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I don't have great news, but Speedy is showing improvement. But first, are you that equestrian that gets excited about poop? Or pee? If not, you probably don't want to read any further ... I DO get excited about poop. It all floats my boat - big piles, round piles, greenish brown piles. I don't like liquid poop or lone poop balls though. Those mean trouble. I also like pee, and it's even more exciting when it's pale yellow and gushing. Coffee colored, or worse, tinged red, are obvious signs of bad pee. Not of fan of that either. So when I give you Speedy's abscess update, you'll recognize why I am so happy. Last night, he was still lame, and even more lame than on the days before. I wasn't particularly worried as that's the nature of an abscess. Even so, I dragged out my trusty bucket-o'tools and set to work.  I am ready for more of this. I peeled off the old wrap and gave the hole I had dug a visual exam. Nothing new caught my eye. I poked at the hole with a hoof pick and got a "HEY! - THAT HURTS." Alrighty then. When it still hurts like that, the abscess hasn't yet drained out. With a quick swipe of my hoof knife, I was able to remove just enough foot that pus finally leaked out. I love pus as much as I love poop. Since Speedy DID NOT want me to use the knife again, I gently squeezed his coronary band, hoof wall, and even the sole of his foot and was rewarded with even more pus. Oh, hallelujah. Knowing he wasn't going to like it, I urged Speedy to take a deep breath. Before he could blink, I gave one more flick of the knife. Blood surged out of the hole, carrying with it whatever infection had been stewing in his hoof. Mildly graphic photo below.  When blood makes you smile! I rewrapped Speedy's hoof with another Betadine wrap which will work on killing any lingering infection while also hardening his sole. He and Izzy are scheduled to see Dr. Tolley tomorrow for fecals, dentals, vaccinations, bloodwork (for Speedy), and an all over wellness check. My fingers are crossed that Dr. Tolley gives the abscess the all clear.
Poop, pee, pus, and blood ... I've got to get a new hobby.
Usually when I see a blog post I disagree with I just pass it by, because everyone's entitled to their own opinion and the internet is a free world, etc etc. But I can't scroll past this one.
Sarah
2/21/2020 10:17:21 am
I know you mean well but Karen is absolutely fanatical about the health of her horses. She’d never risk their health in any way, shape, or form.
I know she'd never KNOWINGLY risk her horse's health, which is why I commented. Because I think she may do harm without realizing it. 2/24/2020 05:22:29 am
Megan - Thank you for sharing your opinion although I find your criticism interesting in light of the fact that you recently chose to become your own farrier. By your own admission, you educated yourself by watching YouTube videos and reading books. I think most equestrians would agree that attempting to balance a horse's hooves is a very technical job best achieved by seeking the help of a trained professional. My blog post for today (https://www.bakersfielddressage.com/home/how-qualified-am-i) speaks to the very issue of "qualified." I am not going to judge you for performing a procedure that I don't feel qualified to do. I will defend my choice to alleviate my horse's pain though. 2/24/2020 05:23:33 am
Thank you, Sarah. That was a great article that sounded EXACTLY like what I had already written. I am glad my vet is on the right track. :0) I figured you would use that post against me. Taking off chips with a rasp is extremely different than cutting off so much of your horse's bars that his foot bleeds. If you can't understand the difference between those two things than I'm even more concerned about Speedy than I was before.
carol
2/21/2020 10:32:24 am
I love poop too. I count how many poop piles are made during the night. Poop and Pee means everything is working properly. I also would rather have blood and stitches than the undisclosed mystery lameness and NQR. Happy trails Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. 
Photo by Lori Ovanessian
About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
July 2020 (PC AJSK Photography)
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
March 2021 (PC Tess Michelle Photography)
Bakersfield Dressage approved!
My favorite breeches!
FOR THE SMALLER EQUINE ATHLETE
I love her stuff!
Watercolor Artist and Friend
National Rider Awards
USDF Bronze Medal - 2020
USDF Second Level Rider Performance Award - 2018
USDF First Level Rider Performance Award - 2015
USDF Training Level Rider Performance Award - 2013
State Rider Awards
CDS Ruby Rider Award - 2018
State Horse Awards
Speedy G - 3rd Level Horse Performance Award - 2020
Speedy G - 2nd Level Horse Performance Award - 2018
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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