Strange Winds and Abscessing

Started out from work at 2:50, made it to Eatonville by 4:10...not too bad considering.

I got there and the horses were calling for one another, back and forth. the winds were picking up, clearly a storm was rolling in. If Cassie had been in perfect health, my play session with her would have been limited. She's just not at the point, nor am I, that i would feel comfortable asking for her attention when there is so much going on. Our relationship is just starting out, and I think i would set her back if I did something like that. Would not have been a good day to start something new.

No matter, she was lame off her right front. The barn owner told me about it, so i was prepared to go in there doing a mini inspection. No swelling anywhere down the leg, no ouchy anywhere down the leg- her hoof was warm, seems to be the problem. Her lameness came on so sudden I suspect it is an abscess. She'll feel better once that thing drains.

So, with the possible abscess, the wind & coming rains, debris from the trees knocking into us, I just sat there with her. She's been so preoccupied with the storm and the other horses, probably the pain too, that she wasn't eating. She ate when i brought her to it, seemed as though she wanted to eat in company. So we ate, and practiced haltering some more. Can't get enough of haltering.

I also groomed her- which was amazing considering she gets nervous with me being in zone 3. I'll bet she would've been more protective of her body if she had full use of her hooves. I think she realized it was better to just stand there, and did not want to drift so much. In a way, it was a blessing, because it gave me a chance to play friendly game approach and retreat and really make an impression. by the end of it, she was standing completely still.

Her standing still though, was not complete relaxation- she was in "check out" mode. Her eyes were not soft, she was not blinking. she was accepting my touch but not necessarily enjoying it- with exception to the bum scratching- she loves that. At the same time, i was able to touch her both online and at liberty, without her wanting to limp away from me- a good sign.

What I hope Cassie learned:

- if I am worried, the girl understands. She still wants to touch me, nothing more.

-i still don't enjoy it but it doesn't hurt. my hoof hurts and i can't walk too well right now, but the girl is not mean to me.

- the girl understands that i love my bum being scratched.

What I learned:

- don't ask for so much if your horse is worried before you even get there. your relationship starts from the time your horse knows you are present. know what to ask for before you get there, knowing it will change.

- less touching, for goodness sakes! not every horse likes to be mauled by human hands. Cassie actually appreciates it when you release your touch. Horses are not humans, they do not always like cuddling.

-AC is talking outloud as well. when you are with Cassie, talk to her as you would an adult, not a child. she moves closer when you do this. expect her to be mature, and she will get closer to being that way.

Have a fantastic day!

-Ally