Yep, that's Rumor on the left, and Daniel on the right, in the same picture! I'm guessing that they're about 8 feet apart, which is the closest they've ever been together. She's petrified of him.But last night, Daniel was better. Yesterday in the morning, he was on 3 legs. The last time I saw him like that was a few days before an abscess blew out through his coronary band in November of 2008. Yesterday, Dawn wasn't there, but I looked at it with Jill, and his sole was all uneven... we took a knife to even it up. Dawn looked at him for me on Wednesday and mentioned Laminitis - UGH... if it was laminitis, she said it was way early on. She suggested a grazing muzzle and more exercise, and to call her if he's ever rocked back on his rears. Great... my horse has the same problem as me - needs to eat less and exercise more!!
I was sick over him yesterday, especially when Jill told me that there are lots of other cart horses that need a good home... OMG!!!!!!!! WTF???? I was beside myself, but I couldn't stay at the barn - I had to take my mom into the city because we were meeting my cousin. After I got home and fed the dogs, I went back to the farm to check on Daniel. and... he was walking fine! Not holding up a foot, not gimping. YAY! I walked him in the outdoor for 20 minutes (we both need it, and Sara and Rick taught me that you CAN walk your horse like a dog!) We both need the exercise :-)
Today, I had to leave work early to take Rumor to the vet and we went to check Daniel after. I hope he's turning the corner, because again, he was fine. We walked for 20 minutes again - Rumor the dog, on my left, and Daniel on my right. I was amazed that the 75 pound Rumor pulled more than 2200 pound Daniel!! Rumie's petrified of him, and the old stinker knows it. Everytime she'd get out in front of me and cross in front, he'd drop his head to sniff her. She'd freak and get back to my left side. After I thought about it, it was was a pretty good way to get her back into heel position at my left! :-)
I am hoping beyond hope that he's turned the corner and is going to be OK. Fingers and toes crossed that my old horse continues to improve as we get into the nicer weather. I told him that school's done, so I can spend lots more time with him, even if it's just walking him like a big dog.
