My horse needs an exorcism

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

Poor Daisy I'm afraid my girl has a curse on her

We are moving to our 6th boarding stable on the 21st since I got her in August, she almost died after being exposed to some kind of toxin last month at her latest stable--over a grand in vet bills to save her, people in charge of her care at other stables have forgotten to feed or water her, she was even beaten at one place and still cowers if you move too fast towards her in the stall

Today she got shod and the farrier butchered her

I would not be surprised is she is lame tomorrow

She is the sweetest animal ever and it just breaks my heart that she's had to endure all this.

The last straw today was that I got attacked on a farrier board for asking if there is any way I can learn to trim her myself. Nasty bunch of cretins

Now I'm just sitting her crying my eyes out thinking about all the crap that has happened lately to us. My dear hubby has been trying to keep me together all day but I'm losing it now that I'm sitting her alone after he went to bed. I never fall apart like this but it's just all such a mess.

Sorry I'm all whiney and emotional but if you have an pull with the powers that be please send a good thought or two our way.

 

[Valerie]

Oh dear, just know that you are in my thoughts & prayers....... that is horrible.

I hope that everything goes up from here........your poor horse and I know how emotional it can be...... keep your chin up, I will keep thinking of you!!

 

[Sun Runner Stables]

Uck,

That just stinks. Having had to board my horses before, I can understand how frustrating it can be when people take Horrid care of your animals...

Don't feel like you are being winey, you have every right to be upset. I would sure as heck be. And just ignore those farrier people, they are doing the same thing we do when someone wanders over here saying they are going to start doing something that freaks us all out. Ignore 'em. Though I wouldn't suggest doing it yourself, it Is an art form.

Have you asked around on the forum as to who lives where and who they use? Or the person who sold her to you>?

If she is off tomorrow, solepack wrapped onto her foot with vet wrap may help ease her discomfert until your vet or a new farrier can see her. I have had my share of bad farriers as well, and subsaquently, spoil the heck out of my current good one to keep him around!

((((((((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))

Whitney

 

[Nickermaker]

Triggy,

Have faith in yourself and you can trim hooves! I used to question myself on if I could do it or not as where I live farriers that know what they are doing are really hard to come by. And finding any to do mini's is next to imposible for some reason. So I bought the DVD on how to trim hooves from the Hopeforsoundness website. I went to Ovnicek's store in Penrose (90 miles from me) and bought it personally, but if I have any questions they are just a phone call away. Extremely nice and helpful if I need them. I have been trimming my own hooves for a couple of years now. And yes every so often I still have questions for them, but with their help get it figured out.

Hopefully you will find the ideal stable for Daisy with this next move. And I'm sure in time she will quit cowarding as she will realize with time and patience that there will be no more beatings. How sad that people can screw up a horse in a matter of seconds that literally takes years to train and get them to where they are. Wishing you and Daisy the best of luck!

 

[Marty]

I"m so sorry to hear that you are having all these troubles. Poor you and poor Daisy have been through way too much.

Well yea, you've got a mess there but you can clean it up. There is hope!

You have to do some damage control.

First thing: if you have any doubts about a farrier, don't let him shoe the horse. A bad trim is bad enough, but a lousy shoe job is a lot more painful. I'd pull the shoes right away if you are in any doubt whatsoever and think she is having pain. I'd just get them the heck off quick, soak her feet and not trying to give vet advice here but I'd call the vet and ask if you could pop her a bute because that is what I would do if it were Sonny in this situation .

Now then, 6 boarding stables in such a short time is just not cool. I used to have to board my horses for years. Some places very good and very fun, others were the pits. Unfortunatly even at some very luxuious places with high price rent, looks can be deceiving. Either you have to do your homework better about boarding or some changes have to be made for both the sanity and well being of you and Daisy. Isn't it just awful that you can't trust anyone anymore with carring for your horse? I think it's time you find your own place where you can have Daisy at home right under your nose. Who knows? Christmas is coming, right?

I wish you and Daisy all the best in the world and hope things are going to settle in for you very soon.

 

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

Thanks for all the responses and support. It means a lot and I'm trying to pull myself back together for Daisy's sake.

I want so much to find some property but our county has done some horrendous things to the land owners here. You can only use 35% of your property and it's really hard to get permits for barns here anymore. They have been trying to squeeze out horse owners for years. WA is one big wetland too so many areas are protected. We would have to move to some place like Snohomish CO to have more control over our land at all but that would be over an hour commute to work each way.

I am on my last boarding stable, I hope! The reason I'm leaving the current one is that I had a big confrontation with the owner after Daisy got sick. The vet thinks it was due to her eating tansy or nightshade in the pasture paddock. We went an looked for toxic plants in the pasture and he found them--even showed the barn owner pictures of them to compare but she'd have none of it. Most horses won't eat it but Daisy apparently likes the stuff and won't stay away from it. The owner refuses to believe what the vet said and either spray or dig out those toxic plants. She insists, because she's got over 50 years experience with horses, that no horse will eat toxic plants as long as they are well fed. Yah right

Unfortunately Dais is a total pig and eats everything. Nothing phases her she even eats nasty medicine and paste wormer as long as you put it in her food, So she insists that couldn't be it because she's never had trouble with the other horses eating it before and Daisy must have had a virus or bacterial infection.

I guess she thought I'd try to stick her with the vet bill if she admits it. Plus she has "forgotten" and, although I've pleaded with her to keep Daisy in the stall, put her back in that same paddock on two occasions since she got sick. Hence the confrontation that if Daisy has any further trouble I threatened to sue her for future vet bills or damage or loss of my horse due to this negligence. It is just an ugly situation all the way around. Since then she has left Daisy in her stall and glares at me whenever I go to see my horse.

I even start blaming myself for all this craziness. Anyone would begin doubting themselves after the first couple of incidents, but 6 stables? Sheesh! Then I suck it up and say NO WAY my horse should not have to go through this kind of stuff and I've GOT to protect her.

Today I had a long interview with owner of the new barn and met with several of the other boarders over the last couple of days. My hubby wanted to see the place and give his blessing before I made the final decision. Not that it's any assurance as I've been really thorough with everyone else too. I just have to keep trusting things will be OK this time as much as I can.

Those shoes are coming off tomorrow. I called the shoer and asked her to come back to remove them asap. This is another sticky wicket as she is the one who has been doing the minis for the past 3 years. I've never had a single complaint about her work before today but shoeing is a whole other level. I wish she would have been upfront with me that she didn't feel confident about the shoeing part. I didn't realize how long it took because I was chatting with her and some of the other boarders while I held Daisy but it took two and a half hours and she only got her trimmed and the front shoes on. She said she'd come back and do the rears in a few days. I really like her and she has become a friend over the years so this is just not a good thing to happen at all.

My other unreliable farrier can trim and shoe a horse in less than half an hour and does good work. However, he is a flakey guy and is usually very late, I'm talking hours, if he even shows up at all. It takes a couple of attempts to reach him to even get on the schedule for him to come out.

I will definately check out Dr. Omnivek's video. I went to a Natural Balance workshop a few years ago at a farrier school and it was excellent. I know I could learn to do this myself once I get a good grasp of the angles etc.

 

[rabbitsfizz]

Poor Shirley, I feel for you. We are very much in the "experts" hands when it comes to things like shoeing. I certainly think you could trim, all your horses, yourself.

I have done for years and, once you are over the initial self doubt- it isn't Rocket Science

I feel the same way as the barn owner- a healthy, well fed horse should not, not ever "will" not, eat nightshade etc. BUT there is always an exception and, after Carolyn (Frankie's) experiences I always pull any I see_ I was really surprised at how much I had this year, too, it's amazing what you can find when you look for it.

I would NEVER leave a poisonous plant unpulled because "horses don't eat it" that is just irresponsible.

I hope the horse that dies is hers and not one of her boarders.

I do hoe this is your last Barn, it must be a nightmare for you.

 

[Leeana]

awww .....she will be fine, horses are understanding and dont really spend much time worrying about the past.

Hope it goes well, it will!

If it helps, my past couple days have stunk to ..but im feeling better. Me and my emotions lately

Leeana

 

[Shari]

Shirley,, I can't remember if you are in my area or not?

If you are,.. let me know because I found a good farrier who is willing to listen to the owner.

He only goofed once in 1 year and 2 months.

 

[Sonya]

Hi Shirley -

Poor Daisy. I'd be mad too. I hope this new boarding situation works out for you, if not, you can ship her up here and I'll take care of her

My other unreliable farrier can trim and shoe a horse in less than half an hour and does good work. However, he is a flakey guy and is usually very late, I'm talking hours, if he even shows up at all. It takes a couple of attempts to reach him to even get on the schedule for him to come out.

Why are so many farriers like this?? I'd call him anyway, even though he's unreliable. When he comes out to do Daisy, set up 6 appts with him to cover almost the whole year and then call him a couple days prior to each appt to remind him. At least until you find someone better. It's like you have to sacrifce something to get a good farrier...you have someone you really like as a person and is reliable, but can't trim/shoe to save their life...or you have someone who is great at it, but unreliable and a wierdo....

Good to see you back on the forum!

 

[Sterling]

Oh I am so sorry your sweet Daisy is going thru so much now.....you sound so worried. I hope you find that wonderful barn you ar looking for. I remember how it used to be when I was boarding my horses years ago. No one ever does it like you do and that was hard, not to mention when things go awry and they don't fill you in on things that have happened to your horse.

I'm hoping everything works out for the best and maybe soon you will be able to keep Daisy at your own place if you can find property. She sounds like a real sweetheart.

 

[chevycouple]

I just wanted to comment on the natural balance shoeing. I have been using this type of shoeing for about 6 months now and love it. My horses are doing great and he even fixed my problem hoof mare. I have just now sold her be she wouldn't have been able to be sold if it wasn't for him working on her underrun heels. Good luck on the boarding thing.

 

[justanothercowgirl]

Hey Shirley, sorry to hear that you are so stressed out! You should be having fun with Daisy and not having to deal with crap all the time. I can totally empathize with you about the toxic plants, my gelding Bud, will also eat anything! And now her poor feet too!! I am sure getting those shoes off and soaking her feet will help and then you can go from I hope you can get this all worked out by Christmas time!!!

 

[runamuk]

Well crap.....that just stinks.....as for daisy's shoes...please keep a close eye and if possible bute her....we had an incedent with a lousy farrier that spent that much time on a mares feet and it foundered her.........don't want to scare you just want you to be aware........sure wish I knwew of barns in your area......if you were in Snohomish county I could hand you a huge list of great places

as for the exorcism...you know sprinking some holy water in her stall and on her couldn't hurt at this point

(((((HUGS)))))) hope it all starts to work out

Rori

Thanks for all the responses and support.  It means a lot and I'm trying to pull myself back together for Daisy's sake. 
I want so much to find some property but our county has done some horrendous things to the land owners here.  You can only use 35% of your property and it's really hard to get permits for barns here anymore.  They have been trying to squeeze out horse owners for years.  WA is one big wetland too so many areas are protected. We would have to move to some place like Snohomish CO to have more control over our land at all but that would be over an hour commute to work each way.

I am on my last boarding stable, I hope!  The reason I'm leaving the current one is that I had a big confrontation with the owner after Daisy got sick.  The vet thinks it was due to her eating tansy or nightshade in the pasture paddock.  We went an looked for toxic plants in the pasture and he found them--even showed the barn owner pictures of them to compare but she'd have none of it. Most horses won't eat it but Daisy apparently likes the stuff and won't stay away from it.  The owner refuses to believe what the vet said and either spray or dig out those toxic plants.  She insists, because she's got over 50 years experience with horses, that no horse will eat toxic plants as long as they are well fed.  Yah right 

  Unfortunately Dais is a  total pig and eats everything.  Nothing phases her she even eats nasty medicine and paste wormer as long as you put it in her food,  So she insists that couldn't be it because she's never had trouble with the other horses eating it before and Daisy must have had a virus or bacterial infection.

  I guess she thought I'd try to stick her with the vet bill if she admits it.  Plus she has "forgotten" and, although I've pleaded with her to keep Daisy in the stall, put her back in that same paddock on two occasions since she got sick.  Hence the confrontation that if Daisy has any further trouble I threatened to sue her for future vet bills or damage or loss of my horse due to this negligence.  It is just an ugly situation all the way around.  Since then she has left Daisy in her stall and glares at me whenever I go to see my horse. 

I even start blaming myself for all this craziness.  Anyone would begin doubting themselves after the first couple of incidents, but 6 stables?  Sheesh!  Then I suck it up and say NO WAY my horse should not have to go through this kind of stuff and I've GOT to protect her.

Today I had a long interview with owner of the new barn and met with several of the other boarders over the last couple of days.  My hubby wanted to see the place and give his blessing before I made the final decision.  Not that it's any assurance as I've been really thorough with everyone else too.  I just have to keep trusting things will be OK this time as much as I can.

Those shoes are coming off tomorrow.  I called the shoer and asked her to come back to remove them asap.  This is another sticky wicket as she is the one who has been doing the minis for the past 3 years.  I've never had a single complaint about her work before today but shoeing is a whole other level.  I wish she would have been upfront with me that she didn't feel confident about the shoeing part.  I didn't realize how long it took because I was chatting with her and some of the other boarders while I held Daisy but it took two and a half hours and she only got her trimmed and the front shoes on.  She said she'd come back and do the rears in a few days.  I really like her and she has become a friend over the years so this is just not a good thing to happen at all. 

My other unreliable farrier can trim and shoe a horse in less than half an hour and does good work.  However, he is a flakey guy and is usually very late, I'm talking hours, if he even shows up at all.  It takes a couple of attempts to reach him to even get on the schedule for him to come out. 

I will definately check out Dr. Omnivek's video.  I went to a Natural Balance workshop a few years ago at a farrier school and it was excellent.  I know I could learn to do this myself once I get a good grasp of the angles etc.

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[Sun Runner Stables]

I can't believe that your boarding barn's owner wouldn't acknowladge the night shade issue!

How awful and stupid can you be... though I bet you are right about the liability issue. Though honestly I have never had a horse that will eat it here ( I throw to much hay to try and save what little grass I have!

), I have had rescues come in who had, and de-toxing them was Awful. I feel for you!

We have a sweep once a week with the barn kids to look for it. There is also a type of moth catipillar that Really likes them, so I try and encourage them by having other plants that moth likes here as well. I can see a mistake happening, with a horse eating and getting sick, and then, to me, it's a fluke. If however I IGNORED the nightshade, it is absoulty My Fault, as that Is harmful and negligant behavoir. Shame on her!!!

Holy 2 1/2 hours???

Yikes! I would just try and be as nice as possible, and suggest that perhaps the minis are just a better gamit for her to do for you, and say no more...My farrier hand-makes my shoes from bars of iron, and it takes him about 45-60 min'd per shoe, and he is Fast. With a premade shoe, he takes about 15-20 min per horse.

I had a farrier for about 2 years who was wonderful, then all the sudden, my horses feet started looking like little QH feet... Long toe, no heel, and Really small... I complained and basiclly got the " I know what I am doing" type comments.

Wrong anwser!

I then switchted to my current farrier, and have been very happy every since. I am telling you, you gotta spoil 'em! I have coffe, cookies, cold drinks, whatever you name it. Also clean towels and good stong soap in our barn bathroom. I also tip him when he's made a special trip for me. (Which in muddy summer time, can be often.

Though his new clip design has been working really well so far!)

He often wears a shirt that I think sums farrier's up pretty nicely>

>" Farriers are like Cats, They don't come when called and Hate the rain!"<<

I love that shirt...

I still really feel that big horse feet should be done by a recommended, trained professional. I agree there are many that should never pound an anvil, but for any of those there are lots that have truly paid their dues and gotten lots of schooling/training/ and (normally) apprentinceship under someone.

Good shoeing is an Art form, and a Good farrier will Never use pre-made shoes IMO. All of my horses shoes are made from scratch, and fit Their feet, and changed/reshaped every shoeing. A farrier who cannot do this isn't worth the call, and I sure as heck know I can't pound iron, so why would I even try?

(Fun Fact: we Never used pre-made shoes in this country until our Wars. Farriers were taking so long to shoe each horse that that the army dedcided to make "pre-fit" shoes to save time, and we all know how good one size fits most works out... even with all the different sizes... )

Minis feet, unless they are special need, are a whole nother baliwick to me... You do not need as much muscle to do them right or do as perfect a job, as you will not really mess them up as Often they will wear themselves normal. I trim mine, and every other visit, have my farrier look, correct, or just "even out".

I was even nervous about this until I spent 3 weeks following my farrier around on his trim only jobs, and learned quite a bit, and then did my minis with him standing next to me correcting and fixing for a bit (about 2-3 months). (Hence my apperciation that Voodoo can shoe, it's Hard to do all this right.)

The idea of just picking up a book, or watching a video for a bit makes you a decent farrier just freaks me out IMO.

I don't want you to feel like I am harping At you or anyone else, I just felt that those points needed to be made, as no one else had yet.

 

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

Shoes are off but she did manage to cut her leg pretty good on the inside with her shoes while rolling

She is still sound but I'm giving her a week or so of very light work, just some lunging to ensure no joints are being affected by the trim angles. She was walking pretty gingerly but I think that was due to how the shoes were setting on her fronts. Once they were pulled her stride seemed normal.

I had a nice talk with the farrier and while she didn't admit anything abnormal about the time it took I think she was kind of relieved to pull them. I just may pack Daisy up and trailer her to Mission Farrier school in Snohomish. Mark Plumlee is said to be one of the premier shoers for the natural balance system in the state.

The barn owner was being exceptionally nice to me today and was very concerned about Daisy's foot issue and cut leg. I really don't think she's a bad gal and is trying to intentionally harm her, just doesn't believe the vet could be right on how she got sick. He also scolded her for continuing to feed grain and alfalfa to some horses that got a massive case of the runs so maybe there is some history between those two that causes some friction. She said she's sad that I'm leaving and is going to miss Dazymaze as she calls her. I'm a bit sad too because I made some nice friends there and will miss weekend trail rides with one of the ladies.

The new barn has some avid trail riders too and I tend to make friends easily so I'm sure there will always be someone to have fun with our horses there.

Daisy will be in 90 days of professional training there too so we both can get polished up together. They also have a resident farrier at the new facility so I'm going to try my best to learn as much as possible from him.

Feeling better today about it all and trying to maintain a positive outlook on our new adventure. Getting the weight back on her too. I taped her today and she's up a solid 50 lbs from last month. Poor thing had lost close to 200 lbs. since she came to western WA. All of these moves have been tough on her. Thankfully, she was a fatty when I first got her or she'd have been in bad shape. She looks very fit but not much extra flesh to protect her from the cold so she'll wear a heavy blanket until we get good weather in late spring. Oh I forgot to tell you about the lights! The last barn I had her at was a big whoop-de-do show barn and the kept her under lights during the time she should have been putting on coat

. I had no idea they left the lights on all night to stop the hair growth until it was too late. Unfortunately, she is a slick as a horse in mid summer and has only put on some foot feathers, chin and jowl hair. I've been packing the rice bran, BOSS and calorie supplements into her for about 2 months and she's starting to lose that wasp waisted drawn look finally. I need to take some recent pictures of her so you can see how she's doing. She is such a beautiful girl

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Hey, speaking of Snohomish and Snohomish county...

If you need a place to stash her for awhile where she will be fed properly, loved on, and otherwise spoiled rotten I've got an open stall right now in my backyard. Snug, warm, friendly, and all I'd charge is food cost and riding privileges! LOL. We even do blanketing this year since my old Arab needed that extra bit of padding for the first time.

Hope things work out for you and Daisy.

Leia

 

[Triggy&Blue&Daisy Too]

Leia if you were closer I'd take you up on that! Daisy could use more exercise and she's a glutton for love. You would fall in love with her, she is such a sweetheart.

One of these days I have to meet you. You must show me how to harness up a mini properly

 

[hobbyhorse23]

Come on up, baby girl! LOL. I've got a couple of love-gluttons here myself who would love another admirer (and they could use some manners from your mare. It's been just boys here for way too long.)

I'm always down in Renton for a model horse show in the spring, maybe I can stop by. You provide horse, I'll bring harness.

Leia