Because Jackson is grey, with a white blaze, I worry about sunburn on his nose. I read about a great fly mask and ordered him one. It fits him perfectly and will allow him to enjoy the California sunshine without sunscreen -- or flies.
He immediately went outside to model it for Tuffy. I tried to explain to Tuffy that it wouldn't fit over his ears but he said he wants one anyway.
Our vet delivered a bag for Jackson as well.
We are going to try a course of GastroGuard. I'm getting REALLY tired of washing Jackson's back legs and tail every day. We've tried everything else so this is the last shot -- we saved it for last because GastroGuard is soooooo expensive. We think that Jackson may have ulcers in his colon. Most of the time when horses have ulcers, they are gastric (in the front gut) and cause belly pain. The horse is colicky - which Jackson has never been. But recently there have been a number of studies done on horses who have issues similar to Jackson, and they found ulcers in the back gut (colonic). Our vet has successfully treated a number of horses recently with similar symptoms and the results were pretty amazing. I am hoping it works for Jackson as well. He definitely has something going on in his back colon. I keep him free of parasites (I am the fecal test queen), give him good quality hay three times a day, give him as much turn out as his feet can tolerate, and limit his stress as much as possible (we don't go anywhere in the trailer).
This morning's ride was interesting. Jackson started out slow and lethargic. I wasn't sure if it was the heat or his feet or his gut. We did a little trot work and he woke up. After trotting for ten minutes, he decided it was time to canter.
Um, no, I didn't say canter.
Yes you did!
No, I didn't. Trot a nice circle and then we'll canter.
No! I want to canter NOW!
He kept trying to run off with me -- he comes back in a stride or two, it's never scary, but he sure was feeling pushy.
I may regret the ulcer treatment. I may end up with a very sassy horse.
Bring it on.
