Processing

This afternoon the farrier came up to work on the horses.  I asked him to do Jackson first, and while he trimmed Jackson I held Winston so he could watch.  Winston was very upset about the equine dentist's stuff and he didn't like Brett's ladder in the aisle.  The farrier?  He didn't even care.  Winston just nibbled on grass and then went straight to the tie rail with no shenanigans to get his feet trimmed.  He did do some naughty hopping around but that will come with time.  He's just a baby in so many ways.

Sage was complimentary of Winston's feet as I expected.  He said from a conformation standpoint they are outstanding.  He didn't have a whole lot of foot but since Sage didn't do the last trimming, he isn't sure if its a trimming issue or if Winston wears them down faster than they grow.  Time will tell.  I've got my fingers crossed that he can remain barefoot.

Jackson has been off and on gimpy so we kept him in yesterday and last night, giving him bute, so he could tolerate his trim today.  This morning, I washed his back legs and tail so he would be clean for Sage and then I let him graze for half an hour while he dried.

 He doesn't do well with turnout in the pasture.  He moves around too much -- he is bottom of the pecking order so he gets pushed around by Flash and Winston.  Even if he just walks around, after a few hours he is sore.  So, I let him graze all by himself. 

When I put him away, he stood in a corner of his stall and took a nap.

So, I shouldn't have been surprised when Sage told me that all four of his feet look bad.  They are very lamanitic and have developed pockets and .... well, it would be appropriate for him to go at any time.

I know that.  Really I do.  But, I am so far from ready that it isn't funny.  I asked Sage if he could finish up with Flash and Kalvin because I had work to do in the house.  It was a lie.  I came up to the house and sat on the couch and started trying to process this.  Brett called -- he must have ESP -- and we talked about the difference between what is clinically indicated/inevitable and timing that feels right for Jackson.  Brett is in the Seattle area for a few days visiting his daughter and the grand kids.  I miss him.

I'm going to ride Winston as soon as Sage is done.  I'm hoping it will make me feel better.  I feel like some one dropped a bunch of rocks in my heart.

...and, please, no advice:  "try this trimming or that..."  I know what I know.  I know my horse.  I don't want any advice even though it is offered with the best intentions.  Jackson will tell me when he is ready -- and I will listen.