Fireworks and Horses Do NOT mix

On the 4th, there was the "typical" local celebrations, food, fun and fireworks. Each nyear at night, I make sure I'm home. So that If and when the horses freak out and bust through the fence, I can catch them and settle them down. This 4th was no exception. I was home. Fireworks were let off, the horses didn't freak to badly, a little running around and such, but not much fan fair all in all. Or so I thought.

Early on the 5th, Sabrina came running into the house and said she thought one of the horses was hurt really badly. It looked like she had a broken leg is what she said. She saw another horse kicking the tar out of her and Tink fall.

The only thing we could come up with is at some point someone had lit off a firework close enough to really scare the youngun's and they freaked out.

I contacted a vet and designed a treatment plan specifically for her, that would work IF she had had a soft tissue injury/ puncture wound / infection. I had hoped that treating her with meds and a LOT of hosing would help the swelling go down and prayed that it was a soft tissue injury.

Today, I knew from the first moment I set my eyes on her that it wasn't a puncture wound that eluded me or a soft tissue injury. The swelling had grown significantly. Originating from her stifle the swelling went all the way down to her hock. I called the vet for Xrays. The first vet came out and did regular xrays. Then hussled back to the clinic to develop them. To no avail. She came back with Dr. John and the digital radiograph.

The new pics were taken, and lo and behold there were breaks. The stifle was on the opposite side of where it was supposed to be. The growth plate was fractured, the tibia was fractured. It was bad. The injuries were so bad, that she could not be saved. No matter how much I would have wanted, no matter how much money it would have cost, it would have all been in vain.

Rest in Peace my sweet little gal. I will always remember you and you will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll see you at the Rainbow Bridge some day.

Cotie

Cotie Loves Gregory. Everytime Gregory is around him, he has eyes only for Gregory. Cotie was scratching Gregory's head, so that made Gregory laugh, which made Cotie do it more. They were quite the pair the other day.

Grandkids

This is Sabrina and her boys. Gregory on the left and Collin on her lap. They were outside enjoying a rather beautiful (if not blazingly hot) day.









Collin took it upon himself to play in a mud puddle, while Gregory favored the pool. They were so cute playing that day.










While Hannah contented herself playing with bubbles and in the pool, the boys were hamming it up doing their own thing. It amazes me how much they are all alike, yet have so many differences.








Each child is very independant, while one may be more stubborn then the other, each seems to learn at an extremely quick rate, course that may be me thinking they do. ; ) Gregory is pretty outgoing, while Hannah is shy, very opinionated and extremely stubborn. Gregory Loves to tease and play, while Hannah prefers to chill and hang out with dad, she does like to play at times but not as much as Gregory does. She's a bit of a chicken too, unless it's horse related that is, she's the first to say, Nanna, I want to ride, then Gregory follows suit quickly. It seems they try to out do each other constantly. They fight, they fuss and they argue, but they really love each other. Collin on the other hand is very Mommy oriented right now.

All in all though, I couldn't ask for a better bunch of grandchildren. They are a blast to have around and it is SO great to be able to say..... Here ya go, this child is acting a fool, YOU take care of the situation! LOL Being a Grandparent is The best!

Pictures..

I will be taking more pictures of Cotie for Y'all to eval again. I just have to get them done, then posted. Thanks everyone!

Zelda Chokes, AGAIN

I had been pulling Zelda in before anyone else so she could "take her time" and not feel rushed and putting her in her own enclosed area.

A lot of good That did. First time she choked, it was on hay alone. Dislodged that, but evidently left her throat irritated. Second time, she choked on pelleted grain. Such fun! Not, called the vet out for that one. This time, it was sweet feed and one mouth full. As soon as it got stuck, she stopped and raised her head waiting for me to come and help her. I took her right out of there and put her in the yard. Gave her a shot of banamine and massaged and massaged and massaged. She drank a bit, which must have moved the blockage, cause about 15 mins later, she was tearing up the grass running away from me. Good Grief. Poor Zelda is really starting to show her age now, which saddens me. The vet says she looks great for her age, even though I know the time is getting closer to her demise, and that's not something I look forward to, but I am preparing myself for it (emotionally). I'm trying to decide where it would be best to lay her. I think she would like it best if she were close to the pasture edge since then she will "feel" as if she's still part of the herd, or if you would prefer, look over the herd. I know this may sound silly to some, after all, what does she care once she's passed away, but it matters to me where she is laid to rest. I want to do what she would want, the way she would want. I know she's not ready yet, she's still full of piss and vinegar, but I don't think, that it's that far off. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make her young again. Hell, I wish I could wave a magic wand and make ME young again. ; )

Which photo is best?

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B

C

D

I'm looking for a new picture of Cotie's head to redo the banner with. Which one looks best? Or are none of these good?