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Written by Mary Anne
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Watching Racer over these last few months, I am breathing a bit easier.
I ran out of hay the other day. Going to all my normal sources, I discovered they were also out. I was forced to buy 16% protein mix of Timothy, grass clippings and fescue. One feeding of this hay (only two flakes to get Racer through the night) resulted in him becoming so cresty, I was afraid he was going to founder again!
I watch him, and when he gets cresty, he also gets itchy. He rubs his neck against the trees several times a day. There is also something inside that bothers him as he rubs his tail against the side of the barn and takes most of his tail hair off. I know that this is also a sign of parasites, but both horses have been recently wormed.
I gave Racer his normal holistic blend and some magnesium and have started confining both horses to their stalls again so that Racer doesn't steal Trav's share. This has helped a great deal.
Finally yesterday, I found hay newly baled still in the fields at $3.00 a bale. I bought 4 tons. It is only 10% protein, valley hay and Racer took a few mouthfuls then looked at me like; "Mom! Where's the good stuff?" The good stuff is in Trav's stall. He can eat till the cows come home, and have no ill effects. He can eat nonstop and have no problems. Racer appears to like to eat nonstop as well, so he is again being rationed so that I can keep him healthy.
My farrier has retired, which makes me really sad. I will miss Clint a lot. My vet recommended another farrier who was out at the house the other day. He just met the horses and talked to me a bit, because most of the farriers I contacted were reluctant to take on a three-time foundered horse. But this one talked to Clint and said he will trim out the boys. He comes back next week. |
