The vet came, and said that although Kip may have had a very mild case of laminitis in the past, it was equally as likely that the rings in his hoof walls were caused by a change in diet combined with stress. The reason he’s sore is that he has low heels and a flat foot, and so the sole is pressing directly on the ground. So, shoe him and see how he goes, then try pads or some type of corrective shoeing. That’s good news, actually. Kip is such a big baby…all of his wincing and mincing on harder ground had me very worried.
It was still light when I got home tonight. Summer is DEFINITELY on the way, and I am so ready for it. It seems as though we’ve had a hard winter. Last winter there were a few really cold spells, and a lot of rain, but it would last for a few days or a week and then go away. Everyone would talk about how that was the coldest week ever, but then it would be bearable again. This has been a bleak winter.
As I’ve said, my grand ambition is to travel a bit this year. I’ve given up on waiting for my family to make the trip back to Ireland with me – it would have meant a lot to do it with them the first time, but it’s just not going to happen.
You have to realise what it’s like to grow up in a small town in Northen California. A trip down the San Francisco or Reno or Portland is a big deal. The news of my move to New York was received as though I’d announced that I was planning on taking up residence on the dark side of the moon. Going to Europe is just not something that we do. Other people go, certainly…on one level they all know that people do actually travel to other countries. Most of my family has been to Mexico, for gods sake, they’re practically world travellers. But England…??? Too far, too expensive, maybe next year when things are better and it’s not so scary to fly. Someday when there’s a tax return that isn’t earmarked for paying off credit card bills or putting towards the new roof…fat chance.
*sigh* Anyway, I am going to travel:
1) to France. That’s an easy one.
2) Ireland. This is a trip that means a lot to me.
3) Amsterdam. Drugs and sex, I mean, uh, great buildings or canals or whatever they have there. Ok, it’s really for the drugs and sex. :)
4) Portugal. This year, maybe next. I want to take at least two weeks for dressage training in Portugal; lifelong dream.
Long term dreams? Egypt. Morrocco. Venice at Carnivale.
You have to realise what it’s like to grow up in a small town in Northen California. A trip down the San Francisco or Reno or Portland is a big deal. The news of my move to New York was received as though I’d announced that I was planning on taking up residence on the dark side of the moon. Going to Europe is just not something that we do. Other people go, certainly…on one level they all know that people do actually travel to other countries. Most of my family has been to Mexico, for gods sake, they’re practically world travellers. But England…??? Too far, too expensive, maybe next year when things are better and it’s not so scary to fly. Someday when there’s a tax return that isn’t earmarked for paying off credit card bills or putting towards the new roof…fat chance.
I can relate to that so well. I think that’s part of why my one cousin is being such a bitch about me coming over to get my stuff.
My dad, on the other hand, has changed his tune about me being over here and he *really* wants to come visit. The only thing holding him back is that he has my 92 year old grandma (his mom) living with him, and he can’t leave her alone.
I really want to go to Portugal and ride the Lusitanos, I’ve seen that program you mention, must do.
I hope that he can come and visit you – I’m sure you feel the same way that I do. There are five million things that you love and want to show them, but you perhaps will never have the chance. :(
Wouldn’t that be incredible? That’s been my dream for years and years. I was trying to teach myself Portugese at one point from language tapes, but gave up due to a lack of free time.
I hope so, too. Sometimes I wonder if my grandma might not outlive us all…
I had the chance to lease a young Lusitano stallion this year and train with a Portugese breeder, but at his rates and requirements for weekly lessons, I just could not afford it. Then I met Symphony and I didn’t feel quite as bad. There are a couple of very good classical horsemen here from Portugal, two farms that I know, but both charge about $80 per lesson. I may try to take one or two just for the experience.
Must find a nice cottage on the shore to rent.. yes yes…