CelestialTimes

A Beautiful Day for a Ride!

2010-10-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I was able to stay home from the boat show today and I took advantage of it by sleeping in and then heading out to the farm.

Tim really hasn’t been cleared to ride by his pulmonologist….but he really wanted to ridge…so; we went out to the farm. The boys were hiding behind the barn because it was windy.

They were very happy to see us when they realized we were there. We went to the barn and cleaned everyone up I helped Tim tack Poncho up. I threw just the bridle on Frank…no saddle needed for me.

We got everyone ready and I got on Frank and Tim got on Poncho and off to the riding arena we went. Frank just wanted to eat. He finds the arena unchallenging, so he just eats. Yes, with his bit in his mouth!

Here are some pictures of Tim riding Poncho

Poncho is so Proud!!!

Then Frank and I got tired of being in the arena and went out tot he yard....

It was really a GREAT day for a ride. Can't wait to do it again!

A New Day...

2010-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been some time. I lot has happened since June…My mom took us to meet Poncho and even tho I didn’t feel ready, we spent a lot of time with him at his home on Lothian. My husband, Tim, decided that this was definitely the horse for him.

So, we made arrangements a couple times to get him home…and FINALLY in June things worked out.

I haven’t been able to look at my post much, because I look at the photos of Tonka and I just cry. I still miss the little guy so much….but last night I was here and talking to a friend about our horses. She lost a horse, too and she was sharing with me her experience and it was so nice to have someone to talk to about my loss who really understood the bond, so here I am this morning…really wanting to share the last couple months with Poncho.

I had sent out a few emails to my friends when we brought him home….so, I’m just going to put in the dates and then from here, I will keep you up to date.

Sun, Aug 8, 2010

Well...it's finally done. Poncho is home with Frankie!

The day started early. Tim was up before my alarm went off and apparently, he didn't really sleep last night because he was like a kid waiting to open his xmas presents.....

We got to the track and helped my mom with her horses so that we could get Poncho and head across the bridge before the beach traffic started.

We headed to the farm that Poncho lives on and Poncho got right on the trailer...and we headed on out. Pam was sad to see him go and we promised to keep in touch with her.

We headed on over to the eastern shore, Tim followed my mom and I....Poncho was kind enough to toss some hay in some guys Mercedes convertible. Sure wish Tim had taken a picture of that....LOL!

He traveled really well....he was starting to get bored toward the end of the trip....but luckily we were almost to the farm.

My mom was really happy to see Frank. And spent some time hugging him and giving him candy.

We walked the boys around and let them get to know each other out side of the field and then put them in. There was a bit of a kicking fit and a couple scratches....but that was that. Beth and I decided to feed them....to see what kind of issues we'd have...there were none. I decided I didn't want to leave the farm, but we were starving...so we went to a little diner (the only one in town) and had a bite to eat and then went back to the farm.

It was comforting to see them standing near each other and being nice. I got Frank and gave him a bath....Tim took out Poncho. Frank is still not willing to share mommy and will do his best to keep himself in between me and Poncho.

So...of course I'm thinking about my boys and wondering how they are and I keep checking my phone to see if Beth has sent me any type of message....nothing yet. I'll send her one in the morning.

My mom....well, she was awesome. I think I may have to hire a private investigator to find my real mom....but well...maybe not cuz I like this one better. She didn't drink a beer the whole time we were together. She was nice...she was helpful. She was down right, sorta like a mom....in her own kinda way.

Well...I better get going. I'm so tired. It's been a very busy weekend.

Hope everyone had a GREAT weekend. I know I did.

Nite

Celeste

August 15, 2010

Well...today was the day....Tim has been waiting for today all week....and boy was he so disappointed when we woke up to rain. He decided we were going to the farm anyway.

We got to the farm and it was rain...and the boys were standing in the rain...eating grass...and happy to see us.

It stopped raining and we got the boys in the barn to dry Poncho off. While we were drying off Poncho, it started raining even harder than before. Tim said he just wanted to sit on him. He'd been waiting for this moment for a while now and the rain was threatening him.

From Drop Box

I said ok.

We got Poncho dry and then we started to tack him up. Well...the aussie saddle wouldn't work because the girth was too big. So, Beth just recently gave us a saddle she has recently given a previous boarder...but didn't take when she left...and I had a girth that my mom gave me recently (that could use replacing in the near future) that fit Poncho and so, Tim put the saddle on Poncho and well....Poncho wasn't too happy about it. Tim took him out to the round ring and what a show.

Meanwhile, everyone was running around....

Madar

Frankie....

Anyway, Poncho finally settled and Tim adjusted the girth and put his weight in the saddle. All was good. Tim did it a couple times to be sure.

Then I gave him the bridle and Tim put that on and walked him around for a few turns. Poncho seemed ready for the real thing.

Poncho was such a good boy.

Tim rode for a while and I decided to get Frank out of the arena...and graze him while I watch Tim and Poncho.

Tim felt so confident and came out of the ring and rode Poncho around the yard.

I think Tim rode for a half hour. Gosh, he was so proud.

Tim Took Poncho in the barn and untacked him and brought him out to graze with his brother, Frank and get treats.

We grazed for a bit and then cleaned them up and got them ready to go back in their field.

Tim really enjoyed his ride and Poncho did really well, once he settled down.

We've been out to the farm many times since this...but I haven't really put anything together.

We have had a lot of things going on. Tim's father passed away, and Tim collapsed his left lung....so, we've really been limited on our family time.

Beth has put them in the back field and they seem to really love it back there.

We're on our way out to the farm in a bit to see them and spend a lot more quality time with them...I just wanted to get this posted so that I could update again wen I get home.

Thanks to my very special friend Thea who helped me realize..."our hearts are enriched with the unconditional love they gave us. I guess that can give us some sort of peace? "

I hope to come home with some great horsey stories....

In Memory of my Tonka Pony

2010-06-25T23:28:00.000-07:00

From misc at the farm

Well, it's been a week and a half since Tonka was laid to rest. It feels like a life time ago.

I went out to the farm tonight, as I have several times in the past week, to spend some time with Frank and I walked out to the run in that they used to share. There are still signs that Tonka was there. Signs that I'm not really ready to part with and hope that Beth doesn't clean out that side of the shed.

I stood there and cried and wished that he was there to pick my pockets and nudge at me for a treat. I longed to look at his cute face....and rub his head and tell him I love him...but all I could do was look up to the sky and cry and tell my boy how sorry I was that he wasn't with us anymore. I stayed there for a while, crying and longing to touch his course mustang hair, until Frank came and pushed on me and pushed me away from the shed and herded me back towards the gate.

I gave Frankie a big hug and rubbed his handsome face and told him I loved him and continued to walk towards the gate.

I watched Frank graze a while before going to the barn where there are still traces of Tonka. I've put his halter and shank in the tack box, but his Bittless Bridle is still hanging on the nail with Frank's Bridle and Halter. I'm just not ready to put his things away...even tho it's hard to see them.

I have a lot of good and bad memories with Tonka.

Tonka came to us in an interesting way....Someone wanted to use my trailer to take this pony to the farm. I didn't know this person. He even had the nerve to ask to use just my tags. Um...still no. Then, my mom suggested we watch said pony. So, 2 weeks turned into almost 6 years total. Turns out Tonka was only 6, maybe close to 7. He still hadn't gotten his 7 year nitch.

He got his name because he dumped me, in the stall, for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. This was about 6 years ago. I was so humiliated. Frank is a Thoroughbred, who people have said, "that horse is going to kill that girl!" that I've had since he was 9. I got my pony license aboard him and I rode him on the track a couple times a week but I could NOT stay on this little Tonka Horse. So, that's where his name came from.

He once jumped over my head; his feet were eye level with my face. I can still remember thinking...OMG...What the _____!!!! And then he slid on the landing and went down. I remember my heart beating so hard and worrying that he was hurt. I assessed the situation, amazed that he just had some minor scratches, and got him back to the barn and I didn't touch him for a year or better. I'd brush him, I'm spend time with him, but my mom was the only one that would ride him.

I was really afraid of Tonka.

Then, I had moved Frank off the race track and introduced him to a real retirement. He was 14. The poor guy had lived mot of his life on the track and he always looked like he was ready to race.

One day, I went out to see my mom, who begged me to go out to the track with her. I was like, who am I going to ride. She said him. Pointing to Tonka. She swore to me that he had changed. I was skeptical, but I got on and we headed out to the track.

Tonka was a good boy. Very professional and very responsive to the other horses needs and mine. I was impressed.

Then, every time I'd go out to the track, I'd be sure to bring my riding gear.

Then Tonka came up lame. My mom's boyfriend said he had Laminitis. She really didn't tell me that he had it. She told me that he didn't. That he was fine. There was nothing wrong with the pony.

My husband, then my boyfriend, had just had to return his adopted horse to Day's End Farm because they had failed to tell us or maybe they didn't diagnose her COPD. They did laugh about her insistent coughing, that really was no laughing matter. Poor thing. That was a horrible experience.

Fibi is still at Day's End and I sometimes steal a minute to see what they have her doing. She will always be on the farm there and is used as a program horse, but she will always be on expensive medications.

Anyway, we were looking for a new horse. Tim wanted to ride with me. Horses are how we met and a couple that rides together, stays together...right?!?!?! Well, maybe....LOL! It sure does make finding things to do together, easier.

Well....after not much debate, we took Tonka to the farm where Frankie was. He came up lame again. He had a walk like I had once seen before in Peanut. Boy was I pissed off at my mom. I didn't even talk to her for a while.

This was over three years ago.

We took him off the grass....put him in the riding ring that didn't have grass. The farrier put shoes on him. He had shoes for almost 2 years, finally getting them off last August or September. We thought we beat it. The funny thing is; I know you don't really beat Laminitis. It's like cancer. It goes into remission, only to show up again when you’re not really expecting it.

A couple months ago, Tonka got stuck in a gate and that was the start to the downward spiral.

We were being so careful. I was driving out to the farm daily. Doing cold compresses that would annoy Tonka. We even had the vet out. Had him hoof tested. All was still looking good. One day, a couple weeks later, Tim had been out the night before and was concerned about Tonka and he wanted me to go out. I had been to my retina specialist and was somewhat concerned about heading out but I put on my super dark sunglasses and Tim and I headed out to the farm. We called the farrier....who prepped us for the bad news. Then we had the x-rays that showed us that bad news. Then they gave us the 5% chance of hope that sounded like Tonka the experimental guinea pig or ....well, I still can't say it.

The 5% seemed promising...but it meant he'd never be able to be on grass again...he'd be stall bound or in a dry lot. He'd have to eat last cut hay...no alfalfa, no fresh green grass....It would have to be a late season cut...the more we thought about it....the more I talked to people I know, farriers, Thoroughbred Trainers, other horse owners, my mom, my mother in law and searched the web.....they all said the same thing. The web gave you a bit more hope, but what was irritating...you had to pay for the information that provided "the magic cure." No, we didn't pay. We realize that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Then, we thought about Tonka's heritage. He was once a wild Mustang. How could you do this to a horse that was already taken from the wild. Put on an auction site, shipped across country in a confined space. Then taken to the race track and thrust in a stall.

So, here we are. Even Frank has mourned. He won’t go in Tonka's side of the shed. He will stand and look at it. He even stands close to the center wall where he will look over the wall. He will glance in it as he walks by. A true sign that we all need to mourn our losses.

I'll end this with some photos and a video.

From Susan April 12th 2009

From 11.8.08

Tonka loved to be ridden. He once entertained a dozen or so children with pony rides.

From Wedding

He loved food!

From Wedding

Tonka was a groomsman in our wedding.

From Wedding

The wedding party.

Here is a link to Tonka's video that his daddy put together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmkuFtDqsmc

Sometimes Life just isn't fair....

2010-06-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Well....we had a new vet come out. Recommended by the farrier.

Tim met the vet this afternoon, while I stayed at work.

Tonka has Laminitis/founder in both front feet. Something that didn't show up when the last vet was out...and apparently...he's had this flair up for a while (I didn't even catch it....I really thought it was just him getting stuck in the fence...). One hoof is worse than the other. When I spoke to the vet tonight, he informed me that 4 horses in the area have also been diagnosed. He also informed us that if the coffin bone in one foot has turned 18 (he said in the beginning of the conversation) in one foot 9 in the other....and then in a later part of the conversation...19 and 9.

He also stated that he has diagnosed 4 other horses in the area with the same condition. Due to the heavy rains and rich grass. Ugh. One of them his own horses. When I asked him how his horse was fairing...he didn't give me any information.

When I talked to Tim, he said that this coffin bone was 2cm from the base of his hoof wall. If you've ever seen a horse hoof, 2cm's just aren't very large.

Several years ago...I had a horse, Peanut (her race name was Northern Delux). What a cutie....she was only 15 hands high. 5 years old and so very loving. She would lay in the stall and I would sit n her and she would stand up with me on her just as gental... (I once tried it with Frank....I was pretty lucky I didn't brake my arm when it got stuck behind me in the water bucket. My elbow hurt for months....He really didn't mean to get up so fast...but....)

My mom and I would take her and Frank to Cedarville and Patuxent Park She loved it. She would tease Frank and make him go further and further. And she must have been super cute to him, cuz he'd follow her...and grumble a little.

Miss Peanut died about 2 years after this picture was taken from the same thing that Tonka has right now.

The thing that really bothers Tim and I right now is...the fact that Tonka (once a while mustang) is no longer able to eat grass...never again in his life. No more treats, carrots, candy...no GRASS. A horse is a natural forager...a horse can not leave on grain, he must have hay (hay is cut grass) and water. Tonka will only be allowed to eat poor quality grass.

As I sit here and type this with tears in my eyes, what is life as a horse without the luscious green grass. Isn't that what you think of as a horse...frolicking in the field with grass...lots of it?

Another informative site on Tonka's condition...http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/info/founder.html

The images in this site depict what is going on with Tonka...almost too well...http://www.naturalhorsetrim.com/ his feet do not look like this but the images where they explain where the bone is...really does.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminitis

Well...there is so much information and most of it I've read. Some of it...well, I just can't read. There are some stories of long struggling recoveries...and then...well the horrible struggle that Peanut suffered. Laminitis/founder is not curable....you can slow it down....but sadly...Tonka, Tim and I have been battling this for about 3 years.

As of Today, Tonka is medicated and he has his lily pads duck taped to his feet. I tried to find some pictures of these, but couldn't. Peanut had a green one and it kind of fit within the foot. I'm sure Tonka's are the same.

Cut off from his brother....and looking pretty sad...

We have 2 choices for Tonka...both of them are hard. Our biggest thing is, we don't want to see our boy suffer. He has had this problem since before we got him. Matter a fact...It's why we got him (long story).

I asked Tim to request the x-rays for me (they are digital and should be very easy to email).

This is just really hard to talk about right now and I still can't believe I'm writing about it...but I know I need to get it out.

Tim and I both talked to our mom's....and well, they both stressed to not let him suffer.

Sigh....

My friend Kimberly said today that sometimes life just ain't fair. Boy isn't that the truth...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQ6_3m-B94I

Laminitis - here we go again....

2010-05-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

Well...the farrier came out today to look at Tonka....and he says that Tonka now has this in all 4 feet.

It is really hard for me to write about this because several years ago, I lost a horse to this horrible, her name was Peanut. Poor thing.

So, now, here we are again...several years later....a lot less money and a huge undertaking. I'm so scared. Poor Tonka. I hate that he's going through this. I hate that he is suffering. The poor guy is only 6 years old.

We had a vet come out and everything tested fine and well...a week and a half later....I get the gut wrenching news.

Several years ago, the nation lost Barbaro to the same disease. What a sad story that was. He suffered a year. A year!!! He had all the services money could buy....He was favored to win the tripple crown in 2006. I was in attendance at Pimlico on Preakness day he shattered his leg.

It just doesn't sem fair....Right now...I feel so sad.

When you just don't know what to do...call the people that do....

2010-05-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Well....I called the Ferrier...he'll be out tomorrow evening....

When Tim came home from the farm, last night, he was really concerned about Tonka....

After my eye doctor appointment, today...I struggled with the thoughts of going out to the farm. Luckily...it was gray and the sun wasn't shining...so, I really felt I had to go out. So, dilated eyes and all...I went to the farm with my funny "old people looking over the glasses, sun glasses." I would have never been able to drive there myself...but I could certainly ride there.

Tim and I got to the farm and I grabbed Frank's halter and shank and walked out to the field...Frank was so happy to see him. I petted him briefly...and then continued on to see Tonka.

Well...he's about the same...but walking differently.

Well...It was clear to me that we are having laminitis flair up. We're fairly certain, from his back legs hurting, he put more weight on his front legs and through his weight off balanced and then the spring grass....all recipes for disaster...

So, I went to the little tack store down the street from Beth's. They were closed, but Bob opened up for us (gotta love the eastern shore). We got Tonka a grass muzzle. I purchased it so that we could have it for back...just in case Beth is unable to get him in and out, she'll be able to put that on him and he won’t be able to eat too much grass. He'll be able to; just limited (too bad I can't get one of these things for me!).

I also got a few other things at almost rock bottom prices…

Beth had contacted her Ferrier for me and well...he agreed to come out to see Tonka. I talked to him and well...I'm very nervous about meeting this guy. He sounds like he knows his stuff...but do you know how you feel as a women going to a car repair shop....well, this is about how I feel about dealing with the Ferrier. This guy really seemed to try to scare the crap out of me.

When I finally said, well, honestly, this is the 3rd year in a row I've had to deal with this. Tonka honestly needs shoes; I can't do them myself. Tim can trim...but shoes are out of the question. The Doctor was just out last week and did the hoof tester and there was no sign of laminitis...but now...well...we're not sure. I explained about the fence and why the doctor was out...so honestly, I'm not a moron when it comes to this. It's something we've been dealing with since we got Tonka.

Anyway...after that...said macho dude...decided to slow down and be a little nicer. But that doesn't make me feel any better about meeting this guy tomorrow by myself.

So, Tonka is sleeping in the riding ring tonight and Frank is happily pigging out on clover grass in the riding arena...Poor Kids. Well, Frank is probably missing his brother about now....but he can still see him.

Anyway, I'm so completely stressed out.

Life is certainly a box of chocolates....

2010-05-22T20:58:00.000-07:00

Well....everyone seems to have a blog these days and I began to think that maybe I should have one, too! I got to thinking about what I'd want to write about and what to blog about.

Well, I love my horses and I love to workout. Perfect....well...I don't know. Well, I decided to focus on life with horses and add some personal content about my fitness and life in general.

Life with horses is almost like life with kids. Every day is different and they really do bring you lots of joy. Sometimes they bring you lots of stress. Sounds a lot like kids, doesn't it?

Anyway, I have 2 horses. Frankie is a 18 year old retired Thoroughbred. He raced until he was 9 and I got him soon after. Tonka is a 6 year old Mustang (I just found out recently that he's 6). I thought he was 5 or 6 when I got him about 5 years ago from someone off the race track.

Poor Tonka got stuck in a gate. Not sure how he did that...but he likes to nest and he nested in his shed and well...I can only assume that he rolled and got stuck. It's been a long couple months trying to get him back to health. It makes me so sad to see him hurt so much.

Frank is doing better than this year than he has in the last few. He's thriving at the new farm, which is awesome. He looks awesome. But, he's seeming to like to charge the gate to get free to enjoy the luscious grass...

I love to ride Frank bare back while he grazes on the lush grass.

Well...we're not eating lush grass here, but this is a great picture of my spoiled baby.

I grew up around horses. My mom is trainer, my grandfather was a trainer and the man that raised me was also a trainer. So, horses are most definitely a part of life.

Boy, that's a skinny pony. But that's me.

Anyway...this is the start to my blog. I'm not sure how often I'll post...I just know that it may be a lot of fun to cover some ground. Maybe meet some new friends and gain some knowledge.