Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Catching Up...

Just need to catch up a bit!

I have decided to go back to school.  I have my master's in bacteriology, but am going back to get a technical certificate, which would basically enable me to get more into the hospital type setting over my current field of microbiology.

So, I have suddenly found myself working my usual schedule of in at work at 9:30 or so (some days of the week), out between 9 and 10, commuting both ways 35 minutes or so and then having a mostly online based accelerated coursework.

Just have to settle into a routine!

But it's all good.  First physical meeting with my classmates is tomorrow.  Let's see how it goes.



Farrier appointment last week.  Girls were very good and I am very glad to have such a pro farrier on board now.  I made the switch to using an ELPO/Natural Balance type farrier last year. 

I am glad I did.  I have seen good progress in the SFM's comfort.  She used to be prone to tripping behind, which I attribute to her arthritis and issues from when she did the splits on the ice.  I have done injections and they helped, but I wanted to see if changing her balance with her feet would help and it really seems to have improved things.

The filly was getting quite underrun and it was disappointing to see as she has been done regularly since being a couple weeks old.  But I am glad that she is building heel back up again and seems to be quite comfortable.

I should take detailed photos of their current hoof progress now.  :) 

The SFM decided I wasn't spending enough time with her and ended up choking last Thursday evening.  I ended up with a panicked phone call at work and I managed to shift my responsibilities to a few other people and leave.  She ended up being fine, but good grief mare.  A little less zealous eating would be appreciated.


I am looking forward to spending time with the horses tomorrow!  I plan on going out after class tomorrow night.  It will be close to 10pm, but better late than never!

An update on the girl that was supposed to ride the SFM...she ended up not showing up due to her other commitments running late.  However, another barn girl has been riding her occasionally and seems to be enjoying it.  Works for me and never hurts to have someone else helping keep an eye on the girls while life gets more chaotic!

10 comments:

  1. Best of luck with the studies - I truly admire people who do extra study while working full time & then to add horses into the mix! I feel unworthy of reading you blog! *kneels-in-praise*

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  2. Wow you're busy! I hope you settle into a routine soon and enjoy it.

    I'm glad SFM is okay! I hate choke. I hope I don't have to experience that ever again...

    I would love a hoof update when you have time. I wish I could find a better farrier but all we have are old fashioned cowboys with no formal training. At least my current farrier went to school even though she still trims for shoes and isn't up to date on barefoot trimming.... :( Chrome's hooves are getting underrun too. Not happy. I think I'm going to have to get a back brace and start doing it myself because there just is no one any better in my area. :\

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    1. I will have to try and bring the "real" camera and do a proper setup there.

      Have you checked ELPO to see if there is anyone else remotely listed in your area?

      That's the worst part about living in the sticks, I think is the lack of access to good quality farriers, feed, and vets at times.

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    2. I had actually never heard of ELPO before. Is it this place? http://www.e-hoofcare.com/support/search/farrier/elpomemlist.html I actually found someone in my area so THANK YOU! Normally there is not a single person in my state on these websites. I'll call and see about getting an evaluation. I just have to be careful because my current farrier is renting my house! Things could get hairy lol. Thanks again!

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    3. That's the list! Sorry, I should have used the full name instead of just the acronym. I've had very good luck with all of the certified farriers in my area (well I just use one, but I know of most of the rest and they do stand out as being the good ones).

      Egads, don't know how to handle the whole farrier in the house part of it, but may be worth it just to have an evaluation to see if there are suggestions or tweaks if you want current house-person to keep doing Chrome... :)

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    4. It's okay. I typed in the acronym plus farrier and that's what it brought up. I just wanted to make sure it was the right one. If I really like this guy's evaluation I will switch to him after my current farrier buys the house. They are renting while they figure out financing so it's not permanent. Once the house is out of my hands I'll risk hurting her feelings, but not right now. I don't think she's the type to take it that way but I can't risk it since I can't afford the house payments without her. It will all work out!! Hopefully this guy can give me tips on stuff I can work on between my regular farrier's visits and he could let me know if she's on track or if she's totally screwing them up. You know? Thank you again for the suggestion!

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  3. Busy busy busy! But busy is good :-)

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    1. Too much downtime and I don't know what to do with myself.

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