Holiday doings

[altivo]

Went to Elgin early to watch the half-Marathon (I guess that's what it is) run past Doug's and Leon's house and talk gardens, apples, and bugs as we generally do the morning of this day each year. Then we hurried back to meet the farrier here so Tess could get her split hooves fixed up.

That went better than I'd feared. A few drops of blood were lost but she's still not limping and now her feet are trimmed down close to take the excess pressure off those side areas that had cracked. No shoes were needed, at least not this time. Unfortunately John couldn't stay for dinner. We had hoped Linda would come with him and we planned grilled chicken with mushrooms and Vidalias, baked potatoes, sweet corn, and green salad from the garden. Alas, Linda had unannounced visitors and couldn't get rid of them. So we gave John coffee and cake and let him go (he wouldn't stay by himself.) Then we made the dinner anyway, since it was already to cook. Turned out well, and the leftovers will make a second meal this week.

I happened to be wearing one of Foxfeather's tagua pendants with a running horse on it, and John was very interested. He wanted to know where I got it, so I passed on the particulars. A little surprise there.

Tess was very good. John was irritated with her a couple of times, but considering all of it, I couldn't blame her. She has definitely become "my" girl. I love it when she buries her face in my chest or rests her chin on my shoulder. When I got her almost seven years ago, she hated having her hooves done or even touched. We've come a long way. She stands quietly now and mostly cooperates. No cross-tie needed or anything, I can just hold her halter and talk to her. It's good that way.

Chilly and gloomy, but that's keeping the fireworks noise down so I don't mind. All the rain we had was a short sprinkle just when John got here.

Comments

[quickcasey.livejournal.com]

She will grow those hoof sides back, no? The worst part of caring for animals is when something like this happens, and the concern that preoccupies your thoughts. Good to hear she isn't limping.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

So far, no limp. The last time she had a hoof problem serious enough to cause bloodshed, though, she developed a limp 24 hours after the fix which scared Gary enough that he called John back to check her. Hopefully we can avoid that this time. That was last September.

Yes, the hooves will grow back. It's very much analogous to having a broken or torn finger or toenail for us. It can get infected and painful, or even abscessed, which we want to avoid, but the nail grows back given some time and caution. In fact, her feet look fine now, but they've been trimmed a bit closer than we would normally do, so she has to be exercised with caution and watched closely for a week or two.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

Good Tessie! Is she all paffy-footed now?

[altivo.livejournal.com]

No pads unless she needs them. Since she wasn't showing any sign of a limp last night, she went to bed barefoot. Really, she prefers that. Booties make her walk funny.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

I bet! It must be like trying to walk normally while wearing one huge slipper...

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yes, and she still seems fine this morning, thank goodness.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

Pleased to hear it. Well done to her dads and personal pedicurist.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yes. I wonder if John can fix my ingrown toenail...

*thinks about the tools John uses*

On second thought, maybe not.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

Eep! :D

[saythename.livejournal.com]

Give that girl an apple!

*hugs Tess but she kicks*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Nah, she wouldn't kick. Just might pull away if she doesn't know you. I generally let her come to me, which she does willingly enough.