Walking Downhill from the Upper Paddock
Tonight I’ll be doctoring Xena’s foot on my own, as Susan (our barn owner) has a meeting with her accountant. This is only my second time, so I decide that a bit of practice with an empty soaking pan would be a good idea. Each time I place Xena’s foot in the empty basin, she stands very patiently, and only a couple times tries to lift it out. I’ll have to squat beside her for the 10 minutes of soaking, as I’d prefer she didn’t spill the water tonight.
The soaking, poulticing and bandaging goes quite smoothly, and handling the unwieldy duct tape with one hand is easier than last night. I can’t see any visible sign of the abscess draining, but Susan explained that it likely wouldn’t show. Instead we’ll gauge Xena’s progress by how well she walks and trots.
Afterwards I take her outside to practice walking up and down a few small hills and over uneven ground. Susan asked me to decide whether or not to keep Xena in the barn again tonight. She seems to be doing quite well, and is able to move easily when I ask for successive rounds of our Figure 8 Pattern at the walk. Later when I turn her out, she seems happy to be with her friends again.
Xena's YouTube Channel
I’m glad to hear things appear to be on the mend! All this foot and leg trouble have got me thinking about trimming my own hooves. There is a “natural hoof” type person in Ottawa who says she does one on one coaching. Hmmmm…..
PeterC
Thanks Peter. :) It’s been a learning experience, and I’m very grateful that Susan is patient enough to teach me. I have a few books on equine healthcare, but none of them deal with a hoof abscess in detail. I think I need to find a new book! Good luck with your coaching session.