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Post by SandyG on Oct 31, 2009 17:18:53 GMT -5
What a day! Believe it or not, the horses that were de-burr'd were April (what a mess she was!), Unit (again this week!), Lanna for a touch-up, Handsome (yes, he is, isn't he?), Miss Bette, Blaise, and even Ole' Man Cole (who was beyond bad!!).
The entire Gelding's side was de-burr'd and then we took Laddee and put her in the shoeing bed to brush and braid her, too. She loved the attention so. Oh, that mare is so very, very special!
Then we spent a bit of time with the Big Babies and just rolled our eyes at the burr's that they have managed to collect! 
And for the finale, we headed back to the new barn and cleaned the entire barn! Bridget made piles for us and the guys kept the wheelbarrows running. I lost track but something like 10 to 12 wheelbarrows were pulled out of the barn. Hurray!!!!
NOW Doc can show up!!!! Thank you all - from me and the horses!
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Post by tracy1 on Nov 1, 2009 12:41:39 GMT -5
Nice blog, Sandy, I'm glad you got all that help from these great women and men . . now I hope you keep the horses out of the burdock and out of the clean barns for the rest of the week, OK?
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Post by Shar on Nov 1, 2009 19:21:51 GMT -5
I am not sure why so many people who are looking to buy horses say they want a gelding because they don't want a horse that is "marish"... let me tell you, I have way more problems with my boys than the girls. Romeo has decided that he's a stud and needs to keep the gelding who is there for training FAR AWAY from his women... tried to keep them seperate, but they keep pushing down every gate I put up between them (sigh, never was a fan of electric fences, but getting to be now), but no one is getting banged up and there is lots of room to run, so not so bad... Then I have a girl who rode at my barn this last summer buy a horse and of course I let her board her gelding out there... that horse is seperate with one of the mares for now... and now Romeo's not sure which one is his biggest competion... (sigh) my sweet "Runaway Romeo" who I felt so bad for when the girls were in heat is no more. It should settle down soon enough- need to have some sunshine and get the corn down...
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Post by SandyG on Nov 2, 2009 10:21:27 GMT -5
Romeo is feeling his oats, isn't he? He is protective of his mares but learning he must share.... And remember his background - I am convinced his back problems were from flipping over on his t-post while trying to protect the two mares he was staked with. He was very attached and protective of them when they all were here. Who knows what was threatening them.....
I know your situation, Shar - know it well!!!
Just heard the forecast for Saturday - sunny and high 50's! Wonderful weather for the Gala - no bad roads in sight!!! ;D ;D
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Post by Shar on Nov 3, 2009 16:58:20 GMT -5
Sandy- I saw my first out of control farm yesterday... why in the world would anyone let a stud run with all their mares?!? Seriously just made me sick. They all had hay and water and most were overweight... but why would you have horses that you don't do anything with?!? Just feed and let them keep over-producing. Babies that were just now born a couple weeks ago that are going to have to fend for themselves this winter... SO MUCH POTENTIAL within this group of horses that have almost become a "wild herd". All I could do is be thankful for the fact that the woman had enough money to feed them... and posted an ad to try to get some of them sold. One of them kicked a gate that she was holding and it slammed back and hit her and she hit the ground... not that I would ever want anyone to get hurt, but it made her a little more determined that she needs to get rid of some of them! Sometimes I just can't understand people!
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Post by Shar on Nov 3, 2009 19:49:24 GMT -5
It's in Wisconsin- I will talk more to the lady when she gets back into town on sunday. I need to have her get rid of some of these horses... wanted to bring one of the babies back to my place because it's mom was not letting him drink. I will be going back out there sunday to see what I can do to help. Will ask her about gelding the stud... my only worry is that some of the young colts that were born aren't gelded either (my best guess, not sure on that). I will let you know when I hear back. She's out of town until sunday- good hearted woman just knows NOTHING about horses!
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Post by SandyG on Nov 4, 2009 20:56:45 GMT -5
Just a reminder to tune in your radio to WPR tomorrow (Thursday) evening from 5pm to 6pm. Mary Jo Wagner is hosting Refuge Farms again on her "West Side Story" program. And this time, Doc Hoglund will be in the chair next to me!
The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States) is also joining us so I am anticipating a pretty high powered conversation!!!
Remember: WPR from 5-6pm on Thursday, 11/05!!!
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Post by SandyG on Nov 5, 2009 4:58:00 GMT -5
The Gala is upon us.
Doc is in the air as I write this.
The truck and trailer are loaded for the first trip to the U of M today.
All of us have our good clothes hanging and ready to wear.
The interviews and appearances are beginning.
Our plans are in place and now it is simply time to execute them.
Here we go! Could this be any more exciting! This will be one very fine event.
Thanks to all for getting us here - now let's just do it, eh!!!!!P.S. Great email from Colleen B. this morning - great link, too! Hey Sandy,
Here’s more information about Wisconsin Public Radio, mentioning your radio interview and what station (88.3 WHWC) – maybe post this link on the bb?
www.wpr.org/regions/eau/westside.cfm
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Post by SandyG on Nov 5, 2009 22:31:24 GMT -5
Horses are hooked and eating so thought I would post quickly. Have much to do before this old head hits the pillow.
Doc is quite the man. Everything I had imagined and more. Walking away from a car collision where both vehicles were complete losses. Worried that he would be late for the interview. Getting through the interview and then the sore muscles, swollen knuckles, and scraped, bruised knees are allowed to come to the front of his mind.
Rich, Doc's friend from the Janesville area, seems to be a bit more sore than Doc. He was driving and I'm thinking took a bit more of a jolt. Plus it was his truck that was in the collision.
But both men held their humors and were absolute joys to be around. The interview was interesting, to say the least. I will be interested in your opinions and takes from it.
So now we are in the final day - Doc will meet with you all tomorrow either before or after dinner so you can get to know him and see for yourselves the character of the man. It is the book in flesh. What an honor to have him in our corner.
I can just see him at White Sands.......
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Post by tracy1 on Nov 7, 2009 13:29:20 GMT -5
Yes, yesterday was quite the busy day, I had the honor of taking Doc and his friend and associate Rich on a tour of The Farm while Sandy dealt with an array of last-minute surprises - which she handled without being the least bit 'icky.'
What a beautiful couple days we've been blessed with, too! My pasture has dried out enough I can get hay bales moved tomorrow, and the horses are so relishing this warmth, as I am.
As I round up tasks and chores and get ready to head to the Gala I checked the news and was reminded of the shooting at Fort Hood,which is said to be the largest US military installation in the nation, where Thursday a psychiatrist went on a rampage and killed or wounded over 40 people.
Busy with 10-hour work days all this past week I only vaguely learned of that. And I could be wrong but I suspect the coverage was nowhere near as complete as for the octo-mom and balloon boy.
As we ponder the harm that was done to horses that we seek to save, I am reminded that people of all stripes, even those pledged to helping professions, can be pushed to do the unthinkable by emotional, psychiatric, or other forces the rest can't begin to understand.
My thoughts are with all those connected to this tragedy.
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Post by Shar on Nov 7, 2009 23:22:55 GMT -5
Sandy- I am regretting missing the Gala, but today has been such a day of craziness, I have not even had a second to think. I will be bringing that horse down to Kenosha tomorrow- not sure if you had any inquires on the saddle-seat gelding that is down there, because I could stop by and take a look at him or at least get some decent pictures if need be. I will also be stopping by another farm who is "stuck" with a horse that they never wanted to try to see what I can do with her while I am down there (she's close to Madison and just 10 minutes out of the way)... as well as picking up another "trouble-gelding" from the lady who bought my horse, who sounds like a very exciting yet problem child (the gelding, not the lady). Really not sure how all this happens in one day! I did talk to the lady who has that out-of-control horse farm that I told you about, and she got some calls on some of those horses, so hopefully she starts dropping down. I will get out there as soon as possible to get some more pics and talk to her more about getting that main stud gelded. She was not that receptive about it on the phone. I will check my email in the morning or just call tomorrow if there's anything we can do to help that saddlebred showseat gelding. Thanks and I hope you all had a wonderful time at the gala! I wish I could have made it!
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Post by Shar on Nov 9, 2009 1:58:48 GMT -5
Thanks Tracy. Extremely long day today, but definitely worth it! Harmony is now in the most perfect home I could ever ask for... I have a "crazy" (but going to be fun and challenging and ultimately rewarding if I can ever connect with) new gelding at home who truly does think he is a stud... and I helped the lady with the horse she never wanted see exactly what the horse is like by riding it so it is never again going to be sold home to home to home as an "extremely broke, quiet kids horse", when the horse truly needs some training. She is going to find her horse a wonderful home with someone experienced enough to handle it and is very happy about the fact that the guilt is lifted from her feeling like she just didn't give the horse enough time (lol, she's had it over a year). When will people start being honest and stop all these horses from being pulled to new homes because the person wasn't right for them to begin with?!? Sickening! Sandy- I will be hearing definites on the homes for the two thin ones early this week from my possiblities... and will be making my way over to that farm ASAP!!! I talked to the lady yesterday again, and that baby I told you about died... and he was just a week old, the youngest of the group. Just got home here today at midnight, so will get calling right away tomorrow.
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Post by SandyG on Nov 9, 2009 6:40:55 GMT -5
Oh, Shar. We figured he wouldn't make it. Poor little guy. What a struggle he had for the few days of his life. And human care could have made all the difference to him.....
Which horse are you referring to when you say "saddle-seat gelding"? What is the title of the bb posting?
Would have loved to had you at the Gala, but selfishly when I see you are out saving lives, my response is, "You go, girl!!!"
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Post by Shar on Nov 9, 2009 16:47:30 GMT -5
Hi Sandy- I meant "Mac- the sound show horse". We were down in Kenosha yesterday and even crossed the border into Illinois to get there, so figured it would be very close to the place the 20 year old girl had the gelding she was looking to place.
I am just sick about that baby- I am just about falling down tired right now after one of the craziest weekends I have had all year and have to put a ride on a horse that's out there for training, but am waiting for a call from that lady and will be out there today or tomorrow to get pictures and find out if anyone has come out and seen them.
I will keep you updated on the homes for the 2 horses and on the other horses. Thanks again!
Shar
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Post by SandyG on Nov 9, 2009 21:13:59 GMT -5
I just walked in the door from the U of M. Laddee came through the procedure fine, it appeared. But as time passed while she was recovering in her stall, I began to notice her muscles working harder and harder for her to breath. She was eating hay and drinking water so I just stood in the stall with her and timed her breaths and measured her clenches. The snoring sound remained about the same.
Within 30 minutes, I had Dr. Ann paged and she came back. Laddee was beginning to show signs of stress and was certainly having difficulty breathing. The snoring sound was louder and now accompanied by a whistle. Her eating and drinking had stopped and she was beginning to get damp from the exertion of just trying to breath. Her gums were still pink but her head was beginning to hang.
Within the next 30 minutes, Laddee was in an all out panic. Head flying, front feet pawing, and circling in her stall. We scoped her airways and could see some of the tumors which appeared to have become inflamed. From what, we don't know but they were beginning to block her airway. Her gums were beginning to pale and she was now dripping wet from the stress and exertion. The lack of oxygen was making her weasey.
Laddee has a trach now and is breathing normally again. Her gums are pink and she is eating and drinking. She is again hungry for human touch and has become the relaxed mare we have all seen her grow into. The trach will stay in until we see if we can reduce the swelling of the tumors. Worst case - she comes home with the trach! Doesn't matter to me. Just so she can come home and be a horse again.
She was sleeping in her feed bucket when I left her at 7pm. Her little body is exhausted and she needs a good night's rest. It would not surprise me if she decided to rest her legs tonight.
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