It was Friday night. Middle daughter had already ridden Gunner, who bucked when asked for canter. His back didn't show any signs of being sore so I'm thinking he's just being a stinker. I will probably have to get on and see if he tries it with me. Might also be something middle daughter is doing... Anyways, back to the story...I had put dinner in the oven so I had an hour until it was done. I thought to hell with it and got Star out. She seemed happy that I had chosen her.
Got her all saddled up and off we went. She was SLOW as we were leaving the farm but soon she picked up her walk a bit. My plan was to go visit one of our hay fields that was close by to see if it was ready to be cut. Like I said, it wasn't far so if she had another coughing fit it wouldn't take long to get home.
We walked on a loose rein and really enjoyed our quick ride (about 20 minutes). I never asked her to go faster than the walk and she was fine with that. Usually she is aching to go faster but not that day - very content to stay at a walk.
We made it to the hay field took a look around and then turned back for home. Not a single cough the entire ride ! To say I was happy would be an understatement! The smile on my face didn't come off until my head hit the pillow that night!
In talking with my mother-in-law, she told me that her aunt had a horse with heaves and he came in the barn every night, which I was instructed not to do for Star, and wet down his hay for every feeding. He would have a coughing incident about once a year and she would treat him with the same medication that I gave Star. She rode him on trails long after his diagnosis when he was 15ish and he lived to be close to 30 years old! The key is early detection so I'm feeling very optimistic about Star's diagnosis.
Well, that's all for now! Until next time!
Quote for the day:
"Time is what we want most, but what we use worst."
-William Penn
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