Percy had a new chapter in his education today, we started the process of learning how to tie up. I just put the rope straight through the metal ring and held the other end whilst I brushed him. He was very good, he stayed where he was whilst I groomed him, combed his mane and picked out his feet. The real test will be when I actually tie him up and then move away from him. But as I only have one youngster to look after, I will take it slowly until i get to the point where I can tie him up. I don't want to rush it and have the insanely irritating situation of a horse that pulls back all the time. Needless to say I was please that he was happy to stand at the back of the stable while I brushed him, without fidgeting.
Percy and Penny have done well over Christmas. They both had a swede each for Christmas Day. Penny loved hers and Percy's is still in his stable! I think his mum will have to have it!
Percy's passport has arrived so he is now officially recognised as being in existence. He is due his second flu jab so I'll have to get the vet to come and do that for me.
Percy has started refusing to go in the field again now that it has become heavily poached once more. I am researching the possibility of using grass mats in the gateway. I need to check how much they would be and whether Bev and Andrew would mind me using them. I shouldn't see why not as the grass grows up through it and stops it getting so boggy. Once the grass has grown up, you wouldn't know it was there.
I will add some recent pics of Percy - he is doing really well, as is his friend Ruby. Poor Ruby has mus fever still, though touch wood, Percy seems to be ok so far...
Saturday 29 December 2007
Tuesday 18 December 2007
I managed to sort out the fence in the new paddock yesterday. It took me a couple of hours and I had no gloves on so I couldn'e feel my fingers after about 20 mins! My feet also got very cold, it took them ages to defrost when I got home.
Never the less, the babies now have a paddock with grass in to occupy themselves with. It is also much less muddy which is so much better for their joints. Ruby has a slightly puffy hind fetlock this morning which Kim thinks maybe down to mud fever.
I added new posts in to what was already there. Unfortunately it isn't any higher, but it is stronger and now is double taped, with both parts being electric. It should keep Hennesey, the huge horse next door, out and the babies in. The new paddock also means we don't have to give hay, which should save me some money I hope!
I am toying with the idea of feeding haylage to Percy in his stable. It has a higher feeding value and is far less dusty. The hay at the yard is perfectly ok at the moment though, so I think I'll hold off untill we get down to the dusty old stuff and swap him then.
Penny's water trough had about 4 inches of thick ice on it this morning. I had to smash it with my foot. Penny isn't keen on standing in the frozen mud bless her. I'm still feeding her which I shouldn't be really, but it's so cold, I feel she needs the extra bit to help keep her warm. She is still wearing her warm rug. She seems content and looks well so fingers crossed she is doing ok. Her tail looks very thin at the bottom, I think someone may have been chewing it at some point...
Never the less, the babies now have a paddock with grass in to occupy themselves with. It is also much less muddy which is so much better for their joints. Ruby has a slightly puffy hind fetlock this morning which Kim thinks maybe down to mud fever.
I added new posts in to what was already there. Unfortunately it isn't any higher, but it is stronger and now is double taped, with both parts being electric. It should keep Hennesey, the huge horse next door, out and the babies in. The new paddock also means we don't have to give hay, which should save me some money I hope!
I am toying with the idea of feeding haylage to Percy in his stable. It has a higher feeding value and is far less dusty. The hay at the yard is perfectly ok at the moment though, so I think I'll hold off untill we get down to the dusty old stuff and swap him then.
Penny's water trough had about 4 inches of thick ice on it this morning. I had to smash it with my foot. Penny isn't keen on standing in the frozen mud bless her. I'm still feeding her which I shouldn't be really, but it's so cold, I feel she needs the extra bit to help keep her warm. She is still wearing her warm rug. She seems content and looks well so fingers crossed she is doing ok. Her tail looks very thin at the bottom, I think someone may have been chewing it at some point...
Sunday 16 December 2007
The weather is still very cold. It's been dropping down to -5 at night in some places. My thermometer in Doogle's kennel said that it was -0.6 last night and the kennel is a good couple of degrees warmer than outside in a field! Peepsie was all snuggley in her rug though, I'm very glad I left it on her as I was thinking yesterday morning that I should change it as the weather had become milder. I knew it was very cold when I had to scrape like mad to get the ice off my car when I got home from work at gone midnight this morning!
Percy and Ruby have been allowed access to the field next to them which isn't anywhere near as poached as the one they are currently in. They have been refusing to go into the field, which means that turning them out has been taking nearly half an hour each morning - not funny when you have to go to work! Andrew, the farmer is really flat out at this time of year so Kim and I are going to fix the fencing ourselves to make it foal proof. I'll be off to agrivet tomorrow to buy some posts! Only three more days at work after today and then my Christmas break! Whopee!
Percy and Ruby have been allowed access to the field next to them which isn't anywhere near as poached as the one they are currently in. They have been refusing to go into the field, which means that turning them out has been taking nearly half an hour each morning - not funny when you have to go to work! Andrew, the farmer is really flat out at this time of year so Kim and I are going to fix the fencing ourselves to make it foal proof. I'll be off to agrivet tomorrow to buy some posts! Only three more days at work after today and then my Christmas break! Whopee!
Wednesday 12 December 2007
PERCY wormed 11/12 (should now be able to fit in with regular programme)
PENNY wormed 12/12
Percy is coping well without his mum and Penny has settled back down to life as an individual. She has made a firm friendship with her field companion, Rio. Percy is quiet when I bring him in, he gets straight down to the business of eating his dinner and doesn't bother to fret about where his friend is.
I lead both Percy and Ruby in together today and they were both very well behaved. They both lead from the 'wrong' side which is very useful when you are leading two horses together.
I have been picking Percy's feet out every morning, which has become accustomed to. i felt that this attention would be better than merely picking his feet out as it emulates what the farrier does a little more. It's also good to do to check for stones etc.
Because it has been so muddy, Percy has been having his pasterns and heels washed off when he comes in. Whilst he is not overjoyed by this, he is actually pretty amenable about it. Ruby on the other hand hates it and reverses round and round the yard when Kim tries to do her. Unfortunately for Ruby she has three white socks, which means she is in definite need of doing as she is much more prone to mud fever.
Mud fever affects the skin on the horses (normally)lower leg. The skin cracks, scabs and blisters as a result of bacteria getting under the skin, due to the legs being wet and muddy. The problem is worse when legs are changing from wet to dry often. It's like the skin on your hands getting chapped if you are constantly washing them. Some horses are more prone than others, especially those with white socks as they have pink skin underneath which is munch more sensitive. Fortunately Penny doesn't seem to get it and touch wood so far, neither has Percy.
It is so cold today, there was a really hard frost this morning. Because of this I changed Penny's rug to her medium weight one. I figure that if I am freezing when I step outside then she will be too. I'll change her back to her lightweight when the freezing weather abates.
The foals' paddock is completely frozen, which is terrible for young joints. However they are pretty sensible and tend to just stand and eat their hay. We place is well out of the really poached area, to try and give them a rest from the deep mud.
PENNY wormed 12/12
Percy is coping well without his mum and Penny has settled back down to life as an individual. She has made a firm friendship with her field companion, Rio. Percy is quiet when I bring him in, he gets straight down to the business of eating his dinner and doesn't bother to fret about where his friend is.
I lead both Percy and Ruby in together today and they were both very well behaved. They both lead from the 'wrong' side which is very useful when you are leading two horses together.
I have been picking Percy's feet out every morning, which has become accustomed to. i felt that this attention would be better than merely picking his feet out as it emulates what the farrier does a little more. It's also good to do to check for stones etc.
Because it has been so muddy, Percy has been having his pasterns and heels washed off when he comes in. Whilst he is not overjoyed by this, he is actually pretty amenable about it. Ruby on the other hand hates it and reverses round and round the yard when Kim tries to do her. Unfortunately for Ruby she has three white socks, which means she is in definite need of doing as she is much more prone to mud fever.
Mud fever affects the skin on the horses (normally)lower leg. The skin cracks, scabs and blisters as a result of bacteria getting under the skin, due to the legs being wet and muddy. The problem is worse when legs are changing from wet to dry often. It's like the skin on your hands getting chapped if you are constantly washing them. Some horses are more prone than others, especially those with white socks as they have pink skin underneath which is munch more sensitive. Fortunately Penny doesn't seem to get it and touch wood so far, neither has Percy.
It is so cold today, there was a really hard frost this morning. Because of this I changed Penny's rug to her medium weight one. I figure that if I am freezing when I step outside then she will be too. I'll change her back to her lightweight when the freezing weather abates.
The foals' paddock is completely frozen, which is terrible for young joints. However they are pretty sensible and tend to just stand and eat their hay. We place is well out of the really poached area, to try and give them a rest from the deep mud.
Sunday 2 December 2007
PENNY AND PERCY WEANED
Yesterday I weaned Penny and Percy. I must confess to having a big lump in my throat when I took Penny away, especially as she gave Percy a last neigh when we rounded the corner. She was ever so good though, she walked with me to the field and when we got into the gateway she looked behind her for Percy and gave a really loud neigh.
I chose not to keep Penny in that night as we ended up bringing her and the two foals in early. This was because a little filly arrived a day early, who was due to be going out with Penny and Rio in the big field the next day. Initially they turned the little filly out with Rio and a lovely quiet old horse called Fox. However, Fox took an extreme dislike to the poor little thing and chased her through a fence. This was obviously a nightmare, as there was no stable available for the filly overnight. Therefore I brought our three in, so that the filly and Rio (who had been nice to her) could go out in Penny's big field. This meant there would be a good two hours of daylight for them to get used to their new field, I wouldn't want to turn horses into a strange field in the dark.
I pondered on what to do and decided to feed Penny and Percy together when they came in otherwise I knew they wouldn't eat anything later. I had intended to put Penny in the barn for the night and had made up her bed for her. Cathy had very kindly said I could use her stable. However, I was very worried that she may try and jump out of the stable, I didn't have a top door for it. I was also worried that she would be seriously stressed and would weave like mad and probably take a few chunks out of the stable by kicking it.
I decided that she would be safest out in the field, which she knows and where she was all summer. I was confident that she wouldn't jump the electric fence. Also meeting her new field companions would be a bit of a distraction for her.
When I turned her out she proceeded to charge off, neighing and looking for Percy. The two new ones followed her and then they all stopped to make friends. It is very common for horses to run about when they meet someone new, so I wasn't too concerned. Penny seemed to make friends with Rio pretty quickly, he was licking her and nuzzling her which was quite sweet. The poor little filly just followed the other two about.
Meanwhile, Percy took it a lot better. He stood in the corner of his box, calling every now and then. He didn't appear too distressed and even ate up his food which suprised me.
Today the weather has been absolutely hideous. Kim and I went to sort out the paddock which the foals were going in to. Half of the electric tape was broken and it was sopping wet with barely any grass cover. Beggars can't be choosers though, so we made good what we had. It's likely that we will have to out hay out for them.
When it came to turning them out the rain was lashing down and the wind was really strong. However the foals were incredibly sensible and just went into the paddock and walked around. We decided to muck out and then come back and check on them. When we did, they were soaked and were charging around, probably because they were cold. We decided to bring them in and as there was no-one to keep Ruby company in the barn, she went in the stable with Percy. They had a haynet each and spent a happy afternoon together.
Penny was still a bit stressed this morning, she was calling when dhe could hear Ruby and Percy. She would have a snatch of food and then march off and neigh, returning for a bit more food.
However this evening Penny was much calmer, she stood quietly when she ate her tea and I was able to feel that she was nice and dry under her rug. This was pleasing as it had done nothing but pour with rain all day.
When we took Ruby out of Percy's stable for the night Percy got a bit upset. More so than when his mum left him. He called a lot and walked around the stable. Once again though he settled and ate up his tea. All in all, fingers crossed, it went well.
I chose not to keep Penny in that night as we ended up bringing her and the two foals in early. This was because a little filly arrived a day early, who was due to be going out with Penny and Rio in the big field the next day. Initially they turned the little filly out with Rio and a lovely quiet old horse called Fox. However, Fox took an extreme dislike to the poor little thing and chased her through a fence. This was obviously a nightmare, as there was no stable available for the filly overnight. Therefore I brought our three in, so that the filly and Rio (who had been nice to her) could go out in Penny's big field. This meant there would be a good two hours of daylight for them to get used to their new field, I wouldn't want to turn horses into a strange field in the dark.
I pondered on what to do and decided to feed Penny and Percy together when they came in otherwise I knew they wouldn't eat anything later. I had intended to put Penny in the barn for the night and had made up her bed for her. Cathy had very kindly said I could use her stable. However, I was very worried that she may try and jump out of the stable, I didn't have a top door for it. I was also worried that she would be seriously stressed and would weave like mad and probably take a few chunks out of the stable by kicking it.
I decided that she would be safest out in the field, which she knows and where she was all summer. I was confident that she wouldn't jump the electric fence. Also meeting her new field companions would be a bit of a distraction for her.
When I turned her out she proceeded to charge off, neighing and looking for Percy. The two new ones followed her and then they all stopped to make friends. It is very common for horses to run about when they meet someone new, so I wasn't too concerned. Penny seemed to make friends with Rio pretty quickly, he was licking her and nuzzling her which was quite sweet. The poor little filly just followed the other two about.
Meanwhile, Percy took it a lot better. He stood in the corner of his box, calling every now and then. He didn't appear too distressed and even ate up his food which suprised me.
Today the weather has been absolutely hideous. Kim and I went to sort out the paddock which the foals were going in to. Half of the electric tape was broken and it was sopping wet with barely any grass cover. Beggars can't be choosers though, so we made good what we had. It's likely that we will have to out hay out for them.
When it came to turning them out the rain was lashing down and the wind was really strong. However the foals were incredibly sensible and just went into the paddock and walked around. We decided to muck out and then come back and check on them. When we did, they were soaked and were charging around, probably because they were cold. We decided to bring them in and as there was no-one to keep Ruby company in the barn, she went in the stable with Percy. They had a haynet each and spent a happy afternoon together.
Penny was still a bit stressed this morning, she was calling when dhe could hear Ruby and Percy. She would have a snatch of food and then march off and neigh, returning for a bit more food.
However this evening Penny was much calmer, she stood quietly when she ate her tea and I was able to feel that she was nice and dry under her rug. This was pleasing as it had done nothing but pour with rain all day.
When we took Ruby out of Percy's stable for the night Percy got a bit upset. More so than when his mum left him. He called a lot and walked around the stable. Once again though he settled and ate up his tea. All in all, fingers crossed, it went well.
Tuesday 27 November 2007
Percy is ready to be weaned. He has come through his operation well and has barely even noticed that he no longer has bits! His attitude and behaviour haven't changed at all (he still let's me go near him!). I am very pleased with his progress.
Unfortunately it is now time to wean them. I will find it heart breaking as it is very distressing for both of them to be separated. Sadly I don't have the facilities to gradually wean them as I would like. Penny has been naturally weaning him off milk anyway, he rarely suckles now. I was watching them in the field today and Penny was moving away when he went to drink. This is good as this is the natural process. They will find it stressful to be separated whether it is now or next spring and it suits me, or rather my circumstances to do it now.
There are various schools of thought on weaning. The two main options are gradual separation and immediate separation. Gradual separation is considered to be kinder, by allowing the foal to become more independent slowly. Immediate separation is as the name suggests, very quick and instant with the mare and foal being separated and not allowed to see each other again (or for at least 3 months). This latter method was basically man made, with the 6 months of age being the time that foals went to bloodstock sales, so this is the accepted time for weaning. Some people wean earlier, for example Ruby was weaned at four months. This is the earliest that is generally accepted. Hence people have been traditionally weaning at 6 months for a long time.
Gradual separation is again man made, with people putting the mare and foak into stables next door to each other, fitting headcollars that make it uncomfortable for the mare when the foal drinks and turning the mare and foal out in adjoining fields. This method basically concentrates on weaning the foal off milk, before separating them.
In the wild horses will wean naturally, this will happen when the mare has another foal in the spring at which point she will chase her yearling away if he comes near.
As I don't have the facilities for gradual weaning or 'natural' I am going with the traditional method of immediate separation. This is the way I have done it at both studs I have worked at and this is the way I know. That said, I might still have a lump in my throat when I come to do it.
Mark has build a top door for Percy's stable so that he can't jump out when I take Penny away. Penny is going to spend the night in the barn and will then go out with her new friend Rio in the morning. She will then revert to living out, though she will have a rug on. Percy and Ruby will be together, just the two of them and will continue to come in at night until the warmer weather allows them to live out again -possibly back out with Penny.
Mark's top door is fantastic. I needed a custom made one as I want to be able to use the door manger whilst the top door is shut. This is because Percy always tips his feed over by sticking his foot in it when he eats. He then doesn't eat his food off the floor, which in turn encourages rats. A manger means that he can't tip it over and will eat every last bit, without the need for my supervision. This will save me time as I will then need to go and feed lady P in her field.
A door grill varies in price, one for a door as wide as mine would cost around £45. They also attach to the door, which would make using a manger impossible. Mark and I designed our top door with a 3inch gap between the top and bottom door, allowing the manger to be attached, but not leaving a big enough gap for Percy's hoof to get caught.
Mark and I went to B&Q where we purchased some pre treated 4x2 timber and some woven willow. Mark made the frame with the timber and strengthened it at all four corners with metal brackets. He then attached the willow screen, which will (hopefully) prevent Percy from thinking about jumping out, but still allows him to see his neighbours. This is tacked on with steel staples. There is another bar which runs horizontally across the middle of the frame, which gives the frame extra strength. Mark then attached the frame to the side of the stable on three large hinges, so that I can open and close the top door. He has fixed a latch to hold it in place when not in use. We are going to use the big bolts from our garden door (no longer in use) so that we can close the top door. All I need to do now is stain it, which I had intended to this morning but the weather defied me!
I'm a bit concerned that Percy will eat the willow frame, but I will put cribox (nasty tasting stuff) on it if it looks like he is eating it. The other alternative is to replace the willow with wire mesh.
Well we shall see how we get on. Next entry will be after the weaning, so fingers crossed...
Unfortunately it is now time to wean them. I will find it heart breaking as it is very distressing for both of them to be separated. Sadly I don't have the facilities to gradually wean them as I would like. Penny has been naturally weaning him off milk anyway, he rarely suckles now. I was watching them in the field today and Penny was moving away when he went to drink. This is good as this is the natural process. They will find it stressful to be separated whether it is now or next spring and it suits me, or rather my circumstances to do it now.
There are various schools of thought on weaning. The two main options are gradual separation and immediate separation. Gradual separation is considered to be kinder, by allowing the foal to become more independent slowly. Immediate separation is as the name suggests, very quick and instant with the mare and foal being separated and not allowed to see each other again (or for at least 3 months). This latter method was basically man made, with the 6 months of age being the time that foals went to bloodstock sales, so this is the accepted time for weaning. Some people wean earlier, for example Ruby was weaned at four months. This is the earliest that is generally accepted. Hence people have been traditionally weaning at 6 months for a long time.
Gradual separation is again man made, with people putting the mare and foak into stables next door to each other, fitting headcollars that make it uncomfortable for the mare when the foal drinks and turning the mare and foal out in adjoining fields. This method basically concentrates on weaning the foal off milk, before separating them.
In the wild horses will wean naturally, this will happen when the mare has another foal in the spring at which point she will chase her yearling away if he comes near.
As I don't have the facilities for gradual weaning or 'natural' I am going with the traditional method of immediate separation. This is the way I have done it at both studs I have worked at and this is the way I know. That said, I might still have a lump in my throat when I come to do it.
Mark has build a top door for Percy's stable so that he can't jump out when I take Penny away. Penny is going to spend the night in the barn and will then go out with her new friend Rio in the morning. She will then revert to living out, though she will have a rug on. Percy and Ruby will be together, just the two of them and will continue to come in at night until the warmer weather allows them to live out again -possibly back out with Penny.
Mark's top door is fantastic. I needed a custom made one as I want to be able to use the door manger whilst the top door is shut. This is because Percy always tips his feed over by sticking his foot in it when he eats. He then doesn't eat his food off the floor, which in turn encourages rats. A manger means that he can't tip it over and will eat every last bit, without the need for my supervision. This will save me time as I will then need to go and feed lady P in her field.
A door grill varies in price, one for a door as wide as mine would cost around £45. They also attach to the door, which would make using a manger impossible. Mark and I designed our top door with a 3inch gap between the top and bottom door, allowing the manger to be attached, but not leaving a big enough gap for Percy's hoof to get caught.
Mark and I went to B&Q where we purchased some pre treated 4x2 timber and some woven willow. Mark made the frame with the timber and strengthened it at all four corners with metal brackets. He then attached the willow screen, which will (hopefully) prevent Percy from thinking about jumping out, but still allows him to see his neighbours. This is tacked on with steel staples. There is another bar which runs horizontally across the middle of the frame, which gives the frame extra strength. Mark then attached the frame to the side of the stable on three large hinges, so that I can open and close the top door. He has fixed a latch to hold it in place when not in use. We are going to use the big bolts from our garden door (no longer in use) so that we can close the top door. All I need to do now is stain it, which I had intended to this morning but the weather defied me!
I'm a bit concerned that Percy will eat the willow frame, but I will put cribox (nasty tasting stuff) on it if it looks like he is eating it. The other alternative is to replace the willow with wire mesh.
Well we shall see how we get on. Next entry will be after the weaning, so fingers crossed...
Wednesday 21 November 2007
PERCY THE GELDING
Well the deed has been done. Percy went to the vet on Monday and had his operation. He is now officially a gelding. The trip wasn't without incident....
As I anticipated, Mr Percy was not too keen to get on the lorry. It is a lot to ask a young horse to walk up a steep ramp and in to a dark lorry, added to this it kept hailing and peeing down with rain. After several attempts in vain I went to get a tea towel to use as a blind fold. We put this over his eyes and got him to the top of the ramp, when he reared up and charged back down the ramp. Kim and Ange were pushing and I was pulling or rather 'guiding' because pulling only makes them rear. Several more attempts proved fruitless, he refused to move.
Meanwhile the clock was ticking and we had asked the groom at the vets to come in early so we could drop them off at 8. We started loading at 7am. There was nothing else for it, we rang Tony and asked him to come up and help (Mark couldn't as he was on his way to London), we needed some brute force. We also enlisted the help of one of the farm guys. Our plan was to shove Percy in.
That didn't work, they didn't fare any better than us girls. Percy just dug his feet in and refused to move. I was thinking to myself, oh dear we might have to ring up and say we can't load him. I wasn't too keen on that idea.
We weer just standing next to the ramp having a breather when, still blindfolded, Percy took it upon himself to walk up the ramp. Nobody was touching him, I barely even held the lead rope! He walked straight up and in to the lorry! I shouted "Quick get Penny" and Ange ran and untied her from the side of the box (we'd had to unload her because she was going frantic when Percy wouldn't get on) and quickly put her on. I used all my strength to pin Percy in the box while ange grabbed Penny and we shut the ramp. None of us could believe it, he literally walked up by himself, blindfolded without so much as a shove!
Percy travelled really well. Penny is a very good traveller so she kept him calm. He just balanced himself and sniffed the floor. At the other end I expected him to take a great leap from the top of the ramp which is what youngsters normally do, but he trotted down sensibly.
Once at the vets (after apologising profusely for being late) we put them in a stable and did the paperwork and left them for the day. We decided that we would take the big lorry on the return leg as the vets had a loading bay which enables you to put the ramp out flat. The little lorry wasn't tall enough to use it.
We manhandled the partitions in the big lorry which truly is no mean feat! We rode out on Rupert and Babs (my 3rd last ride on Rupey doop) and whilst out, Debs rang to say that Percy had come through his operation ok and it had all gone well.
We collected Percy and prepared ourselves for round two of loading. We put the lights on in the lorry (it was dark outside) and had the ramp flat in the loading bay. Percy reared when his mum disappeared round the corner of the bay, but when she returned he followed right behind her. Ange asked penny to walk very slowly across the ramp, which she did obligingly, and Percy followed right behind her. He walked straight in. He travelled really well and once again he unloaded very sensibly.
I was very pleased with Percy's behaviour. After the initial drama it seemed almost as if he had thought about it and decided to give it a go. It even seemed that he had learnt from his first trip ready for loading the second time. Now whether he remembers this for the next time remains to be seen! I doubt it!
RECOVERY
Percy had a bit of swelling the morning after his op, but it had gone down again by the evening when I got him in from the field. He is having antibiotics once a day which he has eaten up in his feed. He looks really bright and well, so fingers crossed he has come through it ok. Watch this space....
As I anticipated, Mr Percy was not too keen to get on the lorry. It is a lot to ask a young horse to walk up a steep ramp and in to a dark lorry, added to this it kept hailing and peeing down with rain. After several attempts in vain I went to get a tea towel to use as a blind fold. We put this over his eyes and got him to the top of the ramp, when he reared up and charged back down the ramp. Kim and Ange were pushing and I was pulling or rather 'guiding' because pulling only makes them rear. Several more attempts proved fruitless, he refused to move.
Meanwhile the clock was ticking and we had asked the groom at the vets to come in early so we could drop them off at 8. We started loading at 7am. There was nothing else for it, we rang Tony and asked him to come up and help (Mark couldn't as he was on his way to London), we needed some brute force. We also enlisted the help of one of the farm guys. Our plan was to shove Percy in.
That didn't work, they didn't fare any better than us girls. Percy just dug his feet in and refused to move. I was thinking to myself, oh dear we might have to ring up and say we can't load him. I wasn't too keen on that idea.
We weer just standing next to the ramp having a breather when, still blindfolded, Percy took it upon himself to walk up the ramp. Nobody was touching him, I barely even held the lead rope! He walked straight up and in to the lorry! I shouted "Quick get Penny" and Ange ran and untied her from the side of the box (we'd had to unload her because she was going frantic when Percy wouldn't get on) and quickly put her on. I used all my strength to pin Percy in the box while ange grabbed Penny and we shut the ramp. None of us could believe it, he literally walked up by himself, blindfolded without so much as a shove!
Percy travelled really well. Penny is a very good traveller so she kept him calm. He just balanced himself and sniffed the floor. At the other end I expected him to take a great leap from the top of the ramp which is what youngsters normally do, but he trotted down sensibly.
Once at the vets (after apologising profusely for being late) we put them in a stable and did the paperwork and left them for the day. We decided that we would take the big lorry on the return leg as the vets had a loading bay which enables you to put the ramp out flat. The little lorry wasn't tall enough to use it.
We manhandled the partitions in the big lorry which truly is no mean feat! We rode out on Rupert and Babs (my 3rd last ride on Rupey doop) and whilst out, Debs rang to say that Percy had come through his operation ok and it had all gone well.
We collected Percy and prepared ourselves for round two of loading. We put the lights on in the lorry (it was dark outside) and had the ramp flat in the loading bay. Percy reared when his mum disappeared round the corner of the bay, but when she returned he followed right behind her. Ange asked penny to walk very slowly across the ramp, which she did obligingly, and Percy followed right behind her. He walked straight in. He travelled really well and once again he unloaded very sensibly.
I was very pleased with Percy's behaviour. After the initial drama it seemed almost as if he had thought about it and decided to give it a go. It even seemed that he had learnt from his first trip ready for loading the second time. Now whether he remembers this for the next time remains to be seen! I doubt it!
RECOVERY
Percy had a bit of swelling the morning after his op, but it had gone down again by the evening when I got him in from the field. He is having antibiotics once a day which he has eaten up in his feed. He looks really bright and well, so fingers crossed he has come through it ok. Watch this space....
Thursday 15 November 2007
Percy was very naughty for the farrier. We had lots of rearing and frantic reversing around the stable. All three of us were sweating when we finally finished. I will not leave it so long next time, he will be due again in 6 weeks. That will be Christmas though so may have to make it the week before, around the 20th december.
I don't think percy's behaviour was entirley helped by the fact that the farrier was 40 mins late and I had given up on him (Scott) and had just got half way across the yard with them to turn them out when he appeared. Dragging them back in again did not please them!
However I am pleased to report that they have all been very good to lead and turnm out. I lead Penny and Percy together today and Percy was a very good boy. He even lead on the 'wrong' side which will be good when it comes to leading him and Ruby together. For some reason this often causes them great confusion, leading on the wrong side, they often just don't get it and try and walk on your right.
They are staying in now until they are weaned and Penny goes out. There was a hard frost this morning, it's dropping down to -3C at night so it was a good week to bring them in.
I don't think percy's behaviour was entirley helped by the fact that the farrier was 40 mins late and I had given up on him (Scott) and had just got half way across the yard with them to turn them out when he appeared. Dragging them back in again did not please them!
However I am pleased to report that they have all been very good to lead and turnm out. I lead Penny and Percy together today and Percy was a very good boy. He even lead on the 'wrong' side which will be good when it comes to leading him and Ruby together. For some reason this often causes them great confusion, leading on the wrong side, they often just don't get it and try and walk on your right.
They are staying in now until they are weaned and Penny goes out. There was a hard frost this morning, it's dropping down to -3C at night so it was a good week to bring them in.
Monday 12 November 2007
Horses in for the winter
Percy wormed 08/11/07
Farrier on 14/11/07
Castration 19/11/07
The horses came in today, it was so cold this morning, they were freezing. It was nice to see them cosy in their stables. There was quite a lot of neighing initially but they'll get used to it soon enough. One of the women at the stables was peed because her horse was upset by the neighing and was concerned that she wouldn't be able to ride it tomorrow. Not sure we've got any influence on that....
Percy was good to lead in. He reared twice but nothing major. He is very strong however and took all my strength to lead him. Hopefully he'll get over being so keen! All in all, quite successful. Kim the star is meeting me at the stables at 0530 tomorrow morning so that we can turn them out. I owe her big time.
I think Percy will be a plum for the farrier. He's taken to kneeling down when I pick his feet up. Interesting..
Ice on the windscreen tonight and this morning. Brrr! Winter is on it's way!
Farrier on 14/11/07
Castration 19/11/07
The horses came in today, it was so cold this morning, they were freezing. It was nice to see them cosy in their stables. There was quite a lot of neighing initially but they'll get used to it soon enough. One of the women at the stables was peed because her horse was upset by the neighing and was concerned that she wouldn't be able to ride it tomorrow. Not sure we've got any influence on that....
Percy was good to lead in. He reared twice but nothing major. He is very strong however and took all my strength to lead him. Hopefully he'll get over being so keen! All in all, quite successful. Kim the star is meeting me at the stables at 0530 tomorrow morning so that we can turn them out. I owe her big time.
I think Percy will be a plum for the farrier. He's taken to kneeling down when I pick his feet up. Interesting..
Ice on the windscreen tonight and this morning. Brrr! Winter is on it's way!
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Penny and Percy both had a bit of TLC today and had a groom. I have purchased a new rug for Penny which I tried on her, it looks to fit perfectly. Percy and Ruby thought that the rug was very spooky, before trying to eat it. It is a medium to heavy weight rug to keep Peepsie snug when it gets really cold. She probably won't wear it till after Christmas when it gets really cold. Neither of them are wearing a rug until they are weaned. I plan to put Penny's lightweight one on her then.
I was going to bring them in today - I keep saying this - but the weather looks to hold out for another week at least, so I am going to leave them. I now hope to bring them in the night before Percy's operation and have them in from then. Whilst it is dry and sunny they are best off out.
I think I will have an 'untouched by human hand' foal. I anticipate that he will be rather difficult to lead for a while, having been out for months. Oh well, that was the trade off I made to save a bit of money over the summer. It is also better to have them out while you can, so that they can learn about herd etiquette etc.
Penny is desperate to see the farrier and Percy also needs doing. I was trying to wait until I bring them in, but as I have kept putting it off, I think I will need to sort it out soon.
I have pretty much decided on Primitive Proposal for next year. I knew his sire and dam, having worked at the Louella Stud. Primitive Rising and With Love both had lovely temperaments and I have heard that Proposal is the same. I have seen some very nice photos of him. I hope to go and see him in the spring. I'll put some info about him on the right hand side.
I was going to bring them in today - I keep saying this - but the weather looks to hold out for another week at least, so I am going to leave them. I now hope to bring them in the night before Percy's operation and have them in from then. Whilst it is dry and sunny they are best off out.
I think I will have an 'untouched by human hand' foal. I anticipate that he will be rather difficult to lead for a while, having been out for months. Oh well, that was the trade off I made to save a bit of money over the summer. It is also better to have them out while you can, so that they can learn about herd etiquette etc.
Penny is desperate to see the farrier and Percy also needs doing. I was trying to wait until I bring them in, but as I have kept putting it off, I think I will need to sort it out soon.
I have pretty much decided on Primitive Proposal for next year. I knew his sire and dam, having worked at the Louella Stud. Primitive Rising and With Love both had lovely temperaments and I have heard that Proposal is the same. I have seen some very nice photos of him. I hope to go and see him in the spring. I'll put some info about him on the right hand side.
Monday 22 October 2007
Percy's operation date changed
Percy's op has now been moved to Monday 19th November. Cinder Hill have a vet away on the original date so they are unable to do it then. It's cutting it a bit fine as he having his passport done at the same time - he has to be registered with the Sports Horse Board GB within his first 6 months, so I hope they don't move it again! Also I hope this will give him enough time to recover ready for weaning at the beginning of December.
The weather has got a lot colder, it's getting down to about 3 degrees at night. The foals seem to be coping fine, but I am getting twitchy! I have decided that as soon as I need to put the central heating on (which is looking more likely) then I will bring them in. They will definitely come in for November in any case. I am looking to buy Penny a medium weight rug for when she is weaned, to go on when it gets really cold. She has her light weight waterproof to start her off.
I'm a bit concerned as to how they will get along in the stable. Penny is an old bag when she has her food, she quite often kicks Percy. I will play it by ear, but it may mean that I have to separate them for eating. There is a stable next to theirs available, so I may be able to rent that for a month if Bev hasn't got someone for it. That way I could see if I can put them next to each other, which would also be a way of gradually weaning them, as well as making sure that no one gets kicked at tea time!
Watch this space....
The weather has got a lot colder, it's getting down to about 3 degrees at night. The foals seem to be coping fine, but I am getting twitchy! I have decided that as soon as I need to put the central heating on (which is looking more likely) then I will bring them in. They will definitely come in for November in any case. I am looking to buy Penny a medium weight rug for when she is weaned, to go on when it gets really cold. She has her light weight waterproof to start her off.
I'm a bit concerned as to how they will get along in the stable. Penny is an old bag when she has her food, she quite often kicks Percy. I will play it by ear, but it may mean that I have to separate them for eating. There is a stable next to theirs available, so I may be able to rent that for a month if Bev hasn't got someone for it. That way I could see if I can put them next to each other, which would also be a way of gradually weaning them, as well as making sure that no one gets kicked at tea time!
Watch this space....
Monday 15 October 2007
Lily and Ruby weaned
Lily and Ruby were weaned today. Lily is back out in the field with Penny and Percy, Ruby is in a stable. They were calling to each other which is heart breaking :( It's got to be done though. Lily was quite stressed when I visited them tonight, she was pacing and constantly grinding her teeth. Penny wasn't being very comforting, though Percy gave her a snuffle.
It will be Penny and Percy's turn at the end of November. Then it will be just Percy and Ruby to keep each other company and maybe an older quiet horse.
Weather is still holding up - very mild for this time of year, in fact quite warm. It hasn't dropped below 7.5C at night and is about 14C in the day time. They are all quite wooly now though.
Penny is moving over to pasture nuts, she'll be on that alone by the weekend that is along with some speedi beet and alfa a. Percy is now eating half a bowl of mix plus two handfulls of Alfa oil and speedi beet per feed. I'm thinking that he will end up haveing haylage this winter as I think the hay will be poor after our rubbish summer. With him being so yound I can't risk him having to battle with dust spores and mould spores in his lungs.
It will be Penny and Percy's turn at the end of November. Then it will be just Percy and Ruby to keep each other company and maybe an older quiet horse.
Weather is still holding up - very mild for this time of year, in fact quite warm. It hasn't dropped below 7.5C at night and is about 14C in the day time. They are all quite wooly now though.
Penny is moving over to pasture nuts, she'll be on that alone by the weekend that is along with some speedi beet and alfa a. Percy is now eating half a bowl of mix plus two handfulls of Alfa oil and speedi beet per feed. I'm thinking that he will end up haveing haylage this winter as I think the hay will be poor after our rubbish summer. With him being so yound I can't risk him having to battle with dust spores and mould spores in his lungs.
Friday 12 October 2007
Castration booked!
PERCY WORMED: 07/10/07
Percy's operation has been booked for 6th of November. He will have a general anaesthetic for his operation which should only last a short amount of time, less than an hour. He will then be able to come round in the company of his mum and will hopefully nurse soon after.
I will be looking to wean them at the end of November. Percy will be about 6 months old then. This would be a good time for me as I can get Penny turned away with a rug on and then I will only have the one horse to lead in and out each day. I foresee problems with leading the two of them when I start bringing them in again. I think it is going to be a two man job!
I am hoping to keep them out until the end of October. The weather forecast is mild until the 20th so fingers crossed. Whilst there are still plenty of leaves in the trees then they do have shelter form the rain. I think when they go they will definitely have to come in. I hope to be able to keep them out until I return from America, which is the 29th. That way Kim will be able to feed them.
I spoke to Bev who said that she would do them for me if they are in when I am away, which is a relief. I do think it will be a two man job though as I think Percy will be a pain. He hasn't been lead anywhere for about three months so I think he might have 'forgotten'. Nothing a rope behind his bum won't cure!
Bev has said that I can use her lorry to take the horses to the vet so I am very pleased to have that sorted as well. I have also rung the NFU and I have Percy covered for his operation. I think for once I am organised but I'm sure I will have forgotten something. Percy will be having his flu and tet while he is at the vet's and also will have his passport done. I've got his passport ready, I just need to remember to take it!
New pic on the right was taken the other day when Percy was playing. It's a bit grainy because it was dark, but you can see how much he has grown since the last photo's..
Percy's operation has been booked for 6th of November. He will have a general anaesthetic for his operation which should only last a short amount of time, less than an hour. He will then be able to come round in the company of his mum and will hopefully nurse soon after.
I will be looking to wean them at the end of November. Percy will be about 6 months old then. This would be a good time for me as I can get Penny turned away with a rug on and then I will only have the one horse to lead in and out each day. I foresee problems with leading the two of them when I start bringing them in again. I think it is going to be a two man job!
I am hoping to keep them out until the end of October. The weather forecast is mild until the 20th so fingers crossed. Whilst there are still plenty of leaves in the trees then they do have shelter form the rain. I think when they go they will definitely have to come in. I hope to be able to keep them out until I return from America, which is the 29th. That way Kim will be able to feed them.
I spoke to Bev who said that she would do them for me if they are in when I am away, which is a relief. I do think it will be a two man job though as I think Percy will be a pain. He hasn't been lead anywhere for about three months so I think he might have 'forgotten'. Nothing a rope behind his bum won't cure!
Bev has said that I can use her lorry to take the horses to the vet so I am very pleased to have that sorted as well. I have also rung the NFU and I have Percy covered for his operation. I think for once I am organised but I'm sure I will have forgotten something. Percy will be having his flu and tet while he is at the vet's and also will have his passport done. I've got his passport ready, I just need to remember to take it!
New pic on the right was taken the other day when Percy was playing. It's a bit grainy because it was dark, but you can see how much he has grown since the last photo's..
Sunday 30 September 2007
Autumn is here
Percy is booked in for his castration on 5th November. He will stay overnight with Penny and then I'll pick them up. I was off on that day, but now they are wanting me to work so I will have to try and figure something out.
I'm starting to get twitchy about the weather. Percy has grown a good thick coat over his bum and shoulders. It went really cold last week but is ok again this week. However they seem to be coping fine. The main thing is the rain. If it cold and rainy then they will be coming in at night. At the moment it is dry.
Ruby is due to be weaned next Sunday, so Kim was hoping that I leave mine out till then, which I am going to try and do. I've asked Bev whether she might have a paddock on farm side for us to put Penny, Percy and Ruby in so that we don't have to take them across the road in the dark. I hope to be able to put Penny back over the road when she and Percy are weaned, so hopefully two weanlings won't make too much mess of Bev's paddocks over winter. Bev has so many horses to suss out, with so many people having different requirements it's a nightmare for her. If I have to bring them over the road in the dark then I will just have to grin and bear it. Though we will need a separate field for the weanlings anyway, so we will have to wait and see!
Percy is growing all nicely in proportion so I am pleased with his progress. He looks small next to Ruby, but I think her height is all in her legs. It's probably a good job she is bigger, that way she won't be pushed around by him.
Percy is due for his wormer, I haven't bought any yet eek! Must do it ASAP.
I'm starting to get twitchy about the weather. Percy has grown a good thick coat over his bum and shoulders. It went really cold last week but is ok again this week. However they seem to be coping fine. The main thing is the rain. If it cold and rainy then they will be coming in at night. At the moment it is dry.
Ruby is due to be weaned next Sunday, so Kim was hoping that I leave mine out till then, which I am going to try and do. I've asked Bev whether she might have a paddock on farm side for us to put Penny, Percy and Ruby in so that we don't have to take them across the road in the dark. I hope to be able to put Penny back over the road when she and Percy are weaned, so hopefully two weanlings won't make too much mess of Bev's paddocks over winter. Bev has so many horses to suss out, with so many people having different requirements it's a nightmare for her. If I have to bring them over the road in the dark then I will just have to grin and bear it. Though we will need a separate field for the weanlings anyway, so we will have to wait and see!
Percy is growing all nicely in proportion so I am pleased with his progress. He looks small next to Ruby, but I think her height is all in her legs. It's probably a good job she is bigger, that way she won't be pushed around by him.
Percy is due for his wormer, I haven't bought any yet eek! Must do it ASAP.
Sunday 16 September 2007
Farrier again
Percy saw the farrier again on the 13th. He chipped a piece of his near hind so it needed doing. I suppose it all helps to teach him what's what!
The nights are getting a bit chilly now, Percy is starting to grow a thicker coat. I'm hoping to be able to leave them out as long as possible, because as soon as I start bringing them in at night I will have to stick with it and I want to avoid bringing them across the road in the dark for as long as possible. Once they are weaned, then Penny will live across the road and live out (with her rug on) and Percy will be in at night out in the day, but on the farm side of the road.
I don't know whether I will wean them before or after Christmas. They will be ready at the beginning of December so I could do them then. Percy will be going to the vet at the beginning of next month for his castration. I'll see how he copes with that and play it by ear.
The nights are getting a bit chilly now, Percy is starting to grow a thicker coat. I'm hoping to be able to leave them out as long as possible, because as soon as I start bringing them in at night I will have to stick with it and I want to avoid bringing them across the road in the dark for as long as possible. Once they are weaned, then Penny will live across the road and live out (with her rug on) and Percy will be in at night out in the day, but on the farm side of the road.
I don't know whether I will wean them before or after Christmas. They will be ready at the beginning of December so I could do them then. Percy will be going to the vet at the beginning of next month for his castration. I'll see how he copes with that and play it by ear.
Friday 31 August 2007
Percy wormed again and farrier
FARRIER 16/08 - next 01/10
WORMED 27/08 - next 01/10
Percy is now 11 weeks old. Percy and Penny are doing really well. Penny is as fat as butter so I have had to reduce her feed somewhat. I have to be careful because up until Percy is three months old she is feeding him a lot. He is eating his own feed now though and also grass, so therefeor I have cut her feed down. Over the course of the next few months she will have less and less, until she's just living on grass again. This will help her milk dry up towards weaning time. Percy was really good for the farrier and to worm. They are living out at thhe moment and have been for a while. It's the best place for them and also saves me some money!
WORMED 27/08 - next 01/10
Percy is now 11 weeks old. Percy and Penny are doing really well. Penny is as fat as butter so I have had to reduce her feed somewhat. I have to be careful because up until Percy is three months old she is feeding him a lot. He is eating his own feed now though and also grass, so therefeor I have cut her feed down. Over the course of the next few months she will have less and less, until she's just living on grass again. This will help her milk dry up towards weaning time. Percy was really good for the farrier and to worm. They are living out at thhe moment and have been for a while. It's the best place for them and also saves me some money!
Monday 6 August 2007
When I went up to feed Penny and Percy last night, I found Percy halfway through the eletric fence. He had one leg and his head on one side and the rest of his body on the other. This rather alarmed me, the eletric has been off for nearly a week and both Kim and I have asked several times for the battery to be changed. I rang Bev immediately and asked about the battery, she assured me that there would be a new one in the morning.
I am pleased to say that Percy was still in his field this morning when I went to feed them. Penny has sunburn on her muzzle to she is having sudocreme on it. I' dlike to put sun lotion on, but while it's a bit sore I want to stick with the healing creme.
The horses have been out for almost a week now and they look set to be out for the next couple of weeks all being well. They seem happy enough and are all doing well. I'm not sure that Percy doesn't look a bit lame, but it's very difficult to tell. He will need to see the farrier again soon though as his feet are getting long and one of the back ones is splitting a bit. Penny's feet are fine at the mo, they were both only done a few weeks ago.
Penny is still on the same amount of hard feed, it will start to drop off towards mid September. Percy is eating about 300g of suregrow a day, but he'd not over keen. He much prefers his mothers mix, so once the suregrow has run out I think I'll move him on to foal mix until he's a yearling, then back to mare and youngstock mix.
I am pleased to say that Percy was still in his field this morning when I went to feed them. Penny has sunburn on her muzzle to she is having sudocreme on it. I' dlike to put sun lotion on, but while it's a bit sore I want to stick with the healing creme.
The horses have been out for almost a week now and they look set to be out for the next couple of weeks all being well. They seem happy enough and are all doing well. I'm not sure that Percy doesn't look a bit lame, but it's very difficult to tell. He will need to see the farrier again soon though as his feet are getting long and one of the back ones is splitting a bit. Penny's feet are fine at the mo, they were both only done a few weeks ago.
Penny is still on the same amount of hard feed, it will start to drop off towards mid September. Percy is eating about 300g of suregrow a day, but he'd not over keen. He much prefers his mothers mix, so once the suregrow has run out I think I'll move him on to foal mix until he's a yearling, then back to mare and youngstock mix.
Wednesday 1 August 2007
Percy's first wormer
Percy was six weeks old on Saturday 28th July and had his first wormer on Sunday! He didn't seem to mind it too much but I'm sure he'll soon Cotton on to that!
Percy will need worming every 6 - 8 weeks for his first 6 months so his next dose will be in mid September.
They are living out at the moment, now that the weather has come good. Percy has gone fluffy because it is quite chilly at night. He is having his feet picked up every day which he doesn't mind, and is also still having his swelling palpitated. It is staying up more and more often now, so hopefully we are turning a corner with it.
Percy is going to be castrated at 4 months, while he is still with his mum. I hope that this way it will be less traumatic for him and also will mean there are no worries concerned with him running with a filly in the spring!
Mark is rather proud of Percy, he was up last night feeding him for me - nearly got in the middle of a punch up between Penny and lily but doesn't seem to have put him off too much....
Percy is going to have his identification done soon as he needs his own passport. He is now insured in his own right also. I'll need to ask the vet to come up and take a sample of tail hair from him for his DNA test, which will prove his parentage. I am still toying with the idea of taking them to the mare grading, so that I can get them both fully registered with the Sports Horse Board. The problem is that the nearest one id 100 miles away and it's in August when the weather may be hot, so I'm not entirely sure about it.
Watch this space!
Percy will need worming every 6 - 8 weeks for his first 6 months so his next dose will be in mid September.
They are living out at the moment, now that the weather has come good. Percy has gone fluffy because it is quite chilly at night. He is having his feet picked up every day which he doesn't mind, and is also still having his swelling palpitated. It is staying up more and more often now, so hopefully we are turning a corner with it.
Percy is going to be castrated at 4 months, while he is still with his mum. I hope that this way it will be less traumatic for him and also will mean there are no worries concerned with him running with a filly in the spring!
Mark is rather proud of Percy, he was up last night feeding him for me - nearly got in the middle of a punch up between Penny and lily but doesn't seem to have put him off too much....
Percy is going to have his identification done soon as he needs his own passport. He is now insured in his own right also. I'll need to ask the vet to come up and take a sample of tail hair from him for his DNA test, which will prove his parentage. I am still toying with the idea of taking them to the mare grading, so that I can get them both fully registered with the Sports Horse Board. The problem is that the nearest one id 100 miles away and it's in August when the weather may be hot, so I'm not entirely sure about it.
Watch this space!
Tuesday 17 July 2007
Percy is one month old
Percy was a whole month old on Monday. As a celebration, they all spent their first night out in the field! They have moved back to the big field where Penny and lily were in the winter. They all seem to have taken to it well and survived the night. Percy has scraped his front leg today, his off fore. So the first injury!
I am still feeding them twice a day, Percy is having his own separate feed of suregrow, though he seems keener on mum's. When he is two months old I will give him foal mix.
Due to finances, kim and I have decided to take advantage of the good weather and the good grass, and leave them living out for a couple of months. It's funny because already I notice the difference in Penny, it's like she reverts back to her wild state. She's not mad or anything, just so much more alert. They will start coming in again when the weather turns, probably by the end of September. This is also the time that Percy will be castrated (4 months). They will probably be weaned not too long after that.
I have uploaded some recent photo's of the boy, taken this week. He is very colty now, he climbs all over his mother and plays roughly with poor Ruby. She sorts him out though!
I had to get the vet out last week as I thought that Percy was suffering colic. It turned out to be a false alarm, but best to be on the safe side. The farrier came yesterday (16.07) and Percy had his feet done for the first time. He was very good actually, so that was a result.
I need to keep an eye on his swelling, I am pushing it up twice a day. Not convinced that it is doing anything though...
I am still feeding them twice a day, Percy is having his own separate feed of suregrow, though he seems keener on mum's. When he is two months old I will give him foal mix.
Due to finances, kim and I have decided to take advantage of the good weather and the good grass, and leave them living out for a couple of months. It's funny because already I notice the difference in Penny, it's like she reverts back to her wild state. She's not mad or anything, just so much more alert. They will start coming in again when the weather turns, probably by the end of September. This is also the time that Percy will be castrated (4 months). They will probably be weaned not too long after that.
I have uploaded some recent photo's of the boy, taken this week. He is very colty now, he climbs all over his mother and plays roughly with poor Ruby. She sorts him out though!
I had to get the vet out last week as I thought that Percy was suffering colic. It turned out to be a false alarm, but best to be on the safe side. The farrier came yesterday (16.07) and Percy had his feet done for the first time. He was very good actually, so that was a result.
I need to keep an eye on his swelling, I am pushing it up twice a day. Not convinced that it is doing anything though...
Tuesday 3 July 2007
OUT ALL TOGETHER AT LAST
It has rained so much this morning that they had to wait untill eleven o'clock to go out. It has just thrown it down again at 1330! Blue sky now though so fingers crossed...
Chris came yesterday to look at Percy and unstitch Penny. Chris was pleased with Percy's leg, it has straightened up well and his limbs are looking much stronger. He is now allowed out with Lily and Ruby. His breathing appears to be a lot better, it is improving all the time. His swelling still causes concern however. I am to push it back up every day and eventually (so I am told) it will stay up of it's own accord! Percy is going to love me for that isn't he!
They went out with Lily and Ruby yesterday for the first time and luckily it was all rather uneventful! Lily and Penny were pleased to see each other, they had a sniff of each others foals and got down to grazing!
Ruby and Percy aren't quite brave enough to talk to each other yet, but I'm sure they will be playing within a week. This will be good news as Percy needs to learn that humans aren't for playing with. He's quite naughty in his stable, so it will be good to get him out of that.
Chris came yesterday to look at Percy and unstitch Penny. Chris was pleased with Percy's leg, it has straightened up well and his limbs are looking much stronger. He is now allowed out with Lily and Ruby. His breathing appears to be a lot better, it is improving all the time. His swelling still causes concern however. I am to push it back up every day and eventually (so I am told) it will stay up of it's own accord! Percy is going to love me for that isn't he!
They went out with Lily and Ruby yesterday for the first time and luckily it was all rather uneventful! Lily and Penny were pleased to see each other, they had a sniff of each others foals and got down to grazing!
Ruby and Percy aren't quite brave enough to talk to each other yet, but I'm sure they will be playing within a week. This will be good news as Percy needs to learn that humans aren't for playing with. He's quite naughty in his stable, so it will be good to get him out of that.
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Penny and Percy are out in the paddock at the moment, and it's just decided to throw it down! Great! They are having about 3 hours out a day at the moment until they can go out full time with Lily and Ruby.
Chris, the vet, is coming to take Penny's stitches out on Monday (from her caslick) and he will have a look at Percy too. Hopefully he will think that his bendy leg is much better. I think it is improving but it's hard to say when you see them every day.
I've uploaded some pics of them enjoying themselves in the paddock, they love going out. In a way it's a good job we've had all this rain while they have to be in, because they can't be out all day in it anyway. I am keen to get them out all day though as it is much better for them both.
I have a few hello's to say, hopefully I won't get in to trouble for missing anyone! Hello to Chloe, Isobel, Anna, Sarah, James, Harry, Rob, Matt, Dan, Aisling, Patrick, Louise and if you ever check this blog, Tom and Sam. Hope you are all happy and enjoying reading about Penny and Percy!
Right I have to go and get them in now and give Penny her dinner (two scoops Alfa oil and one and a half of mix).
Chris, the vet, is coming to take Penny's stitches out on Monday (from her caslick) and he will have a look at Percy too. Hopefully he will think that his bendy leg is much better. I think it is improving but it's hard to say when you see them every day.
I've uploaded some pics of them enjoying themselves in the paddock, they love going out. In a way it's a good job we've had all this rain while they have to be in, because they can't be out all day in it anyway. I am keen to get them out all day though as it is much better for them both.
I have a few hello's to say, hopefully I won't get in to trouble for missing anyone! Hello to Chloe, Isobel, Anna, Sarah, James, Harry, Rob, Matt, Dan, Aisling, Patrick, Louise and if you ever check this blog, Tom and Sam. Hope you are all happy and enjoying reading about Penny and Percy!
Right I have to go and get them in now and give Penny her dinner (two scoops Alfa oil and one and a half of mix).
Thursday 21 June 2007
I decided to call Chris, the vet out today to look at both of them. Penny has quite a heavy discharge and Percy's breathing has been concerning me. Percy's breathing sounds like a horse high blowing after exercise. I was worrid that there may be something wrong.
Chris was a star and came up to see me within an hour of me calling, which was just wonderful as it means I don't have to miss work. He had a look at Penny and said that there was nothing to worry about. If the discharge smells horrible then there is cause for concern, but as it is she is fine. She does look very well in herself.
Chris listened to Percy's lungs and heart and said that they were perfectly fine. He's probabley just got a soft paalate which is common in young foals. However Chris was concerned by the fat hanging down between Percy's legs which looks like an over sized testicle. He could not feel any intestine in there, but it is a concern that a hernia may occur. I'm to keep a close eye on it, it should improve as he grows, but if he starts to show signs of colic then this could spell trouble.
Also a small concern is Percy's off hing leg which is a tad wonky. Once again this should straighten up as he grows, but needs keeping an eye on. As such he will have to wait to meet Ruby for another week, as he is not to excessively run around and risk damaging his leg.
On the positive side, he is very lively, has a beautiful shiny coat and bright eyes. Chris said that he was a very nice foal. He also commented on what a nice mare Penny is and how good she is with her foal.
Mark is feeding them their dinner again tonight..........
Chris was a star and came up to see me within an hour of me calling, which was just wonderful as it means I don't have to miss work. He had a look at Penny and said that there was nothing to worry about. If the discharge smells horrible then there is cause for concern, but as it is she is fine. She does look very well in herself.
Chris listened to Percy's lungs and heart and said that they were perfectly fine. He's probabley just got a soft paalate which is common in young foals. However Chris was concerned by the fat hanging down between Percy's legs which looks like an over sized testicle. He could not feel any intestine in there, but it is a concern that a hernia may occur. I'm to keep a close eye on it, it should improve as he grows, but if he starts to show signs of colic then this could spell trouble.
Also a small concern is Percy's off hing leg which is a tad wonky. Once again this should straighten up as he grows, but needs keeping an eye on. As such he will have to wait to meet Ruby for another week, as he is not to excessively run around and risk damaging his leg.
On the positive side, he is very lively, has a beautiful shiny coat and bright eyes. Chris said that he was a very nice foal. He also commented on what a nice mare Penny is and how good she is with her foal.
Mark is feeding them their dinner again tonight..........
Wednesday 20 June 2007
Percy went out in the paddock for the first time this morning. Mark came up to the stables with me at 0630 to watch! This is an incredible break through - though must play it cool, don't want to put him off.....
Percy's bum is still a bit pooey but getting better. Penny is bleeding slightly which concerns me a bit, though she is very well in herself and eating well so she's not in distress.
I'll be turning them out at 0600 tomorrow for a couple of hours as Kim has to be at work for 0730. Come Saturday they can start going out all day.
Percy has taken to lying under his mum's haynet, which means he is well camouflaged when i go to check on him! See the photo :)
MArk fed them last night and gave Penny more water, he's doing the same tonight!!!!!!!
Percy's bum is still a bit pooey but getting better. Penny is bleeding slightly which concerns me a bit, though she is very well in herself and eating well so she's not in distress.
I'll be turning them out at 0600 tomorrow for a couple of hours as Kim has to be at work for 0730. Come Saturday they can start going out all day.
Percy has taken to lying under his mum's haynet, which means he is well camouflaged when i go to check on him! See the photo :)
MArk fed them last night and gave Penny more water, he's doing the same tonight!!!!!!!
Tuesday 19 June 2007
Penny and Percy are doing well. They are going out in the school for a few hours today. I am hoping to let them into the paddock for a few hours tomorrow, Thursday and Friday, with Saturday being the grand meet Lily and Ruby day!
Percy had to have his bum washed yesterday as he is scouring. He wasn't best please and ended up falling into his water bucket, where he got stuck in a sitting position like a dog. poor thing! So I pulled him out sharpish and he continued with his antics. We got it done eventually! I bought an exfoliating glove from boots that gets the dried bits off a treat! He now has an exfoliated bum, nicely slathered with Vaseline.
Penny is having more to eat now that she is lactating. She'll soon be back up to what she was having in March. Obviously when she goes out she will have access to really good grass so that will make her feel good. i am pleased to say that she looks fantastic and appears well and happy. She has really taken to her motherhood role.
NEWSFLASH
Mark asked me if I would like him to go up and see them tonight while I am at work!! We've had a break through! He LOVES Percy and wasn't very happy with me when I told him about the bucket incident! So he is going to feed them tonight for me and give them extra water. Wow - I never thought that this would happen.
I'm off to see them now for some more bum washing. Oh and poo picking the paddock!
Percy had to have his bum washed yesterday as he is scouring. He wasn't best please and ended up falling into his water bucket, where he got stuck in a sitting position like a dog. poor thing! So I pulled him out sharpish and he continued with his antics. We got it done eventually! I bought an exfoliating glove from boots that gets the dried bits off a treat! He now has an exfoliated bum, nicely slathered with Vaseline.
Penny is having more to eat now that she is lactating. She'll soon be back up to what she was having in March. Obviously when she goes out she will have access to really good grass so that will make her feel good. i am pleased to say that she looks fantastic and appears well and happy. She has really taken to her motherhood role.
NEWSFLASH
Mark asked me if I would like him to go up and see them tonight while I am at work!! We've had a break through! He LOVES Percy and wasn't very happy with me when I told him about the bucket incident! So he is going to feed them tonight for me and give them extra water. Wow - I never thought that this would happen.
I'm off to see them now for some more bum washing. Oh and poo picking the paddock!
Sunday 17 June 2007
Colt foal born 1950hrs 16/06/07
Penny has had her foal! A stunning bay colt, by Utopian Opposition. After nearly a fortnight of keeping a vigil at the stables, Penny had her foal in the early evening and I missed the birth!
Mark and my dad went up to the stable to fix the camera that we were using to watch Penny in her stable. Meanwhile I was at home getting the dinner ready, planning to return to the stables at about 2200 hrs. When I had fed Penny at 1800 she showed no signs whatsoever of foaling. The only notable thing that day would be that she was behaving strangely when I turned her out in the morning - she was rearing and bucking which I have not seen her do for a long while.
Anyway, I digress. There I am putting the food into the oven and setting my egg timer when Mark rings me; "Julia get up here now Penny is foaling and I'm not joking". With that, a mad panic ensues! In a moment of unusual clarity, I turned the oven off and shouted to mum and my friend Kirsty who was visiting, "Penny is foaling, quick we have to go!"
So we charged out of the house with the dog charging with us, leaving all of the lights on and the tv playing. I jumped in the car and the dog dived into the boot, poor Kirsty had a parcel shelf hit her in the back of the head as we were in Mark's car, which does not normally have the dog in! I drove like Stirling Moss (frightening my poor mum) up to the stables and did it in 4 minutes which is pretty impressive as it normally takes about double that!
On my arrival I find that Mark is in the stable with Kim (who's horse, Lily foaled last week) and Penny has given birth to a sweet looking foal with a bendy ear. Both were lying down and nickering at each other.
I checked the foal and he had quite a bit of fluid in his nose but looked really good apart from that. I sprayed his stump or 'belly button' with blue spray and checked the sex. Shortly afterwards Penny stood up, so I tied the afterbirth up so that she didn't stand on it.
As I did so, Kim relayed her story. She had been hanging around because she was due to have dinner early with friends. Kim had walked past Penny's stable and heard her get down and groan. Kim thought that this was unusual and so went to check her, only to find a pair of forelegs emerging! With this she ran to where Mark and dad were setting up the camera "Bloody hell Penny is foaling call Twig quick!"
Poor Kim was having a bit of a panic and Mark ran with her to the stable. With Kim's guidance (crash course last week with Lily) Mark pulled as Penny pushed and delivered the foal! Mark saw to the foal, breaking the sac and clearing it's mouth and making sure it was safe from Penny's back legs. And this is about where I arrived! I checked the afterbirth which looked fine and put it in a sack ready for the vet in the morning.
Poor Mark has only just come to terms recently with stroking Penny on the cheek, let alone helping her give birth! What a super star! I'm so glad that he, dad and Kim were there else we would have all missed it. I think the foal would have been ok if on it's own, but it's always best to be there.
The foal was weak on his legs and couldn't stand for a while. Therefor I drew some milk from Penny into a baby bottle with a teat and gave him a drink of that. He sucked straight away so he definitely had the right idea! He had a good 150ml of his mum's milk. As Penny was so good with him and cautious around his legs (ie not looking to stand on him), I deemed it safe to leave them for a while so that we could have our dinner.
An hour later we returned and gave the foal some more milk. With our help he got to his feet and then remained upright unaided. Slowly he made his way to Penny's udder, she was encouraging him all the way. Finally after 4 hours of existence out side of his mum's womb he drank. And after that you couldn't stop him!
As such after a while we left them. I decided to stay one last night in the caravan so that I could be sure that both mare and foal were ok. Mark stayed with me.
In the morning I found the foal drinking and trying to have a poo. The vet came at 8am (Mike not Chris) and saw to both. They were both looking well. The foals eyes and ears were good along with his heart rate. He then had a couple of injections and an enema to help him pass his meconium (first poo). Penny was re-stitched and we left them to it for a bit.
I turned Penny and the foal out in the school for a leg stretch. the foal had a little trot and canter before finding it all too exhausting and lay down. Penny took the opportunity to have a big roll.
I have decided to call the foal 'Pentopian' this is derived from Penny and Utopian. His stable name is Percy. So there we are, Percy is now with us!
Mark and my dad went up to the stable to fix the camera that we were using to watch Penny in her stable. Meanwhile I was at home getting the dinner ready, planning to return to the stables at about 2200 hrs. When I had fed Penny at 1800 she showed no signs whatsoever of foaling. The only notable thing that day would be that she was behaving strangely when I turned her out in the morning - she was rearing and bucking which I have not seen her do for a long while.
Anyway, I digress. There I am putting the food into the oven and setting my egg timer when Mark rings me; "Julia get up here now Penny is foaling and I'm not joking". With that, a mad panic ensues! In a moment of unusual clarity, I turned the oven off and shouted to mum and my friend Kirsty who was visiting, "Penny is foaling, quick we have to go!"
So we charged out of the house with the dog charging with us, leaving all of the lights on and the tv playing. I jumped in the car and the dog dived into the boot, poor Kirsty had a parcel shelf hit her in the back of the head as we were in Mark's car, which does not normally have the dog in! I drove like Stirling Moss (frightening my poor mum) up to the stables and did it in 4 minutes which is pretty impressive as it normally takes about double that!
On my arrival I find that Mark is in the stable with Kim (who's horse, Lily foaled last week) and Penny has given birth to a sweet looking foal with a bendy ear. Both were lying down and nickering at each other.
I checked the foal and he had quite a bit of fluid in his nose but looked really good apart from that. I sprayed his stump or 'belly button' with blue spray and checked the sex. Shortly afterwards Penny stood up, so I tied the afterbirth up so that she didn't stand on it.
As I did so, Kim relayed her story. She had been hanging around because she was due to have dinner early with friends. Kim had walked past Penny's stable and heard her get down and groan. Kim thought that this was unusual and so went to check her, only to find a pair of forelegs emerging! With this she ran to where Mark and dad were setting up the camera "Bloody hell Penny is foaling call Twig quick!"
Poor Kim was having a bit of a panic and Mark ran with her to the stable. With Kim's guidance (crash course last week with Lily) Mark pulled as Penny pushed and delivered the foal! Mark saw to the foal, breaking the sac and clearing it's mouth and making sure it was safe from Penny's back legs. And this is about where I arrived! I checked the afterbirth which looked fine and put it in a sack ready for the vet in the morning.
Poor Mark has only just come to terms recently with stroking Penny on the cheek, let alone helping her give birth! What a super star! I'm so glad that he, dad and Kim were there else we would have all missed it. I think the foal would have been ok if on it's own, but it's always best to be there.
The foal was weak on his legs and couldn't stand for a while. Therefor I drew some milk from Penny into a baby bottle with a teat and gave him a drink of that. He sucked straight away so he definitely had the right idea! He had a good 150ml of his mum's milk. As Penny was so good with him and cautious around his legs (ie not looking to stand on him), I deemed it safe to leave them for a while so that we could have our dinner.
An hour later we returned and gave the foal some more milk. With our help he got to his feet and then remained upright unaided. Slowly he made his way to Penny's udder, she was encouraging him all the way. Finally after 4 hours of existence out side of his mum's womb he drank. And after that you couldn't stop him!
As such after a while we left them. I decided to stay one last night in the caravan so that I could be sure that both mare and foal were ok. Mark stayed with me.
In the morning I found the foal drinking and trying to have a poo. The vet came at 8am (Mike not Chris) and saw to both. They were both looking well. The foals eyes and ears were good along with his heart rate. He then had a couple of injections and an enema to help him pass his meconium (first poo). Penny was re-stitched and we left them to it for a bit.
I turned Penny and the foal out in the school for a leg stretch. the foal had a little trot and canter before finding it all too exhausting and lay down. Penny took the opportunity to have a big roll.
I have decided to call the foal 'Pentopian' this is derived from Penny and Utopian. His stable name is Percy. So there we are, Percy is now with us!
Thursday 14 June 2007
Day 10 nin the caravan...
Well Penny's due date came and went! She doesn't look anymore like having it tonight than she did last night, or the night before that, or the night before that.
I keep hallucinating in the early hours, I've seen lots of foals on the cctv, only to find that they are actually piles of poo! Oh dear....
I'm getting really tired now. I have to keep getting into work for 8am which means getting the 0651 train. I was supposed to be starting at 0500 tomorrow but I just can't do it, so I'm sticking with 8am! Red bull is such good stuff. I needed three cans the other day just to make it through my training day at work.
Poor Bonnie (Bev's daughter) fell off her pony yesterday and broke her elbow! How awful! Poor little lovie. I gave her two big bars of chocolate and a big tub of marshmallows to help her feel better. She's only 8 bless her.
Bev and Andrew (who own the farm) have been so fantastic with Penny. They've been really flexible and accomodating, I really landed on my feet getting Penny stabled there. The big field that the two mares and foals will be going in for the winter is looking great. There's grass by the shed load, which will hopefully do them well in to winter before they will need hay.
The CCTV is working well, though going through a lot of batteries! It really does save me from disturbing poor Peepsie every half an hour with my paranoia!
Anyway, better get back to my tin can. It sounded so cool when it poured down last night! Mark stayed with me again. He's the best. It's angie bobs again tonight - they are doing it in shifts!
I'll report back again in a few days time if I haven't keeled over!
Well Penny's due date came and went! She doesn't look anymore like having it tonight than she did last night, or the night before that, or the night before that.
I keep hallucinating in the early hours, I've seen lots of foals on the cctv, only to find that they are actually piles of poo! Oh dear....
I'm getting really tired now. I have to keep getting into work for 8am which means getting the 0651 train. I was supposed to be starting at 0500 tomorrow but I just can't do it, so I'm sticking with 8am! Red bull is such good stuff. I needed three cans the other day just to make it through my training day at work.
Poor Bonnie (Bev's daughter) fell off her pony yesterday and broke her elbow! How awful! Poor little lovie. I gave her two big bars of chocolate and a big tub of marshmallows to help her feel better. She's only 8 bless her.
Bev and Andrew (who own the farm) have been so fantastic with Penny. They've been really flexible and accomodating, I really landed on my feet getting Penny stabled there. The big field that the two mares and foals will be going in for the winter is looking great. There's grass by the shed load, which will hopefully do them well in to winter before they will need hay.
The CCTV is working well, though going through a lot of batteries! It really does save me from disturbing poor Peepsie every half an hour with my paranoia!
Anyway, better get back to my tin can. It sounded so cool when it poured down last night! Mark stayed with me again. He's the best. It's angie bobs again tonight - they are doing it in shifts!
I'll report back again in a few days time if I haven't keeled over!
Tuesday 12 June 2007
No foal. Penny was fairly quiet last night and looked less like having it than she did on the two previous nights. She has gone out again today, after Lily and her foal had an hour to run around. Lily has been suffering a bit with an infection which is making it difficult and painful for her to wee.
My wonderful husband stayed with me again last night. Tonight my friend angie bobs, who used to own Penny (lots of the pics on this site are of angie bobs and Penny) has volunteered to stay with me. I could stay on my own but it would be nicer to have someone there in case I need someone to ring the vet or whatever. The company is nice too!
Doog won't be staying with us though like he has for the past couple of nights. He loved it, he kept spying through a gap in the curtains of the caravan, watching the ducks waddle past. He was beside himself this morning when he could hear the birds.
So there it is, yet another night in the caravan. You might wonder why I haven't reported any milk tests. This is because I haven't done one for the past couple of days as Penny is feeling sensitive and she's not keen. So rather than upset her I have not done it, I figure tht she's pretty close now.
I pulled Penny's mane yesterday and tidied her up a bit, tried to make her look a bit more presentable. I might pull it shorter again as I left it quite long. I didn't want to stress her out by doing it all at once.
My wonderful husband stayed with me again last night. Tonight my friend angie bobs, who used to own Penny (lots of the pics on this site are of angie bobs and Penny) has volunteered to stay with me. I could stay on my own but it would be nicer to have someone there in case I need someone to ring the vet or whatever. The company is nice too!
Doog won't be staying with us though like he has for the past couple of nights. He loved it, he kept spying through a gap in the curtains of the caravan, watching the ducks waddle past. He was beside himself this morning when he could hear the birds.
So there it is, yet another night in the caravan. You might wonder why I haven't reported any milk tests. This is because I haven't done one for the past couple of days as Penny is feeling sensitive and she's not keen. So rather than upset her I have not done it, I figure tht she's pretty close now.
I pulled Penny's mane yesterday and tidied her up a bit, tried to make her look a bit more presentable. I might pull it shorter again as I left it quite long. I didn't want to stress her out by doing it all at once.
Monday 11 June 2007
Still no baby :( Penny has been very restless though on the last couple of nights. She lay down quite a lot last night and was doing a lot of pacing around her box. I know that typically, she will go to the end of the week (or longer!) because I took Sunday off. She really looked like she might have it yesterday morning so I didn't go in to work.
Mark stayed with me in the caravan last night bless him! He was very good, he woke me a couple of times saying "she's lying down". I think he quite likes Penny really! This morning I pulled her mane to tidy her up a bit. She wasn't best pleased, but it'll save her from looking a complete state when she finally does foal. Though to be fair she is not due till tomorrow!
I'm getting really tired now. i am going to have a couple of hours shut eye now before going on an adventure to Ikea. Oh goody.
Mark stayed with me in the caravan last night bless him! He was very good, he woke me a couple of times saying "she's lying down". I think he quite likes Penny really! This morning I pulled her mane to tidy her up a bit. She wasn't best pleased, but it'll save her from looking a complete state when she finally does foal. Though to be fair she is not due till tomorrow!
I'm getting really tired now. i am going to have a couple of hours shut eye now before going on an adventure to Ikea. Oh goody.
Sunday 10 June 2007
Last night Penny was really restless from about 3am. I thought that she might foal. However some ponies at the yard were going to a show and at 6am they were getting ready, which I think put her off. I was quite worried that she may foal that morning so I took the day off work.
Tonight Penny is running milk and her tummy has really dropped. I feel like tonight is her night, but i will probably still be sitting in that caravan this time next week!
I have convinced Marky to stay with me at the caravan tonight, so that's a dead cert that she won't foal! Kim is staying in her own bed for the first time in nearly a fortnight..
I haven't collected a milk sample form her for two days as she is not happy about it. I think she is feeling sore which is another indication that she must be close to foaling.
Well watch this space, I hope she does foal soon as all this sleep derpivation is killing me!
Tonight Penny is running milk and her tummy has really dropped. I feel like tonight is her night, but i will probably still be sitting in that caravan this time next week!
I have convinced Marky to stay with me at the caravan tonight, so that's a dead cert that she won't foal! Kim is staying in her own bed for the first time in nearly a fortnight..
I haven't collected a milk sample form her for two days as she is not happy about it. I think she is feeling sore which is another indication that she must be close to foaling.
Well watch this space, I hope she does foal soon as all this sleep derpivation is killing me!
Saturday 9 June 2007
Still no sign of Penny's baby. Day 6 in the caravan today (Big brother eat your heart out). Yesterday Penny's reading had dropped to 150ppm. This may have been because I didn't do it correctly. I thouroughly cleaned all of the testing implements last night so hopefully today's reading will be a true one. Mark tells me that she is going to have it at 0330 tomorrow morning. I am thinking that she is looking more likely to have it on her due date. Well we will have to wait and see. I am doing a 3-11 shift today, though I am going to go in early and do 2 - 10. Kim is going to be up at the stables until I get there. Though yesterday she was fast asleep when I got there at 0030 and had been since 2100. She is pooped bless her. Though it does leave me with the predicament that she may not be keeping an eye on Penny until I get there....
I woul hvae put a picture of Lily's baby on the blog but I am having issues with my camera software. I hope they resolve soon for when penny's baby gets here!
I woul hvae put a picture of Lily's baby on the blog but I am having issues with my camera software. I hope they resolve soon for when penny's baby gets here!
Thursday 7 June 2007
Lily had a filly this morning at 4am! She was restless all night and then we realised that she was starting to foal. I saw that there were two little hooves sticking out. I waited for her to lie down and then pulled the foal out as she pushed with her contractions. i had a horrible moment because the foal wasn't breathing and I dreaded that it might be dead. I cleaned it's muzzle and blew air into it's nostrils and it twitched. Then the rest of the foal came out and it wriggled! She was up on her very bandy legs within half an hour.
Another horrible moment was Lily standing on the foal. Poor Lily didn't know what had happened to her, she was in shock. However when we put a head collar on her and introduced her to her baby calmly, she realised straight away and they started nickering at each other.
Lily then got colic (bad tummy) this afternoon so the vet had to come out again. However she looked fine this evening. Kim was very overwhelmed when the foal was born, she was crying and shaking. It was really sweet, she loves Lily.
Anyway, this is Penny's blog! She has a milk reading of 200ppm tonight, so based on Lily's experience then she should foal on Sunday or Monday night - or on her due date, the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Keep watching this space!
Another horrible moment was Lily standing on the foal. Poor Lily didn't know what had happened to her, she was in shock. However when we put a head collar on her and introduced her to her baby calmly, she realised straight away and they started nickering at each other.
Lily then got colic (bad tummy) this afternoon so the vet had to come out again. However she looked fine this evening. Kim was very overwhelmed when the foal was born, she was crying and shaking. It was really sweet, she loves Lily.
Anyway, this is Penny's blog! She has a milk reading of 200ppm tonight, so based on Lily's experience then she should foal on Sunday or Monday night - or on her due date, the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Keep watching this space!
Tuesday 5 June 2007
Yesterday Penny's milk read 175ppm at 1900, Lily's read 250ppm! However there were no foals last night. I stayed up in the caravan with Kim and as such I have been completely pooped today. i don't know how I am going to keep this up. My poor long suffering husband, Mark, has had his head bitten off a couple of times tonight. He's hiding at the pub at the moment!
Mark fixed the camera in Penny's stable for me last night, he's a star. It was all going rather well, but then went black and that was the end of that! So I have reverted to the old fashioned method of peeping through the window.
I am on my way up to the stables again tonight. I've left Penny out late tonight, it's 2100 now. I'd best finish this up and go and get poor lady p in!
I will report back tomorrow, though I think this will be going on a bit.....
Mark fixed the camera in Penny's stable for me last night, he's a star. It was all going rather well, but then went black and that was the end of that! So I have reverted to the old fashioned method of peeping through the window.
I am on my way up to the stables again tonight. I've left Penny out late tonight, it's 2100 now. I'd best finish this up and go and get poor lady p in!
I will report back tomorrow, though I think this will be going on a bit.....
Monday 4 June 2007
Again Penny's milk has fluctuated. On Saturday she showed 125ppm and then yesterday she showed between that and 100ppm. I haven't tested her yet today, I am trying to wait until the early evening and get some consistency with the times.
Lily tested 150ppm yesterday evening so we think she should be foaling within the week. We also had a discussion about paddock arrangements today and have decided to rest the big field until winter time, so that they will have lots of grass over the winter. So they will move into a paddock which is half hedge and half electric fencing. I was always worried about electric fencing and foals, but I think as it is double taped it should be fine. It may even work out better as they will not be inclined to scratch against the fence which is when they inevitably stick their feet through them and end up with all sorts of problems! So Lily and Penny will have to alternate grazing until Penny has her foal and can go out with her. Hopefully that won't be for much more than a week. Fingers crossed that both foals are born alive and well!
Both girls looked very content grazing this morning when I chacked them. Penny's bag (udder) has swelled again and has some wax.
Lily tested 150ppm yesterday evening so we think she should be foaling within the week. We also had a discussion about paddock arrangements today and have decided to rest the big field until winter time, so that they will have lots of grass over the winter. So they will move into a paddock which is half hedge and half electric fencing. I was always worried about electric fencing and foals, but I think as it is double taped it should be fine. It may even work out better as they will not be inclined to scratch against the fence which is when they inevitably stick their feet through them and end up with all sorts of problems! So Lily and Penny will have to alternate grazing until Penny has her foal and can go out with her. Hopefully that won't be for much more than a week. Fingers crossed that both foals are born alive and well!
Both girls looked very content grazing this morning when I chacked them. Penny's bag (udder) has swelled again and has some wax.
Saturday 2 June 2007
Yesterday I tested Penny's milk at 1120 am. This isn't an ideal time, but I was working a late turn so didn't have much option. The result came back as 90ppm. Apparently the fact that it had gone down is nothing to worry about, it's usually a bit higher in the late afternoon/early evening.
I have seen her in her paddock this morning and she looks quite happy. I am meant to be going to a bbq in Marlow tonight, so I'll test her milk at about 1600 and if it's 125ppm or under I'll go, if it's over that then I will stay.
I have seen her in her paddock this morning and she looks quite happy. I am meant to be going to a bbq in Marlow tonight, so I'll test her milk at about 1600 and if it's 125ppm or under I'll go, if it's over that then I will stay.
Thursday 31 May 2007
The calcium test kit arrived today. I also had the farrier come to trim her feet as they were starting to crack. I managed to bring penny and Lilly in quietly as bailey was at the end of the field and didn't notice that they had gone. So I tied lily up near Penny's stable. It appeared to work a treat as both of them were nice and quiet and Penny was good for the farrier.
Whilst Penny was in I took the oppertunity to give her some feed and draw some milk from her, in order to perform the test. She was very good and didn't bat an eyelid -and I remembered how to do it! I followed the instructions in the kit to the letter and I think I did it right. According to my test result, Penny had a calcium content of 100ppm. Which I think means that she will foal withing the next 14 days, but not the next few. As soon as she goes over 125ppm I need to do the test twice a day. When she goes over 200ppm, it means that she is very likely to foal withing the next day.
PENNY READING: 1545hrs 31/05/07 = 100ppm
Whilst Penny was in I took the oppertunity to give her some feed and draw some milk from her, in order to perform the test. She was very good and didn't bat an eyelid -and I remembered how to do it! I followed the instructions in the kit to the letter and I think I did it right. According to my test result, Penny had a calcium content of 100ppm. Which I think means that she will foal withing the next 14 days, but not the next few. As soon as she goes over 125ppm I need to do the test twice a day. When she goes over 200ppm, it means that she is very likely to foal withing the next day.
PENNY READING: 1545hrs 31/05/07 = 100ppm
Monday 28 May 2007
There have been no significant changes with Penny over the last few days. Her udder continues to develop with wax appearing now and then. Her field companion, Lilly, has changed shape however. Lilly has 10 days to go and is definatley slowing down rather. Her udder is pretty under developed though, in comparison with Penny's.
On the advice of my vet and others, I have ordered some calcium strips. These will help determine when Penny will foal, hopefully saving me many sleepless nights. They are able to predict when a mare will foal within 24 hrs, in which case I would keep her in and take the day off work.
This is a bit about how they work:
Changes in mammary secretion electrolytes most commonly occurs at night, coincident with the period when the majority of mares foal. Stall-side tests are available to measure calcium (Ca++) or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentration. Test kits measuring mammary secretion Ca++ typically employ a colorimetric change of pads on a test strip from green to red (Predict-A-Foal tm) or titration of a diluted sample until an indicator dye changes from pink to blue (Titret tm). The dilution kits are somewhat more labor intensive than the test strip kits. Of the commercially available mammary secretion test kits, Ley [12] found the Titrettm test kit to be the most reliable and repeatable test for predicting foaling within 24 hours. Using this kit, mares with mammary secretion CaCO3 > 200 ppm had a 54% probability of foaling within 24 hours, 84% probability of foaling within 48 hours and 97% probability of foaling within 72 hours. Most mares foaled within a short period of time if the mammary secretion CaCO3 was between 300 and 500 ppm. Mares with mammary secretion CaCO3 <>
Lilly appears to have developed a kind of blood blister near where her belly button would be. I haven't seen this in an adult horse before though hernia's in that area are common in foals. A friend of Kim's assures her that it is nothing to worry about but to do with her milk production. I'm a bit sceptical about that theory as I have seen probably about 200 pregnant mares and never seen that! Her mammary glands are further back than the site of this lump. I think it more likely to be as a result of a kick or something. It doesn't seem to be bothering her though so I think Kim is going to leave it for a while and see what happens.
On the advice of my vet and others, I have ordered some calcium strips. These will help determine when Penny will foal, hopefully saving me many sleepless nights. They are able to predict when a mare will foal within 24 hrs, in which case I would keep her in and take the day off work.
This is a bit about how they work:
Changes in mammary secretion electrolytes most commonly occurs at night, coincident with the period when the majority of mares foal. Stall-side tests are available to measure calcium (Ca++) or calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentration. Test kits measuring mammary secretion Ca++ typically employ a colorimetric change of pads on a test strip from green to red (Predict-A-Foal tm) or titration of a diluted sample until an indicator dye changes from pink to blue (Titret tm). The dilution kits are somewhat more labor intensive than the test strip kits. Of the commercially available mammary secretion test kits, Ley [12] found the Titrettm test kit to be the most reliable and repeatable test for predicting foaling within 24 hours. Using this kit, mares with mammary secretion CaCO3 > 200 ppm had a 54% probability of foaling within 24 hours, 84% probability of foaling within 48 hours and 97% probability of foaling within 72 hours. Most mares foaled within a short period of time if the mammary secretion CaCO3 was between 300 and 500 ppm. Mares with mammary secretion CaCO3 <>
Lilly appears to have developed a kind of blood blister near where her belly button would be. I haven't seen this in an adult horse before though hernia's in that area are common in foals. A friend of Kim's assures her that it is nothing to worry about but to do with her milk production. I'm a bit sceptical about that theory as I have seen probably about 200 pregnant mares and never seen that! Her mammary glands are further back than the site of this lump. I think it more likely to be as a result of a kick or something. It doesn't seem to be bothering her though so I think Kim is going to leave it for a while and see what happens.
Tuesday 22 May 2007
Well having sat up for two nights, I think Penny has settled back down again. She is not waxed up this evening and doesn't appear to have run too much milk. She was very quiet when I brought her in, probably because it's warm. I have plaited her tail again today, so that it keeps out of the way while she heals from her stitches. I thought it would be a good idea as I can't leave a tail bandage on her.
She seems to be happy in her paddock on her own. I'm very pleased that she has it, it means that Bailey isn't bothering her and she can graze undisturbed. I have been giving her a scoop of feed (1/2 chaff and 1/2 mix) at about 11 when I bed her down for the night. I will continue to do this even if I don't say up there.
She seems to be happy in her paddock on her own. I'm very pleased that she has it, it means that Bailey isn't bothering her and she can graze undisturbed. I have been giving her a scoop of feed (1/2 chaff and 1/2 mix) at about 11 when I bed her down for the night. I will continue to do this even if I don't say up there.
Monday 21 May 2007
Penny is running milk now as well as being waxed up and her tail muscles have relaxed. Because of this I stayed at the yard last night so I could keep a close eye on her. I don't know whether I will stay tonight, I am not as paranoid now I know that she has been unstitched. I will see how she looks when I bring her in and check her before bed.
Chris came and cut Penny this morning. It looked awful, very painful. However she had a local anaesthetic so she didn't feel a thing. I turned her straight out with a tail bandage on as she was stressed being in. She has gone in a separate paddock today so that she will not be bothered by Bailey. She seemed to take to this ok, grazing along the fence line with Lilly on the other side. I went to remove the tail bandage a few hours later and she has managed to get rid of it herself! When I bring her in tonight I am going to plait her tail in order to keep it out of the way, that saves taking a tail bandage on and off.
Chris didn't think that her foaling was imminent, but as I thought, he said that you just can't tell with maiden mares. He said that she could have it tonight or next month. So that helps! I just have to play it be ear...
Chris came and cut Penny this morning. It looked awful, very painful. However she had a local anaesthetic so she didn't feel a thing. I turned her straight out with a tail bandage on as she was stressed being in. She has gone in a separate paddock today so that she will not be bothered by Bailey. She seemed to take to this ok, grazing along the fence line with Lilly on the other side. I went to remove the tail bandage a few hours later and she has managed to get rid of it herself! When I bring her in tonight I am going to plait her tail in order to keep it out of the way, that saves taking a tail bandage on and off.
Chris didn't think that her foaling was imminent, but as I thought, he said that you just can't tell with maiden mares. He said that she could have it tonight or next month. So that helps! I just have to play it be ear...
Sunday 20 May 2007
Penny has started to wax up! She had some wax on her yesterday, but this morning she was properly waxed up. Yesterday I was worried about the fact that she hadn't been unstitched so I rang the vet. The vet advised that it was unlikely that she would foal this early and it's best to leave them stitched as long as possible. I have Chris coming tomorrow to do her so she advised I wait. However, this morning she is waxed up properly and I would normally sit up with them when they start doing this as it's normally within a few days of waxing up that they will foal. I think at this rate I will have to be careful about her running off colostrum.
So I anxiously await the arrival of Chris tomorrow. I have turned her out today though I did initially try a different field arrangement. She has been going out with another in-foal mare, Lilly and a gelding Bailey. I'd like to see Bailey moved out of them now because it is getting so close. However Bailey doesn't like being on his own so we can't move him. Therefore Penny is going to be going on her own from tomorrow, in the paddock next to Lilly and Bailey. This way she will be able to see them, but not have Bailey herding her around all the time which he does incessantly.
So fingers crossed there will be no foal today or tonight and we'll be able to unstitch her and everything will be fine. Please god!
Having said all of this, she'll probably end up being a week overdue and I'll have Tesco carrier bags under my eyes because I've been up with her for weeks!
So I anxiously await the arrival of Chris tomorrow. I have turned her out today though I did initially try a different field arrangement. She has been going out with another in-foal mare, Lilly and a gelding Bailey. I'd like to see Bailey moved out of them now because it is getting so close. However Bailey doesn't like being on his own so we can't move him. Therefore Penny is going to be going on her own from tomorrow, in the paddock next to Lilly and Bailey. This way she will be able to see them, but not have Bailey herding her around all the time which he does incessantly.
So fingers crossed there will be no foal today or tonight and we'll be able to unstitch her and everything will be fine. Please god!
Having said all of this, she'll probably end up being a week overdue and I'll have Tesco carrier bags under my eyes because I've been up with her for weeks!
Thursday 17 May 2007
Penny has started to get used to the idea of coming in at night. The first night she paced the box like a demented animal, but she now settles down within half an hour of coming in.
Yesterday she cut her off fore leg, on the inside just above her knee. She has taken a chunk of skin out. It doesn't look too serious. She has been dutifully purple sprayed, so hopefully that will keep out any infection. I will have a look at it again when she comes in tonight. It has filled a little bit this morning so I must just keep an eye on it. I have the vet coming next week anyway so if it gets worse then I'll ask him to look at it.
She looks to be eating more of her hay at night now which is a good sign. I have slightly increased her chaff ration again because she is not having 24/7 grazing. She is out for a minimum of 12 hrs a day though so it's not too bad.
Yesterday she cut her off fore leg, on the inside just above her knee. She has taken a chunk of skin out. It doesn't look too serious. She has been dutifully purple sprayed, so hopefully that will keep out any infection. I will have a look at it again when she comes in tonight. It has filled a little bit this morning so I must just keep an eye on it. I have the vet coming next week anyway so if it gets worse then I'll ask him to look at it.
She looks to be eating more of her hay at night now which is a good sign. I have slightly increased her chaff ration again because she is not having 24/7 grazing. She is out for a minimum of 12 hrs a day though so it's not too bad.
Tuesday 15 May 2007
I decide to bring Penny in on Sunday 13th as the weather has been appalling. The rain has been pretty constant and is set to be the same for at least the next 10 days, if not the month. I felt that it was pretty awful for the mares to be constantly wet and therefore cold, and not have anywhere dry to lie down. They are lying down more and more now as they are heavily pregnant.
So Kim and I brought Penny and Lily in. Penny behaved like a spanner at first, neighing repeatedly and box walking. I then realised that the pony who was in the stable next to her had moved, and so she couldn't see anyone and thought she was on her own. I rang Bev, the lady who runs the yard and asked her if we could put the pony back. She very kindly said yes and so moved the pony back. Penny was much calmer when I put her to bed last night. She will soon get used to the routine of coming in and out. We are trying to leave them out as long as possible and turn them out at 7 am or before. I turned them out at 5 am this morning!
I will ask for the caravan to be brought up this week. Chris, the vet is coming to unstitch Penny on Monday 21st May.
So Kim and I brought Penny and Lily in. Penny behaved like a spanner at first, neighing repeatedly and box walking. I then realised that the pony who was in the stable next to her had moved, and so she couldn't see anyone and thought she was on her own. I rang Bev, the lady who runs the yard and asked her if we could put the pony back. She very kindly said yes and so moved the pony back. Penny was much calmer when I put her to bed last night. She will soon get used to the routine of coming in and out. We are trying to leave them out as long as possible and turn them out at 7 am or before. I turned them out at 5 am this morning!
I will ask for the caravan to be brought up this week. Chris, the vet is coming to unstitch Penny on Monday 21st May.
Wednesday 9 May 2007
It has at last started to rain, having had 6 weeks without any. This is good news for Penny's field as it has now been fertilised, so hopefully the grass will start to grow. The paddock she is currently in has an abundance of grass which is perfect for her last month of pregnancy.
Penny is looking very well, I'm pleased with her condition. She is resting a lot more now, yesterday when I went to feed her, she was lying down with the others. The photo to the right is a snoozing Penny!
Her bag is progressing every day, I think I may have the vet back to unstitch her before June 1st. Maybe around the 20th actually, as I don't want any disasters.
Penny is looking very well, I'm pleased with her condition. She is resting a lot more now, yesterday when I went to feed her, she was lying down with the others. The photo to the right is a snoozing Penny!
Her bag is progressing every day, I think I may have the vet back to unstitch her before June 1st. Maybe around the 20th actually, as I don't want any disasters.
Thursday 3 May 2007
Chris, the vet came to see Penny on May 1st. He said that it was a bit too early to Unstitch her and to arrange another appointment in a month. He did give her the flu and tet jab though which she needed and yesterday I wormed her in preparation for the foal. Chris said that she looked very well. I am pleased with her condition at the moment, she looks great. it's nice to have a professional opinion though!
The two mares are moving to another new paddock on Monday. This time it will be just the two of them, in case one of them foals while they are out. The paddock is also right next to the yard, so it will be easier to keep an eye on them. The plan was to start bringing them in next week, but they are doing so well out that we think we might leave them for another two weeks. we are playing it by ear!
The two mares are moving to another new paddock on Monday. This time it will be just the two of them, in case one of them foals while they are out. The paddock is also right next to the yard, so it will be easier to keep an eye on them. The plan was to start bringing them in next week, but they are doing so well out that we think we might leave them for another two weeks. we are playing it by ear!
Saturday 21 April 2007
Penny had her teeth done yesterday. Apparently there were quite a few sharp bits so it was good that she had them done. She behaved like a bit of an idiot it would seem and had to be twitched. She seems none the worse for it though this morning, she ate up her breakfast nicely. Her bag is continuing to grow steadily so she appears to be all on course for her June birth. Weather forecast is warm for the next few days with rain on Monday. We could really do with the rain, for the grass to grow in their big field ready for turn out with their foals. It was much chillier last night with temeratures down to 5 degrees. I wondered whether to put a rug on overnight but decided against it.
Wednesday 18 April 2007
It is so warm at the moment, Penny is having to wear her fly mask already. She is looking better every day, she is starting to look well again which I relieved about. I have just checked the 10 day weather forecast and it is set to remain warm, with showers coming in towards the end. We could do with some rain to help the grass grow.
The photo showing Penny in April was taken two days ago. I am pleased with her progress, fingers crossed everything continues well... I've booked the vet for Tuesday 1st May so that Penny can have her flu and tetanus jabs and be unstitched. I will also worm her that day and have the farrier come and trim her feet. Hopefully she will then be nearly ready for her foal.
Mrs Greenwood is lending me her caravan which is very nice of her, so that I can sit up with Penny in relative comfort. I'm trying to research some inexpensive CCTV kit but I don't think such a thing exists!
The photo showing Penny in April was taken two days ago. I am pleased with her progress, fingers crossed everything continues well... I've booked the vet for Tuesday 1st May so that Penny can have her flu and tetanus jabs and be unstitched. I will also worm her that day and have the farrier come and trim her feet. Hopefully she will then be nearly ready for her foal.
Mrs Greenwood is lending me her caravan which is very nice of her, so that I can sit up with Penny in relative comfort. I'm trying to research some inexpensive CCTV kit but I don't think such a thing exists!
Monday 16 April 2007
Penny has been in a new paddock for a week now. It's great as there is plently of grass, where as the field she has come from had barely any. I am poop scooping the paddock twice a day as it is a lot smaller than the field. penny seems very content in there, already she is beginning to show better condition. I've been able to reduve how much chaff I was giving her.
Penny is having 1200g of Mare and Youngstock Mix, half scoop of speedibeet and 200g of Alfa oil twice a day. Her condition has greatly improved since she has been on her new diet. Her coat looks very scruffy. Her winter coat is coming out and she has lots of bald patches, the poor love looks a sight! I has planned to tidy her up when she comes in in May, but I may break sooner.. She is back to wearing her fly mask and being sprayed with repellent twice a day as the flies are awful.
As I said in my previous post I think she is starting to show changes in her udder. She is very slightly bagging up.
One month, 3 weeks and 6 days till Penny's foal is due..........................
Penny is having 1200g of Mare and Youngstock Mix, half scoop of speedibeet and 200g of Alfa oil twice a day. Her condition has greatly improved since she has been on her new diet. Her coat looks very scruffy. Her winter coat is coming out and she has lots of bald patches, the poor love looks a sight! I has planned to tidy her up when she comes in in May, but I may break sooner.. She is back to wearing her fly mask and being sprayed with repellent twice a day as the flies are awful.
As I said in my previous post I think she is starting to show changes in her udder. She is very slightly bagging up.
One month, 3 weeks and 6 days till Penny's foal is due..........................
Sunday 15 April 2007
Penny bagging up
Very exciting! I noticed that Penny has started to bag up! It's very small, but never the-less it's a start! She is also acting differently, soppily actually which is not like her! Will keep a close eye, only a few weeks left now....
Tuesday 3 April 2007
I've just got back from Uganda and have been to see Penny. I am pleased to see that her weight has improved, though I feel that she is looking slightly moth eaten! Her rug has rubbed her shoulders so I am going to try and wean her off it now that the weather is getting better. I think she needs a bit of TLC so on my next day off she will get a good groom!
Monday 19 March 2007
Well at the end of last week I saw the weather forecast and it said it was going to turn cold Sunday/Monday and we might even have snow. So I dashed out to get Penny another rug. Unfortunately they did not have any medium weight turn out rugs in stock, so I bought a medium weight stable rug to go under her light weight. I'm so pleased I did, as last night was freezing and we had snow this morning. when I gave her her breakfast she was all toasty under rugs.
The vet came today to give her her final EHV. I asked her to look at Penny's condition and she said that whilst she is a little light, she looks fine. If she loses any more weight then I will need to think again. She is now having 2kg of mare & youngstock mix a day and I am introducing her to Alfa oil as it is supposed to be very good for putting condition on horses. I definitely think that her condition has improved since the beginning of March so I am pleased, I think she is going the right way. She is also having hay at night.
Next thing will be for her to have her feet trimmed and swap her on to an Eqvalan womer. I need to worm her asap so that I can do her last one before foaling at the beginning of May.
So Penny seems to be a bit happier, fingers crossed that she will start blooming soon!
The vet came today to give her her final EHV. I asked her to look at Penny's condition and she said that whilst she is a little light, she looks fine. If she loses any more weight then I will need to think again. She is now having 2kg of mare & youngstock mix a day and I am introducing her to Alfa oil as it is supposed to be very good for putting condition on horses. I definitely think that her condition has improved since the beginning of March so I am pleased, I think she is going the right way. She is also having hay at night.
Next thing will be for her to have her feet trimmed and swap her on to an Eqvalan womer. I need to worm her asap so that I can do her last one before foaling at the beginning of May.
So Penny seems to be a bit happier, fingers crossed that she will start blooming soon!
Tuesday 13 March 2007
The weather has been lovely over the last couple of days, reaching 13 degrees and over. Penny has had her rug off in the day which she has appreciated, it's nice for her to have some sun on her back after all the rain. I am still putting her rug on at night though because it does get cold. She only wears a rain sheet, but it's still an added layer for warmth. The first thing she did when I took her rug off was have a big muddy roll.
I have been having sleepless nights about her weight - she's hardly a welfare case but I did think she looked too thin. I have since introduced sugar beet - or speedibeet - to her feed and whilst it's a bit early to tell, I think it might be making a difference.
Penny is due her third and final EHV jab, which she will be having on Monday 19th. I was hoping that Chris would be able to come but he's busy sadly. I am also hoping to see Mick, my old boss on the Tuesday which would be really nice. I'll plug him for some mare care advice!
I've attached a photo that I took from Penny's field this morning - it was a lovely dawn.
I have been having sleepless nights about her weight - she's hardly a welfare case but I did think she looked too thin. I have since introduced sugar beet - or speedibeet - to her feed and whilst it's a bit early to tell, I think it might be making a difference.
Penny is due her third and final EHV jab, which she will be having on Monday 19th. I was hoping that Chris would be able to come but he's busy sadly. I am also hoping to see Mick, my old boss on the Tuesday which would be really nice. I'll plug him for some mare care advice!
I've attached a photo that I took from Penny's field this morning - it was a lovely dawn.
Friday 2 March 2007
Rather alarmed to see that Peepsie has lost a bit of weight. I can just about see her ribs! So she's now having two feeds a day. 600g of Suregrow and half a bucket of Alfa A for each feed. The dosey mare likes to fling it all outside of her bucket when she eats which is a tad annoying. Her field companion, Lilly, thinks it's great when she does that. Must get her a cast iron very deep bucket! Will see how her weight goes and might start adding some sugar beet. This weather can't be helping, she has started to molt now. One minute it's raining next minute it's freezing. Roll on spring! Thankfully though - dare I say it- she has no signs of mud fever. fingers crossed...
Thursday 1 March 2007
Penny approximately 240 days in foal
Penny is roughly 240 days in foal. Her foal is about the size of a lamb, weighs approximately 3.2 stones and is roughly 24 inches long. She is now having 1kg of suregrow a day with two scoops of chaff.
Tuesday 27 February 2007
Penny is definitely starting to show signs of slowing down. She still canters over to see me (or would that be her food?) but is a lot less lighter on her feet than she was! The weather is awful, it's been raining practically every day. I'm very glad that I put her in a rug, I was going to leave her but TB types detest the rain. I must say I am pleased with the rug, it's a light weight Mark Todd, but it keeps her dry and hasn't ever slipped.
I'm a bit suspicious that she might be favouring her foot again. She's not lame but I notice her stamping that same foot as she is grazing, which is what she started to do before she went lame last time.
The field she is soaking wet, though I think that most fields will be like that now. The gateway is so poached they are nearly up to their knees in mud. I think Penny thinks she is a cow. Luckily the left hand side of the field sloped and is in the sun so should have a chance of drying out if it ever stops raining!
I've discovered Horse & Hound's online forum now which I am enjoying. there are lots of people on there with foals due and it feels like a nice community. I've even managed to find out how to have a ticker thing on there!
Penny from March 1st will be going to two feeds a day. She is getting a scoop of Suregrow and two scoops of chaff at the moment which all I dare risk feeding her in one feed...
I'm a bit suspicious that she might be favouring her foot again. She's not lame but I notice her stamping that same foot as she is grazing, which is what she started to do before she went lame last time.
The field she is soaking wet, though I think that most fields will be like that now. The gateway is so poached they are nearly up to their knees in mud. I think Penny thinks she is a cow. Luckily the left hand side of the field sloped and is in the sun so should have a chance of drying out if it ever stops raining!
I've discovered Horse & Hound's online forum now which I am enjoying. there are lots of people on there with foals due and it feels like a nice community. I've even managed to find out how to have a ticker thing on there!
Penny from March 1st will be going to two feeds a day. She is getting a scoop of Suregrow and two scoops of chaff at the moment which all I dare risk feeding her in one feed...
Penny is definitely starting to show signs of slowing down. She still canters over to see me (or would that be her food?) but is a lot less lighter on her feet than she was! The weather is awful, it's been raining practically every day. I'm very glad that I put her in a rug, I was going to leave her but TB types detest the rain. I must say I am pleased with the rug, it's a light weight Mark Todd, but it keeps her dry and hasn't ever slipped.
I'm a bit suspicious that she might be favouring her foot again. She's not lame but I notice her stamping that same foot as she is grazing, which is what she started to do before she went lame last time.
The field she is soaking wet, though I think that most fields will be like that now. The gateway is so poached they are nearly up to their knees in mud. I think Penny thinks she is a cow. Luckily the left hand side of the field sloped and is in the sun so should have a chance of drying out if it ever stops raining!
I've discovered Horse & Hound's online forum now which I am enjoying. there are lots of people on there with foals due and it feels like a nice community. I've even managed to find out how to have a ticker thing on there!
Penny from March 1st will be going to two feeds a day. She is getting a scoop of Suregrow and two scoops of chaff at the moment which all I dare risk feeding her in one feed...
I'm a bit suspicious that she might be favouring her foot again. She's not lame but I notice her stamping that same foot as she is grazing, which is what she started to do before she went lame last time.
The field she is soaking wet, though I think that most fields will be like that now. The gateway is so poached they are nearly up to their knees in mud. I think Penny thinks she is a cow. Luckily the left hand side of the field sloped and is in the sun so should have a chance of drying out if it ever stops raining!
I've discovered Horse & Hound's online forum now which I am enjoying. there are lots of people on there with foals due and it feels like a nice community. I've even managed to find out how to have a ticker thing on there!
Penny from March 1st will be going to two feeds a day. She is getting a scoop of Suregrow and two scoops of chaff at the moment which all I dare risk feeding her in one feed...
Tuesday 13 February 2007
Wednesday 31 January 2007
Well Penny has managed to lose the foot putty. I brought her in today and hosed off her foot so I could see. the putty has gone, however her foot looks good. I trotted her up the lane and she seemed to be sound. Penny was very stressed about coming in, now that she has been back out with her best mate Lily. I have decided to leave her foot and monitor it. She is much happier out and seems sound, so hopefully it will stay like that. It would be nice if the weather dried up a bit though...
Tuesday 30 January 2007
I checked Penny's foot this morning and the foot putty has set nice and hard. It hadn't moved so I have taken the chance and turned her out. She was very pleased to get back to her friends, there was a lot of nickering and sniffing going on. She didn't go particularly mad either, considering she has been in for over a week. She had a huge roll, a squeal and a buck and then that was it. She must be feeling pregnant, as is her field companion who is also sporting a baby bulge. Fingers crossed her foot stays ok now - it would be nice if the weather dried up for a bit also!
Monday 29 January 2007
The vet has been to see Penny today and says that her foot has cleared up nicely. He has said that she can go back out with a poultice boot on, but with the mud the way it is I am not optimistic that it will stay on. As such we are trying some foot putty. I have put some in today and am going to see if it survives while she is in the stable and if it does, then I will turn her out tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Penny has had her second EHV jab, next one is due at the beginning of April. She is also due her flu jab in May, when I will also give her a tetanus. She should be up to date then with her jabs ready for her foal.
The vet said that her condition is spot on. She does not want to gain any more weight , which with poor nutrition in the grass at this time of year, is unlikely. Whilst she has been in she has been having approx 450g of Suregrow and half a bucket of chaff per feed, twice a day. She has been having as much hay as she can eat. I will stick with this feeding (minus the hay) while she is out as she has access to grass 24/7.
Penny has had her second EHV jab, next one is due at the beginning of April. She is also due her flu jab in May, when I will also give her a tetanus. She should be up to date then with her jabs ready for her foal.
The vet said that her condition is spot on. She does not want to gain any more weight , which with poor nutrition in the grass at this time of year, is unlikely. Whilst she has been in she has been having approx 450g of Suregrow and half a bucket of chaff per feed, twice a day. She has been having as much hay as she can eat. I will stick with this feeding (minus the hay) while she is out as she has access to grass 24/7.
Friday 26 January 2007
Good news - Penny's foot is finally looking better. She was resting her other leg this morning when I went to see her, which means that she is weight bearing more on her bad foot. The swelling in her leg has also gone down considerably which is great. I hope to have the vet come on Monday to give her the second EHV, so I will cheekily ask him to have a peep at her leg while he is there. I am optimistic that she will go out out then. It will be a bit of a relief, I've been up there at 4am on several mornings, doing her after night duty and before earlies! Phew!
We have had quite a bit of snow and the ground is all frozen, which is quite good, hopefully it will discourage her from running around too much when I turn her out and give the foot chance to recover minus the mud!
We have had quite a bit of snow and the ground is all frozen, which is quite good, hopefully it will discourage her from running around too much when I turn her out and give the foot chance to recover minus the mud!
Thursday 25 January 2007
Tuesday 23 January 2007
Wayne Upton, Penny's farrier, has come out and had a look at her foot again. He has dug away some more of the foot and hopefully that will help her. She seemed more comfortable when he did this, as straight away she bore more weight on it, resting her other hind. On his advice I am going to tub her foot tonight and poultice it for three more days.
Her leg is still swollen but Wayne believes that this is probably due to the build up of lymphatic fluid in her leg - caused by her not bearing weight fully on that leg. Hopefully this is the case and as she becomes more comfortable then she will bear more weight on it. If there is no improvement by Friday then I will have to call the vet out.
I have been advised that the addition of some garlic to her feed may well help her immune system while she is feeling a bit down, so I have purchased some and will duly give her a couple of handfulls in her feed.
Her leg is still swollen but Wayne believes that this is probably due to the build up of lymphatic fluid in her leg - caused by her not bearing weight fully on that leg. Hopefully this is the case and as she becomes more comfortable then she will bear more weight on it. If there is no improvement by Friday then I will have to call the vet out.
I have been advised that the addition of some garlic to her feed may well help her immune system while she is feeling a bit down, so I have purchased some and will duly give her a couple of handfulls in her feed.
Sunday 21 January 2007
Penny has a foot abscess
Well unfortunately poor Penny is in at the moment as she has a foot abscess. I noticed her looking like she was favouring a leg and the next day she had a filled fetlock, with a strong pulse. I suspected a 'poisoned foot' as this is very common with brood mares, this being because they are out in the mud all the time and it's a perfect breeding environment for bugs! So she is resting up at the mo with a foot poultice on. Hoping she will be better within the next couple of days.
Monday 15 January 2007
I have spoken to the feed helpline at Dodson & Horrell today, they were very helpful and happy to give advice. Based on what they have said I think that I will keep Penny on the Suregrow unless she looks to be losing weight. I am very pleased with her condition at the moment, she looks very well. She has a lovely shiny coat (under the mud!) and bright eyes, she is very alert and taking interest in her surroundings. So showing all the signs of being well and happy!
I have increased her intake to 600g per feed with a handful of chaff. She will be on this for a couple of weeks before I increase it again. If the grass is not good quality then I will increase her chaff ration. Her feed will need to be split in to two feeds in mid February as the foal will start to take up more room and restrict her stomach. The best thing to do is feed little and often. Unfortunately I don't have the circumstances where I can give her five feeds a day, so it will have to be split between two or three. The following table shows a feed guide I have planned, though it is all subject to change and does not include the chaff ration.
I have increased her intake to 600g per feed with a handful of chaff. She will be on this for a couple of weeks before I increase it again. If the grass is not good quality then I will increase her chaff ration. Her feed will need to be split in to two feeds in mid February as the foal will start to take up more room and restrict her stomach. The best thing to do is feed little and often. Unfortunately I don't have the circumstances where I can give her five feeds a day, so it will have to be split between two or three. The following table shows a feed guide I have planned, though it is all subject to change and does not include the chaff ration.
Jan 01 – Jan 14 500g Jan 15 – Jan 28 600g Jan 29 – Feb 12 700g Feb 13 – Feb 27 (split into min 2 feeds a day) 425g 425g Feb 27 – Mar 13 500g 500g March 500g 500g April 500g 500g May 420g 420g 420g June (immediately after foaling) 500g 500g 500g July 500g 500g 500g August 500g 500g 500g September 600g 600g
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