Well, the farrier came out on Tuesday. I have been working hard with the boys to prepare them for this. Poor Rufio forgot everything he learned! He thought that the farrier was trying to attack him when she wanted his feet, like how horses bite each other's legs until they fall down. Taylor was very patient and though she got bumped, whacked, kicked and squished - she persevered until all four feet were done and Rufio was finally understanding that we weren't out to get him! I suppose it wasn't too bad for a nine year old stallion who had likely never had his feet done. He was just shaking through it. He is not a mean pony... just truly scared and confused! I think that things will be a lot smoother with him now, as he did trust us by the end.
Sable was very good for Taylor. He has one hind that is harder for him to allow me to work with, and he let her trim it after a couple of half-hearted stomps. Also - all of a sudden, he will let me pet him when he is loose in the paddock. I always had to get the halter on him first up until this week. Getting the halter on is not the process it used to be either. I think that he's finally decided to just be a pony!
So, a BIG thanks to Taylor Hilderbrand of TJ's Farrier Service! She donates the first trim on any rescues who come in!
So then, on Wednesday, the boys were gelded! Rufio had a high-flanker, but all went well. Sable's procedure was quick and normal. They were both very good for their needles and handled the whole thing very well! During the operation, it was discovered that Rufio has jaundice. You couldn't see it in his eyes, but the fat that was revealed in the incisions was yellow. The vets think that it was likely caused by plant poisoning. Rufio is underweight, and so if he was previously kept in any kind of paddock with vegetation, he would have eaten anything and everything available to him. So, he likely poisoned himself. There is nothing to do but watch what he eats now and wait for his liver to heal. We keep the rescues on dry paddocks, so there is nothing he can harm himself with here.
Our thanks to Greenbelt Veterinary Services for coming out. Dr. Anne Dick donates an exam for every rescue that comes in!
So, the boys have some healing to do, but I expect them to be less challenging to work with once they have recovered. It is amazing the difference that gelding can make in a horse's attitude. These boys are both willing to work with me already, so I can't wait until those pesky hormones dissapate and it becomes even easier!
Sable was very good for Taylor. He has one hind that is harder for him to allow me to work with, and he let her trim it after a couple of half-hearted stomps. Also - all of a sudden, he will let me pet him when he is loose in the paddock. I always had to get the halter on him first up until this week. Getting the halter on is not the process it used to be either. I think that he's finally decided to just be a pony!
So, a BIG thanks to Taylor Hilderbrand of TJ's Farrier Service! She donates the first trim on any rescues who come in!
So then, on Wednesday, the boys were gelded! Rufio had a high-flanker, but all went well. Sable's procedure was quick and normal. They were both very good for their needles and handled the whole thing very well! During the operation, it was discovered that Rufio has jaundice. You couldn't see it in his eyes, but the fat that was revealed in the incisions was yellow. The vets think that it was likely caused by plant poisoning. Rufio is underweight, and so if he was previously kept in any kind of paddock with vegetation, he would have eaten anything and everything available to him. So, he likely poisoned himself. There is nothing to do but watch what he eats now and wait for his liver to heal. We keep the rescues on dry paddocks, so there is nothing he can harm himself with here.
Our thanks to Greenbelt Veterinary Services for coming out. Dr. Anne Dick donates an exam for every rescue that comes in!
So, the boys have some healing to do, but I expect them to be less challenging to work with once they have recovered. It is amazing the difference that gelding can make in a horse's attitude. These boys are both willing to work with me already, so I can't wait until those pesky hormones dissapate and it becomes even easier!