DixieBelle
Member
- Joined
- Aug 11, 2013
- Messages
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Hi! I'm new to the mini horse world, but do own an Arabian and a Welsh Cob x. I wanted to introduce myself and our new addition, but as a member of another horse forum, where I've already posted about her, I thought I'd copy/paste those posts over here. I hope that's ok!
And I'd love for any advice or suggestions you may have. I love learning and expanding my own knowledge.
Background: Dixie Belle Lilo, aka Dixie, is an approx. 18-20-year-old mini (my 3 young boys are responsible for her name. lol). I obtained her from a friend, who was moving due to a bad time in her life. Dixie was on large acreage of tall pasture, and sharing round bales and All Stock feed with cattle. Her hooves are in dire need of trimming, and she's obese. To top it off, she has heaves.
I've had her now for a full 2 weeks. Despite some farrier woes, I made contact with a highly recommended farrier, who lives over an hour away, and he is coming out this week. I've already talked to him and sent him photos of her hooves.
Her diet currently consists of .25 lb of Nutrena Empower Balance. I have ordered a vitamin/mineral supplement from Horsetech, and she will be switched to that upon its arrival. I've also started her on SmartControl IR, SmartFlex Senior, and SmartBreathe (wasn't sure if it would truly help, but knew it wouldn't hurt). She also gets 1-2 lbs of soaked hay daily (usually on the lighter side). She is turned out with the other 2 in the 2.1 acre pasture, as she went ballistic when I tried stalling her or separating her. I have a grazing muzzle, but I'm having to slowly acclimate her to it. As of now, she stresses out, tries to rid herself of it, and in the processing starts heaving greatly. The weather here is already an issue (hot & muggy), so I don't feel comfortable with her further distressed breathing (neither does she, I presume).
Anyway, that's where we stand today health-wise. As for her overall, she's the sweetest thing ever. She allows grooming and hoof cleaning like a dream. In fact, my 5-yr-old is helping me with her, and he's loving learning about her hooves. My 3-yr-old was actually able to help me bathe her last week, and he loved it!
So without further ado, here is a before and a current picture of her.
BEFORE:
AFTER 2 weeks:
My husband said he doesn't see a difference, but I swear that I do. I hope it's not just my desire and imagination.
And I'm loving her dapples! Seeing as how I'm not a color guru, I would like to ask what her color would be called.
I'm going to continue to update this thread, as I wholeheartedly appreciate all the advice and constructive criticism I receive from this forum. Thanks for the past 2 years of knowledge and help, and here's to many more!
Background: Dixie Belle Lilo, aka Dixie, is an approx. 18-20-year-old mini (my 3 young boys are responsible for her name. lol). I obtained her from a friend, who was moving due to a bad time in her life. Dixie was on large acreage of tall pasture, and sharing round bales and All Stock feed with cattle. Her hooves are in dire need of trimming, and she's obese. To top it off, she has heaves.
I've had her now for a full 2 weeks. Despite some farrier woes, I made contact with a highly recommended farrier, who lives over an hour away, and he is coming out this week. I've already talked to him and sent him photos of her hooves.
Her diet currently consists of .25 lb of Nutrena Empower Balance. I have ordered a vitamin/mineral supplement from Horsetech, and she will be switched to that upon its arrival. I've also started her on SmartControl IR, SmartFlex Senior, and SmartBreathe (wasn't sure if it would truly help, but knew it wouldn't hurt). She also gets 1-2 lbs of soaked hay daily (usually on the lighter side). She is turned out with the other 2 in the 2.1 acre pasture, as she went ballistic when I tried stalling her or separating her. I have a grazing muzzle, but I'm having to slowly acclimate her to it. As of now, she stresses out, tries to rid herself of it, and in the processing starts heaving greatly. The weather here is already an issue (hot & muggy), so I don't feel comfortable with her further distressed breathing (neither does she, I presume).
Anyway, that's where we stand today health-wise. As for her overall, she's the sweetest thing ever. She allows grooming and hoof cleaning like a dream. In fact, my 5-yr-old is helping me with her, and he's loving learning about her hooves. My 3-yr-old was actually able to help me bathe her last week, and he loved it!
So without further ado, here is a before and a current picture of her.
BEFORE:
AFTER 2 weeks:
My husband said he doesn't see a difference, but I swear that I do. I hope it's not just my desire and imagination.
And I'm loving her dapples! Seeing as how I'm not a color guru, I would like to ask what her color would be called.
I'm going to continue to update this thread, as I wholeheartedly appreciate all the advice and constructive criticism I receive from this forum. Thanks for the past 2 years of knowledge and help, and here's to many more!
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