12. Flicka's Journey - The Third Trim. This is Bob's Hoof.

 Flicka arrived at Windy Coulee in November 2014. She has a long journey of recovery ahead. She was fit and healthy in 2011 this is her story.  If you would like to read the whole story, scroll down to post number 1.

 

If you keep your eye on the horizontal crack in Flicka’s left front hoof, where an old abscess erupted some time ago (probably when it was around her cornet band), you can observe the new hoof growing in above.  This is what we are going to call, Bob’s hoof.  It is the hoof that can grow when a proper "set up" trim occurs allowing the horse to walk properly and also help keep the hoof wall from separating any further due to the hoof wall falling away from the sole.  Bob’s hoof is growing fast, he comes out several times a month to keep the whole herd trimmed and is preparing some of the youngsters for their first ride too!  Flicka's has kept a regular schedule of trims once per month and it has greatly contributed towards her rehabilitation.  

You can still see the wall separated from the sole at the front end of the hoof.

You can also see the new healthy hoof growing in above the abscess mark!

Bob’s hoof is growing in at the proper angle. You can see the angle below the abscess is a completely different angle.  The video in this post has Bob pointing out the angles and break over point he has created for this pony.   In less than 6 months the whole hoof will be completely new; created by proper hoof care.  Bob's work of art. 

 

copyright 2015  Windy Coulee Canadian Horses - Heidi Eijgel

11. Flicka's Journey - A Rational Ration

 Flicka arrived at Windy Coulee in November 2014. She has a long journey of recovery ahead. She was fit and healthy in 2011 this is her story.  If you would like to read the whole story, scroll down to post number 1.

As soon as the rations were sent down from Amanda with ARK Nutrition, I got to work getting the horses used to their new mix. There is always a bit of loose salt in the menu, and I finally found a great way to bypass all the anti-clumping chemicals you find in agricultural loose salt for feeding to domestic animals.  We now purchase Kosher salt by the crate.  It  contains, salt, only salt, no additives! 

Flicka comes in with the herd for her ration of mineral (EquiSynergy, ARK Nutrition), probiotics through a yeast mixture developed by ARK Nutrition, and a bit of protein via one cup of alfalfa pellets.

When I began working with ARK Nutrition in 2008, I wanted a mineral mix that supported my herds needs as they grazed the native prairie for their main forage.  It had to contain no animal byproducts, had to be simple and easy to feed . . . it has been wonderful working with such an accommodating and talented equine nutritionist.  Flicka is benefiting from the very best.

I tie her away from the others so she can take her time and eat everything down to the last bit of mineral. Then back out to winter pasture for high quality roughage and movement!

It takes an hour or so to make sure everyone in the herd gets their allotted ration and then they all head back to their winter pasture. I head into the house for my "ration" just as the sun sets, and dream of training sessions, rides and competitions with the Canadians in the spring and summer!  And Flicka?  Well, when her feet have grown in solid, which they are doing so well right now, we will get her started too.

copyright 2015  Windy Coulee Canadian Horses - Heidi Eijgel

10. Flicka's Journey - A Visit by The Chiropractor!

 Flicka arrived at Windy Coulee in November 2014. She has a long journey of recovery ahead. She was fit and healthy in 2011 this is her story.  If you would like to read the whole story, scroll down to post number 1.

Smokey calls and is able to make it to the farm to look at two horses on January 1, 2015. I head outside again, it is windy, but warm.  Flicka and another horse I have in training come into the corral.  Smokey Provost is our horses chiropractor.  By observing his work on my competitive trail horse in 2005, I am a dedicated follower of this practice.  Not only is it needed, it is required to keep horses working happily and soundly. 

 Horses can adjust themselves as well, you see it in the field when they roll or rub against a fence post.  In some cases they need help. I find Smokey has the touch, experience and skill to do a proper job.  I am not sure if the adjustment is needed because of the recent fairly rough entry into the herd, or if it is from a long term issue; it is however needing to be dealt with.  We both notice Flicka moving around uncooperatively, I am having a bit of trouble handling her and taking pictures at the same time. 

Flicka is not relaxed.  I walk her away and back as Smokey observes.  He works on her left shoulder first, then moves to her back.  You can see a strip of dander and dust come through the coat as he feels for inconsistencies along the spine.  Smokey stops just above the kidney area.  I remember what Amanda said during that first health assessment . . .  Flicka was very tight in the kidney area.

Smokey has targeted that area, without the background of the health assessment and it all starts to make sense.  I tell him what Amanda had noticed, and he relates that a nerve could be pinched with vertebrae being out of alignment, that could cause tightness over that area.  I love how all the observations support each other from all three professionals who have worked on this pony.

After the work on her back, I notice Flicka settling down; she stands feet square, head low and relaxed as Smokey massages the muscles on either side midway down her spine.   I walk her back and forth, and she walks evenly.  May as well have everything working properly; this aids recovery.  I have already set time aside for Flicka to see the horse dentist this spring. 

Now, folks may be wondering why I have not brought Flicka directly to my veterinarian.   I have spoken to my regular horse veterinarian about the rehabilitation.  And to be sure,  if I have even the slightest inclination of anything going array during the rehabilitation, Flicka will be loaded up and brought in for an examination.  As it stands now, the pony is improving, moving well, loosing weight; everything appears to be mending.  Vet is on standby.  Our farm works with a top notch local veterinarian, who answers all my questions, and is full of knowledge.  There are just times when the other specialists have to put in the work instead, and this is one of those times.

copyright 2015  Windy Coulee Canadian Horses - Heidi Eijgel