Abscess Update

My Boy has been more than gracious about the hoof soaking. He has been tolerant as I wiggle the boot back and forth off and on his hoof, then fill it with salts and hot water. Today he was barely favoring that hoof at all, if anything, his slightly off gait was probably due to the awkwardness of walking with a big rubber boot. I took him out of his "quarantine" and hand- walked him on the lawn to see how he was moving, and to stretch out his legs a little. The paddock he is in is much bigger than a stall, but he certainly doesn't get the exercise that he typically gets in his pasture. I think he gets a bit bored and spends a lot of time digging in his empty grain bucket and banging it around.

Today after work I will do one last hoof soak to be sure, then dry wrap it and since it's unshod, and leave it in the boot for protection until the farrier can get here.

Between the breakaway halter and his current residence, My Boy has nearly been a dream to catch. I say nearly a dream because once or twice he has walked away and gave me a dirty look, but I think he knows he truly has no escape. However, any time I even touch the halter near his crown, he pulls his head up. I just can't figure it out. Since I don't want to use the breakaway halter as a primary lead halter, I have put his regular halter over it. Even getting that on is a struggle, but since he's already "caught" with the breakaway, he can't really escape, and hasn't completely pulled back. I am also now buckling the crown piece over his neck first, then working his nose into it, which seems to be more successful. Next weekend, my goal is to just work on haltering. It saddens me that my horse is pulling this attitude. It truly is disrespectful and lack of leadership. I know that somehow, it is my fault. I am not sure where along the way something shifted, and I wish I knew how to solve it. I mostly fear it will take time, which is not on my side now with winter approaching.

Since My Boy's living in smaller quarters, I have to pick out the manure and muddied uneaten hay every day, or every other day at least.

My Boy is very curious about that Tupperware container, one of the bottles I use to transfer hot water out for soaking.

I finally finish the pooper scooping, and what does he do? Makes another pile! Thanks Boot Boy, I thought I was done!

As I get ready to exit with the wheelbarrow, I laugh as My Boy and Paint Girl's mare Fritzy think I have a wheelbarrow of fresh hay (a wheelbarrow is also their breakfast and dinner delivery system. Any time they hear a wheelbarrow approaching, they start nickering for a meal!) She and My Boy check it out and take a nibble. Eww! Icky mud and poo hay. Don't eat that, silly horses! And, by the way, there is nothing like tossing out wasted hay at $18.25 a bale!! I really do think I have the cutest horse. I mean, despite his catching problem and all, how can I resist such a handsome face as this? I mean, look at those ears!

My sister had the dog behaviorist out to observe and assess Sadie on Sunday. It went very well. It was interesting hearing the synopsis. I could really relate the whole dominance and pack mentality to that of working with horses, especially the accidental reinforcing negative behavior and reading an animal's posturing and body language. I really think they got some great suggestions for working with Sadie and her aggressive tendancies. I know that my sister was also really thankful for great advice given to her from Beth over at the Dog and Pony Show blog. She really inspired my sister to pursue help from an animal behaviorist in the first place. Once again, the wonderful world of blogging has opened doors that we never thought possible!

Don't forget the Photo Caption Contest.....the deadline is Friday!