Pillow of Your Bones

Twerp 1 and Twerp 2

Hampton's behavior at Mid-Ohio really ate away at me. It was the main reason I decided to have the vet out to give him a look see. Even though Hamp was great at IDS, I could tell he still wasn't his best. There was something not quite right.

I had probably one of the best vets in the area, if not the state of KY, come out today. He gave Hamp a thorough exam. Even a neuro exam, because I had mentioned that Hamp sometimes stumbled and feels like not the most foot-sure horse in the world.

He passed the neuro exam mostly with flying colors. He did test slightly positive one time on the cross exam - where he crossed his front legs. Hampton let him the first time (positive diagnosis), but the second he yanked his legs back to normal (which is what they should do).  So, I dunno. Everything else was normal and equal on both sides. Whew. I asked if I should test for EPM just in case.

The vet said no, he said EPM tests were "a colossal waste of money." And Hampton was not showing enough signs to warrant treating him at this time.

However, Hamp was VERY back sore. Upon palpation he became agitated, even trying to bite me. He was sore exactly where I thought he was - behind the saddle and in his sacrum.

So the vet recommended we inject the hocks AND sacrum - due to his level of pain.

A drunk Porkchop

Of course I immediately said let's do it. For crying out loud the horse deserves it. He is 10 this year, and giant, and doing upper level dressage. I'm not a big fan of injecting, but if this makes him feel better than I'll do it.

Interestingly enough, I suffered for weeks with a painful tooth - refusing to get a root canal because of the money. But as soon as the vet says my horse needs injections? TAKE MY MONEY. TAKE ALL OF IT.

Horse people are so sick in the head. What is WRONG with us?!

In any case, Hamp will have a very easy week. A few days off followed by light riding. I am hoping he feels like a new man after this.

MEANWHILE, this little pipsqueak gets to take a turn as main squeeze for the week! He settled right back into KY life without missing a beat. Despite being a wild man at the IDS show, he has actually matured quite a bit!

Careful Royale, your brain may fall out again

I have some plans to take him out cross country schooling at some point. And by XC schooling, I mean walking through water and trotting over little logs. I think it will be good for him! Will make great blog fodder if nothing else. Ha.