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Not-So-Speedy Dressage

From Endurance to Dressage

Izzy's Leg: Part 2

1/13/2015

 
Part 1 is here.

Warning: one graphic photo is included down below, but there is plenty of warning that it is coming.

I got the phone call about Izzy on Tuesday while I was at work, but as a teacher, I simply can't answer the phone every time (or any time) it rings. As soon as I had a free moment, I listened to the voicemail from the trainer with mounting dread. Izzy had cut his leg and needed stitches. What did I want to do about it?

I immediately grit my teeth in anger. I had sent the trainer a very detailed letter that included directions for what to do in the event of an emergency. I had stipulated that the vet was to be called, and that I would pay all treatment and material costs including the emergency ranch call. That she needed to call and ask bothered me a great deal.

At the next break in my schedule, I phoned her directly with the plan to insist she get a vet out as soon as possible. Before I could do so, she quickly informed me that a vet had already been there and treated Izzy's wound. According to the trainer, the injury didn't need stitches and would just need to be wrapped for a week or so. The wound should be healed in ten days.

I was greatly relieved. The trainer offered to keep him an additional week to do the every other day bandaging. I wouldn't need to pay for board or training. I told her that I would think about it, but ultimately, I was worried about his safety and decided to pick him up on Saturday as originally planned. I sent her an email thanking her for the care she'd given Izzy, but I would be picking him up as planned.

The next morning, I received an extremely lengthy email describing how he had received the injury. The email included words like significant issues, frantic, extreme issues due to his thoroughbred breeding that are considered excessive, hypersensitivity, disaster, seriously herd bound, and the need for nerves of steel. I just could not (and still can't) see the horse that she was describing as the horse that I've worked with a handful of times.
Picture
Imperioso at his Rheinland-Pfalz Saar International Inspection
My best friend and I drove north on Saturday morning with a plan for loading such an "unmanageable" horse. The truck was gassed up, we had stopped for breakfast in case it turned out to be a long day, and we had several different types of whips, a lunge line, and a butt rope.

We walked out to his pasture and found a sleepy horse dozing in the sun. To be truthful, both my friend and I thought he looked too sleepy. He really looked drugged. I slipped his halter on and led him down toward the trailer. He walked quietly beside me with my friend following. When I got to the trailer, I dropped the middle window down carefully, but he still spooked a bit. As I lowered the second window, he watched, but he stood in place.

I had given my friend instructions on how I wanted her to use the lunge whip if needed. She stood back as I approached the trailer. I climbed in and within less than a minute, Izzy hopped in with me. There had been no need to encourage him from behind. The trainer handed me the vet bill, I handed her a check, and she told me the bandages were due to be changed that day. I thanked her, and we hit the road. We had been there less than 20 minutes.

Izzy danced and whinnied for the first two or three minutes of the 130 mile drive, but after that, we didn't hear a peep out of him. When we pulled into my barn, my friend held the trailer door closed while I unclipped him. At my direction, she slowly opened the door, but just like before, Izzy waited for me to tell him to back out.
Picture
Izzy and Speedy the next morning - I NEVER catch Speedy laying down.
He looked around for a while, but seemed to be dealing with the change of scenery quite well. I introduced him to Speedy G, his nearest neighbor, and they were instantly besties. We stood in the barn aisle for a few minutes where I had left some hay. He nibbled at the hay and checked out his surroundings. When it seemed as though he was okay with the situation, I put him in his new stall and paddock and waited.

After a few minutes, I brought Speedy out to groom and ride. Izzy got quite anxious as we walked out to the arena, but within a minute or so, he quit calling for us and just watched us work. Each time I neared the fence, I called out a quick hello to him. By the time I had finished the ride, Izzy looked settled enough to tackle the re-bandaging.

One of the barn owners had hung around, so I asked her to stand at his head as I unwrapped him. It took a few minutes to get all of the many layers unwrapped, and as I got closer to the wound, I had a sickening feeling that this was not a simple injury. I was right. As I pulled off the final blood-soaked telfa pad, my heart just sank. I was looking at a deep, wide, swath of the inside of Izzy's leg.

The photo that I took is quite gross, so close your eyes and scroll past it if you are squeamish ...
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Here it is ...
Picture
I don't like looking at it either. And sadly, it looks worse in person.
I have a lot of experience dealing with cuts, scrapes, bug bites, intestinal distress, thumps, electrolyte imbalances, fevers, lameness, abscesses, and so on, but I know when the job is too big for me. I asked my barn owner to run and get JL, my trainer, but before she was out of the driveway I was on the phone to my vet.

I have a great relationship with my vet. As soon as the receptionist knew who was calling, she had Dr. Tolley on the road. He was at my barn in less than 30 minutes. I love my vet; he knows his stuff and can read through the lines of bull shit like nobody's business. 

He immediately had his hands all over Izzy's wound (seriously gross) and then asked to see him walk out. He quickly pronounced him sound at the walk with no damage done to any tendons, ligaments, or muscles. He asked to see the bandages and asked why the wound hadn't been stitched. When I explained that the treating vet didn't think it was necessary, Dr. Tolley may have used the word idiot, but I could be mistaken. At this point, there was no way to stitch any of the skin back together as it was no longer elastic enough to do so.

Dr. Tolley lightly cleansed the wound with betadine, and then re-wrapped the leg. The good news is that the wound will heal, but it will take about 10 weeks to do so. I am to re-wrap the leg every other day until he says to stop. The telfa pad is to be soaked in Biozide Gel Wound Dressing that gets a wrap of gauze to hold it in place. Next will come a roll of cotton sheeting followed by an entire roll of gauze wrapped as tightly as I can get it. The whole shebang will then be wrapped in Coflex or Vetrap (whichever brand I happen to have).  Repeat, repeat, repeat.

I will be taking Izzy in for a check up in two weeks where Dr. Tolley will re-asses the wound and determine if we should switch the Biozide Gel out for White Lotion (to prevent proud flesh) or use a gel pad that one of the new doctors has had good luck with. 
Picture
Not only did he come home with a bum leg, but he's also rather thin.
When Dr. Tolley had finished with Izzy's leg, he asked to see the original treating vet's bill/write-up. It clearly stated that the wound was to be redressed in three days. The trainer did not redressed the wound as directed, but had let it wait for me to do at day 5. Fortunately, no harm was done, but I am even more grateful that I decided to go get him and treat him rather than leave him there for her staff to do.

So that's where we are.  I re-wrapped the wound last night with no trouble. My best friend once again showed up to help and will come again on Wednesday. Izzy was really good for the whole thing though so my friend's help is probably more moral support for me than anything else.

Dr. Tolley didn't want him on bute as he doesn't think the wound is painful. He also passed on the antibiotics as this type of wound should stay clean enough with the bandages. 

There is a bit more to the story of course - a few other parts that lead me to suspect the trainer's motivation regarding Izzy were for her own purposes, but since I would just be speculating, I'll leave it at that. 

Even though Izzy can't be ridden for a few months, there is a ton of ground work that I can do to begin building a trusting relationship, and bandaging a leg is a great place to start!
Picture
Hey, nice lady! Whatcha doin' down there?
Izzy's first "lesson" tomorrow.
Sarah link
1/12/2015 10:38:53 pm

Yikes!!! Nasty wound. Poor Izzy and you too. Did they elaborate on how he got it? Must've been a lot of blood...

carol link
1/12/2015 11:34:35 pm

So glad he is home. Way too many injuries at the trainers.

Mia link
1/12/2015 11:42:53 pm

I think there are a lot of dressage trainers that shouldn't handle TBs.

Austen link
1/13/2015 01:24:29 am

HA! Me too...

Lauren link
1/12/2015 11:43:39 pm

This story makes me sad for you, but in reality I know it could be much worse! Glad he is home and under your care :)

Amanda link
1/12/2015 11:57:48 pm

HOLY MOTHER OF SHIT!!!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/13/2015 10:21:27 am

My thoughts exactly! ;0)

Nicole Sharpe link
1/13/2015 12:00:58 am

I am so, so sorry to read about this whole saga and see Izzy is the one who probably suffered most for it. Though with any luck, it sounds like he will be back in business and make a full recovery. (What a good time to work on lowering his head for the bridle, maybe? :D ) I am glad you have him home and that you have a plan, and have my fingers crossed for his leg.

@ Mia above -- he's not even a full TB! And I think breed should be no excuse for a trainer. Good horsemanship is good horsemanship, regardless.

lytha
1/13/2015 12:10:29 am

How does such an injury occur in a horse turned out alone in a level, safe paddock?

That he is letting you treat it is a great sign of trust.

My husband carries a cell phone but he has it turned off the entire time he's at school, 8-3. If I needed to tell him about an emergency, I'd have to call the school secretary and have him pulled from class. Like I know how to do that....ugh. I should probably figure that out.

That your horse is sound on that leg, wow. Mine is 3-legged lame tonight after a simple walk and spook in the mud. I have no idea.

Hannah
1/13/2015 12:10:44 am

Swore out loud at the picture. My god. So glad he's home with a good prognosis.

Karen
1/13/2015 12:17:42 am

Holy shit!! I cannot even image what must have been going through your head. Did the trainer tell you exactly how he injured himself? Put his leg through or fence? I'm glad you can now re-start your journey with him. I'm sorry he has had to suffer and you have had the stress. ugh.

Carly
1/13/2015 12:17:52 am

Yikes! That thing is scary looking, but that's great news that he got such a good prognosis. Hopefully things start going a whole lot smoother for you and Izzy!

emma link
1/13/2015 12:31:48 am

i'm so sorry you're having to deal with this - after everything with Sydney and now this... but the vet's prognosis sounds promising and like you said - taking a few months to build a solid relationship via groundwork might end up as a blessing in disguise. good luck!

Sara Harrison
1/13/2015 01:02:46 am

Ouch! That's quite a wound! I'd be easy on the vet who first treated, you and your vet have no idea what the wound first looked like or what the exchange was between vet and trainer. Wounds of that size on a lower limb are frequently left open and managed with bandaging. I use honey for these and switch to SSD (I'm guessing that is the same as white lotion) and insulin once you have a little granulation bed. Hoping Izzy has a quick recovery!

Bakersfield Dressage link
1/13/2015 10:24:27 am

I agree ... I don't know what the vet said to the trainer. And I am not really sure whether it was the vet or the trainer who said it would take 10 days to heal. I am not upset with him because as you said, I have no idea what she told him. And thanks for the recommendation - I'll run those ideas by my vet. Good to hear from you! :0)

Amanda link
1/13/2015 01:18:09 am

WOW. Wow, that trainer - I don't even have words. Not okay. Not even remotely okay.

I'm so glad you have him home with you now. That wound looks awful but your vet sounds incredibly competent and if he says it will be slow but ok you just have to wait things out. Wow.

Austen link
1/13/2015 01:28:06 am

HOLY CRAP! That is not a "minor injury"!! Luckily it looks pretty superficial overall, but that's going to take FOREVER to heal. WTF was that vet thinking?! I'm glad your vet is proactively thinking about proud flesh, as that can be a real issue with that type of lower leg wound. Ugh.

I would be livid with the trainer. Your level of restraint here is really amazing.

You're totally right, spending all that time doctoring Izzy is going to give you guys a great foundation on which to build an undersaddle relationship. He seems so completely sweet and level headed for a green horse. I do think you picked a good one.

Calm, Forward, Straight link
1/13/2015 01:53:21 am

Wow.

1. Apparently anyone can hang out a shingle declaring themselves to be a "trainer", no matter what their qualifications.

2. I am so tired of breed-ism - which isn't even accurate in this case. Good handling practices apply across ALL breeds. The hotter breeds just more-so. Their sensitivity requires elevated sensitivity in the handler. If you haven't got, or can't develop the patience needed - please don't blame the horse.

3. Good news, bad news, to soon to tell. It sucks that Izzy had to get injured, but maybe in the big scheme of things that limited the damage to him, and your relationship. The months I spent out of the saddle rehabbing my arm was a very productive time with Val. So glad you have him home now.

jenj
1/13/2015 02:28:23 am

Wow. Just wow. I would be seeing red if I were you.

I am so glad you have him home and that you and your vet are treating him. Poor guy. I hope he heals quickly and is back to work soon!

hammerhorses
1/13/2015 03:12:34 am

Look up whinny socks. They're special socks made with silver thread to help treat lower limb injuries! The pictures I've seen of recovery with them is awesome!

hammerhorses
1/13/2015 03:17:53 am

Sorry, they're called Sox for horses...

Cathryn link
1/13/2015 03:28:51 am

Holy SHIT.

I would just be FURIOUS.

I am SO sorry this happened to you <3 Hugs and sending the utmost of healing vibes to Mr. Izzy

Kelly link
1/13/2015 03:41:23 am

OMG - so sorry about Izzy! But thankful he is safe back with you!

Liz
1/13/2015 04:42:20 am

My jaw is still hanging open while curse words flare through my head. I have no words....or at least no kind ones.

Katharyn
1/13/2015 05:45:57 am

Well the whole thing sucks obviously, but the most important thing is that you have him home now and it will heal. It is going to be a pain in the butt and cost some $ but in the end the important thing is that he should be alright. I'm glad it seems that he likely got less "training" from those "trainers" because of the injury. One silver lining. Dr. Tolley is truly great and having him on your side is definitely a good thing. FYI Sara Harrison - White lotion is not SSD - it is not white because of silver, it is white because of lead. It is wonderful for keeping proud flesh at bay. Hard to find because of the lead. Bakersfield Vet makes their own I believe. They use an old recipe from UC Davis. I have bought it online from the Rood and Riddle Pharmacy. It sounds like he is a wonderful horse and I'm glad that they didn't ruin him any further. Good luck to the both of you!

m
1/13/2015 05:55:10 am

I hope for an uneventful recovery and that you just have time to bond as you care for him. He's much better off in your hands then the flaky trainer person.

Tracy link
1/13/2015 07:38:25 am

oh my. Well... I'm so glad that Izzy is at home with you now and that he's expected to make a full recovery!

Melinda link
1/13/2015 08:01:55 am

wow. You sound so calm. That's awful. Glad you got him when you did. So happy that nothing important beyond skin seems to be damaged and yes I agree, nursing care builds a strong bond and provides all sorts of practical "assignments"

Tori link
1/13/2015 12:53:18 pm

That is one nasty cut. Poor baby. This will certainly be a good time to get to know each other. Sending jingles.

Val link
1/14/2015 10:51:41 am

I am so furious on your behalf. Thank goodness his leg is in good shape despite the treatment he received.

I smell a personal agenda on the trainers side (which makes me so angry on some many levels). The cowboy trainer sounds like a much better plan. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.


Comments are closed.

    About the Writer and Rider

    ​I 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.
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    About Speedy G

    ​Speedy 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.
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    Izzy 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.
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