Some Good, Some Bad, and Some Ugly

First, the good. Hubby and I had a very relaxing time at the cabin this weekend. Having time to unplug from the internet and cell phones does a lot to rebalance you. We spent Saturday hiking, napping, and drinking by the fire pit. Photos included.

We started out at about 7300 feet. The trail is only a mile and a half long, but it's a steady climb to reach the peak. This particular peak used to have a fire lookout, which took advantage of the amazing 360 degree view. Check out the flag; the wind was howling up there and the temperature was in the mid 40s.

That's our little cabin behind us. Cute, huh? We realized this was Tobias's first encounter with fire. He got his tail a bit close right at first and gave a big spook. By the time the fire burned down, he was enjoying the experience.

And then there was some bad. Both boys got new shoes on Tuesday. When I rode Speedy that afternoon, he felt slightly off, but I attributed it to being a bit tender footed. I skipped the barn on Wednesday to run some errands, but turned him out on Thursday before I rode Sydney. We left for the cabin on Friday so I didn't get to the barn until Sunday afternoon. 

I saddled Speedy and walked him to the arena. He dawdled behind me which isn't too uncommon, but he was really non-compliant as I tried to position him next to the mounting block. From the first step I knew something wasn't right. I hopped off and led him on a straight line. Yep. Lame, lame, lame. I untacked him and jogged him out on the gravel driveway. Definitely lame at both the walk and trot.

Speedy is never lame. I am hoping it has to do with the recent farrier work. He was sound the weekend before getting new shoes, so I am hoping a nail "quicked" him or he developed an abscess. Not like those are good things, but I can't think of anything else it might be. There is no wound, filling, heat, sensitivity, or anything else to suggest an injury, and given that I noticed the soreness immediately after shoeing, that seems the most logical place to start. I've left a message for my farrier.

Four clean and tight legs, but something hurts.

And finally, the ugly. After I tucked Speedy back in his stall. I rode Sydney. The ride was fine; we continued working on the right lead canter. Nothing miraculous happened, but it felt like we were getting somewhere. Just as I was thinking about finishing up, Sydney lurched forward, and I knew he had pulled a shoe. My farrier is really going to love me now. First, a lame horse, and now a shoeless horse.

I left a second message for him ... sheesh. (Farrier has since called back and hopes to be out on Wednesday.)

At least I found the shoe.