them.



This goat is all business. He knows how to give you "the look." And I back down. I run to the Boyfriend for help. I do not mess with the Rowdy Man. Would you? I mean really, look at the size of those horns!

Rowdy and his three goat playmates live in the pasture with the two mares. My Boy lives alone. Well, with an occasional frog, apparently. My Boy, I am so glad you are feeling better and I hope you continue to improve. We can thank our horsey blogger friends for all their support, advice, and well-wishes. And we'll keep you posted on how vaccinating the big Appy pill goes tomorrow!
My much happier Boy tonight.....