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An Equestrian Life

Farm Life, Horses
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February 19, 2015

Berry: You aren’t helping my case

Dave thinks my beautiful, sweet, kind, considerate thoroughbred Berry is as dumb as a box of rocks. I frequently defend her, because I love my Berry. She reminds me of my first horse, a kind quarter horse named Clay, and it’s not just because their names are objects in the natural world. She’s been a great horse since the first time I crushed her tiny 2 year old baby bones, scarring my conscious forever.

Luckily it seems she forgave me, and despite being crushed, grew into a beautiful horse.

From several months ago, in order to appreciate her beauty.

Picture from several months ago, in order to better appreciate her beauty.

However, in spite of her kindness and good humor (or maybe because of it?) she’s totally relaxed with doing things like, running full speed into fences, rearing up and landing on a fence and being stuck, smashing her head into things resulting in a fracture on her face, pooping in her water bucket, and trotting right into crossrails, without lifting her feet.

With the temperature suddenly dropping, the water pipes at my barn froze. I tried hoping they would unfreeze, but this did not work. I had to use the same solution I used last year, which was move the water trough up by the house and fill it with buckets.

The horses all stood there watch Dave and I painstakingly poured each bucket in the trough. They even drank some water. I took this as them knowing and understanding that the water was right there. I even threw some flakes up hay around it, in order to encourage them to stay in the area and drink water.

I should have known that Berry would not figure out this was where the water was. Yesterday morning, I fed them as usual, and then hurried up to the house to get ready for work. Right before I left, I looked out and Berry was lying in the snow. This is not her usual sleep time, and I made a note of it. But I had to rush off to work.

On the way to work, I get the message that I should telework instead. This suits me just fine! I turn around and head home. When I arrive home, Berry is now lying in a different spot. I knew she was colicing. And I had the sense that it was because she was dehydrating.

I didn’t want another vet visit, so I sprang into action, filling up a bucket with warm water and a little salt. I brought it out to her, and she promptly rejected it, making the “oh this is gross” face. I walked her to the water trough, where she lipped it, and then drank heartily. Pony Man followed up and did the same, drinking like they (literally) had not drank all night.

Then I took Berry for a walk around the neighborhood, trying to get her to nervous poop. Being such a calm horse, this was a little tricky as she wasn’t really afraid of anything. But it was a fun little adventure, and she did eventually become excited enough to poop. If that hadn’t worked, next, I would have loaded Β her into the trailer! That always makes them poop, am I right, horse people!?

She was released back into the pasture and ran around with the Pony for a bit in excitement. Vintage had drank the salt water I thoughtlessly left sitting on the ground, so I suppose she’ll be having a poopy day, but at least she found the water trough and drank.

I know that horses aren’t the most brilliant animals in the world, but is it too much to remember where their source of water is? It was only about 12 hours since I watched them drink water, do they really have the attention span of a flea, and can’t remember where they drank a few hours ago? Technically it could have been all of them, not just Berry, but Berry is the one who’s going on about her tummy hurting (by laying down), and she could have fixed it by drinking some water.

Sigh…

I still love my Berry though.

I still love my Berry though.

Hopefully this time she’ll remember where the water is, and drink regularly throughout the day. Although I’ll still lead her there after every feeding to make sure she drinks.

At least when I lead my horse to water, she does drink!

TAGS:animalscolicfarmhorseottbthoroughbredwinter
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Courtney

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Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing πŸ˜‚ 

#horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
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Stu is at his new barn. This was his first ride with the new trainer. I think he's a bit confused about what's going on, it's a big change for him. He's not used to being stalled and he lost all his old herdmates 😭 poor guy! But his ride went well, so well that she took him on a trail ride after to cool him off, something I've never done. She's a braver woman than I, but really that's a good thing πŸ˜‚ #horselife #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horseblogger #equestrian #horsecountry #hunterjumper
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! 

@thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did?

I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. 

The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! 

We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. 

This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή

#middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
aneqlife
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Great day at @middleburgspringraces ! @thetravelingrider were trying to coordinate our outfits, we were going for: "Modern Ascot Scene in My Fair Lady." How do you think we did? I was trying to completely make my daughter and I's outfits, but I ran out of time and couldn't finish my own dress. I made Bridgette's dress and both of our hats. As a beginner, I'm pretty happy with how they came out! Just look how elegant my daughter is as she rummages through the cheese. The kids liked watching the horses in the paddock, which are apparently more impressive than the horses we already own πŸ˜‚ Maybe they will be thoroughbred lovers. They also ran in the stick horse race, but two horses baulked so only Bridgette actually completed the race. That didn't stop the boys from weaseling their way into the winners circle photos though! We also had an unexpected bonus to this trip. We visited @rescuepetconnect and there was a beautiful little dog that could have been my beloved Paxton's double. I literally cried when I saw her There was no way we could walk away, we adopted her immediately. She's been absolutely wonderful and we are so happy to have her join the family! @rescuepetconnect is a great adoption service and was wonderful to work with. I highly recommend anyone looking for a furry family member to check them out. This was long, but I'm just so full of emotions! πŸ₯ΉπŸ₯Ή #middleburg #horserace #equestrianlife #horselife #instahorse
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! 

#horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
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Pony endures the first snowfall of the year. Unfortunately for him, more coming tonight! #horsesofinstagram #pony #horses #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #equestrianlife #equestrianblogger #horsecountry #snow
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon!

Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian 
Breeches: @syncequestrian 

#horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
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Stu's 360 outfit check. He's ready to become a fashion icon! Shirt and saddle pad: @harrison.howard.equestrian Breeches: @syncequestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #horselife #horses #equestrianfashion #horsecountry #horsestyle
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Stopping by the drive thru

#horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
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Stopping by the drive thru #horsesofinstagram #horselife #instahorse #equestrian #funnyanimals #horse #countryside
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
My boy stays with me πŸ₯Ή

#horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
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My boy stays with me πŸ₯Ή #horselife #equestrian #horsesofinstagram #instahorse #equestrianlife #horses #horsecountry
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
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