Stall Rest in 10 GIFs
When it comes to equine injury, we’re left to choose between laughing and crying.
It’s been a long summer for Elf & I. On May 19th, I walked in the barn to ride and found him with a bloody nose. That turned out to be allergies but before we could do much to address it, he popped a splint and strained his DDFT. Yesterday, it had been 17 weeks.
17 weeks of hand walking, standing wraps, icing, shock wave treatments, disappointing ultrasounds and hope that sticking to the plan would work. Ups and downs and a whole lot of I don’t know – but there is plenty to enjoy and laugh at, too.
Worrying About The Diagnosis
You smile and nod and talk about how positive the prognosis is. But inside, you’re worried. Worried that the vet missed something or that there is something more you could be doing. No matter what anyone says, you’re still going to worry!
I Got This
You sorted and organized your wraps. You put together a killer med supply box. The vet gave you a plan and you are following it to the letter. This horse will make a full recovery whether he wants to or not. You got this.
It’s Bringing Us Closer
All that wrapping and handwalking, you might as well groom, too. It’s not quite the same as saddle time, but even just being at the barn is your therapy. And all that time together? She’s starting to nicker when you walk in the barn. He stuck his head out the window and watched when you left.
Injuries suck, but at least you’re making the most of it and building your relationship.
If I Have To Roll One More Standing Wrap
Just like this guy & the Ice Bucket Challenge, you’re over it. Another vet bill, another wrap destroyed – your patience is worn just a little more thin. You know it’s worth it. You just forget about it for a minute when he knocks over your neatly stacked wraps.
Where’s The Bubble Wrap?
Things start looking up. He’s behaving. He’s healing. You start looking (casually, you know, just in case) at clinic dates, maybe a schooling show or two.
And ordering every boot, blanket and helmet that might serve as a bit of bubble wrap for your kamikaze.
That’s A Kite, Not A Horse
She’s feeling good. So good, in fact, that your daily hand walks have turned into death defying circus acts where you try to keep your feet on the ground and your arms in their sockets. You’re pulled between looking for that bubble wrap and throwing up your hands in defeat.
Are You Sure He’s Ready?
It’s time. Time to cut back on the wrapping or the icing or the stall rest. Your vet is confident that your horse is ready to go. You, however, are not so sure. Maybe there’s a more definitive diagnostic? A little more bubble wrap might be necessary?
Back In The Saddle
Ok, you’re not actually on a beach or galloping. It looks more like walking around the indoor – BUT, you’re in the saddle. Looking out between those two precious ears again makes it totally worth the daily wrapping, icing and horse-kite flying.
Please Don’t Kill Me
That moment, right when your horse starts to get a little fitness back, but you’re still supposed to be walking & maybe trotting…. Your daily prayer becomes a plea for ponykins to behave!
Time to Work!
You’ve made it. Your vet gave the all clear. it’s time to dust off those goals & get to work!
Where’s The Bubble Wrap– So me!
Right!? I wish!