Racer is running around the fields early in the morning when it is chilly and the heat of the day hasn't caught up to him. He is still on his holistic blend. I am sure he will be on it the rest of his life.

I thought seriously this year about letting my farrier have both my horses. With my shoulder so messed up, I can't even put a fly mask on my boys without crying. But I started seeing an accupuncturist and she has really helped. Plus, we took off the back wall of the stalls and made these huge double doors so I can drive the tractor in and dump hay and scoop out the stalls.

I need to make an appointment and get the boys' teeth floated. Trav especially needs his teeth filed down. With the higher gas prices, even barn calls have gone up in price.

Both horses are doing well. I will welcome the fall weather, and even the rain. This heat has been ridiculous!

10/10/06 The horses are still doing well. Although the weather has been unseasonably cold at night, to date they do not seem to have on ounce of winter coat starting. The prediction for this winter is for an El Nino type of winter which could explain it.

The other night I went out to the stables and Racer was in the middle of the paddock. He was soaking wet and his sides were heaving. He had been running, and based on the amount of sweat on his coat, he had really outdone himself. His buddy Trav was at his side, not even winded!

The only thing I can think of as to why he was in such a state is the fact that the boys now have two new neighbors. Two mules- Kitty and Pongo. The mules get quite worked up and take off across the field, perhaps my Race decided to join in the fun.

I asked him to walk forward and he did, no sign of a limp or favoring his bum leg. I really try not to exercise him, I am still so spooked about that coffin bone rotation. I do not wish to repeat the process of having him x-rayed, besides, if the bone is still rotated there is little I can do for him. He is now just a bit overweight, loved pasture pet.

I miss my interaction with him though. He is such a smart horse and was a delight to train and play with. But God, I just keep thinking of three years ago (almost) when he foundered and when he got so bad that he just laid down and refused to move for days-

I do not want that experience repeated.