Backing Off

I'm still working on gaining Kid and Rupert's respect. I feel we are making progress but I need to figure out what method works best when correcting them.

More cloudy and cold weather today but Bethann and I got a quick ride around the pasture in. We would have ridden longer but the large collection of wild pigs down by the arena discouraged us.

Someone is 6 today

Happy Birthday, Kid. You've only just begun.

HYPP Sucks

As I mentioned on Thursday, I felt that something was wrong with Kid. It turns out I was right. Last night I got a call about 15 minutes after I drove by the barn that Kid had gone down and they were having trouble getting him back up. The vet had been called and was on his way. I left Steven at Cody's house and left for the barn.

When I arrived, Kid was up and tied in the aisle. I knew immediately when I saw him that he was in the middle of a HYPP attack. His neck, shoulders, and the upper part of his body were rippling with muscles out of control. I decided to walk him around hoping he wouldn't fall over but needing to keep us both busy until the vet got there. Kid was subdued even though his muscles weren't. I would rub his ears periodically which he seemed to find comforting. When I stopped, he nudged me for more.

I bought Kid knowing he was a HYPP N/H horse. I figured if I bought him or someone else did he would still have the same chance of having attacks. I knew I would love him and take care of him, making sure he had everything he needed. He is on daily medication now that should keep attacks at bay but it will be constant vigilance every day.

Record-breaking Snow Day

Thursday was the snowiest day we have had on record - 12 inches, give or take. It was beautiful at home and at the barn.

An update on Kid...

I saw him yesterday and he wanted me to kiss his nose several time, but I didn't. He tried to bite Brad as he petted him through the bars in his stall. I feel like crying all the time and my stomach hurts. I can't get how he is acting out of my head.

My Heart is Breaking

In the last month or so, Kid has changed. He charges me when I try to catch him, he pins his ears back, he tries to cow kick, and yesterday, he bit my chest (no damage done). My beautiful horse who now rides like a dream, is getting dangerous on the ground. I don't know what I have done to cause this and I'm afraid of him now. John thinks it comes from giving him treats which I have done on an occasional basis. I'm sure he is right to some extent but I also think something is wrong with Kid. I think he looks like he is in pain. His face looks pinched most of the time, even when he sleeps.

Yesterday, I bought a stud chain to work with him and it seemed to help but I'm afraid to get him out of his stall to work with him. I don't know what to do. The vet is coming on Monday and I'll get him to take blood and really give Kid a thorough exam.

We shall see what Monday brings.

Rupert is Home!

Rupert made it home Thursday night. He was not, as was reported to me, fat and happy. He is at least a couple hundred pounds under weight and wormy. WTF! His spine is pointy and his hip bones stick out. His neck looks like an old person's skinny neck. I am not pleased.