'Mr F' has had a fair share of issues lately, first with his feet and then a sudden spout of breathing troubles even though he is having his hay soaked.
With the lungs of the horse being sensitive and him having had quite bad breathing when he came under my care just over three years ago, I was quite worried that it may be serious this time. I noticed him producing sounds similar to that of snorkling when water comes in at the top of the snorkle. Even though it was a faint sound, I was quite concerned. He was a little more lethargic than he normally is (in the heat). Walking him would increase this of course.
I certanly did not want to ride him. When Neill treated him over a year ago he noticed that 'Mr F' seemed to have a somewhat compressed lung, Neill thought this could have been caused by over girthing in 'Mr F's racing days. 'Lillian' suggested to move them out of the field with the stables, it could be the dust inside the stables (bedding, remains of hay on the floor even though the stables are cleaned daily). Before calling out the vet, this is what I did and put the boys into a different field.
It took 4-5 days before there were improvements, but it made a clear change. Meanwhile I have cleaned out the stables completely and removed any bedding just to make sure, they don't need bedding as they have access to the field at all times. If he was to have hay, it was soaked but only presented in the haynet, not in the feed bags (where dust could still accumulate and affect him while sticking his head into the bag to feed).
And so, today was my first day off in nearly a month and with all the sunshine I and 'Mr F' went to accompany 'Lillian' on a ride, 'Mr F' and I both walking. I was pleased to notice that any breathing issues have dissapeared and 'Mr F' was enjoying being out. We accompanied 'Lillian' to her home village - which soon will be our new home too - and made our way back on our won, enjoying the views and the grass.
I have probably ridden 'Mr F' 3 times over the past month. But we go out on walks all the time and he very much appreciates that he can come out on his own terms without being reidden when he is not comfortabel. He has done his fair share of work as a race horse and I am not at all bothered about riding him. If he is fine with it, I ride, otherwise we walk together. It's lovely just taking in the views, me keeping the flies off 'Mr F' while he gives me the odd back scratch. Simply the presence of him (or any other horse) offers so much peace and I enjoy spending the time together this way.
Sometimes I meet other riders on horseback and some of them I know. Mostly the first question is: "Why don't you ride him?" I guess I am as astounded by their question as they might be by seeing me leasurly walk a horse on a long rein. He doesn't pull (unless sometimes there is that ONE grass that has to be eaten), he is super in traffice, he is considerate when going down narrow paths not to trod on my feet, he respects my space as I do his and he doesn't make boring conversation, what more can one want for a walking companion? :)
I am glad that 'Mr F' is finally back to good health. And a reminder for myself: he is back on 'Thunderbrook' Base Mix which is improving his 'rear end business' and seems to have settled his digestive system into a normal 'rhythm'.
And so we are slowly preparing for our move to a new home. Further updates to follow soon.
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