Michen
Well-Known Member
For anyone interested!
Also guys, I got a free bucket and water bottle. That’s my second free bucket and water bottle of the year!
Boggle- USA bound!
- Thread starter Michen
- Start date
For anyone interested!
Also guys, I got a free bucket and water bottle. That’s my second free bucket and water bottle of the year!
Honey08
Waffled a lot!
I’d stick with Colorado for now. Arizona sounds tempting now, but will be sweltering in summer. The ranch I rode at had to move horses from the Phoenix valley (where they wintered) up to Flagstaff, and it’s still v hot there.
Michen
Well-Known Member
Oh yeh I wouldn’t go there in summer! Colorado is in many ways a great place for a horse to retire. When you don’t need facilities to ride, it opens up much more space etc.
Michen
Well-Known Member
Also ha two vets text the rehab barn (they know them well) to persuade her to take Bog if I need 
so that’s an option now too.
so that’s an option now too.
Michen
Well-Known Member
Wanted to update before I go to sleep and you guys wake up. Bog travelled great, I was so worried because the trailer is a step up/down no ramp but he did it perfectly. Rolled straight away in his stable and got up normally.
I let him in the indoor just loose and it was so strange, he immediately rolled (and staggered a tiny bit getting up) and then just walked. Purposely walked, as if someone was leading him. It was like he was testing out his body somehow, didn’t trot or do anything silly but just really marched and when he’d had enough he parked himself by the door and I took him back in.
He seems really happy to be back, if a little tired maybe. I’m just leaving at 9.30 having had a quiet half hour with him after I came back to do some meds. Promised him I would not let him suffer because he needs to be able to WTC, Buck, play, be himself. And he’s not at the moment. But I’ll do everything I can to give him the time and nursing he needs to hopefully recover to that.
It’s so weird to watch him walk you’d think nothing was wrong. In fact his gait being almost a little exaggerated makes his walk look better! But it’s obviously not normal for him.
We shall see what the next two weeks brings, I will do everything I can for him and spoil him rotten!!
I let him in the indoor just loose and it was so strange, he immediately rolled (and staggered a tiny bit getting up) and then just walked. Purposely walked, as if someone was leading him. It was like he was testing out his body somehow, didn’t trot or do anything silly but just really marched and when he’d had enough he parked himself by the door and I took him back in.
He seems really happy to be back, if a little tired maybe. I’m just leaving at 9.30 having had a quiet half hour with him after I came back to do some meds. Promised him I would not let him suffer because he needs to be able to WTC, Buck, play, be himself. And he’s not at the moment. But I’ll do everything I can to give him the time and nursing he needs to hopefully recover to that.
It’s so weird to watch him walk you’d think nothing was wrong. In fact his gait being almost a little exaggerated makes his walk look better! But it’s obviously not normal for him.
We shall see what the next two weeks brings, I will do everything I can for him and spoil him rotten!!
Michen
Well-Known Member
And some home made treats from his friends 
DabDab
Ah mud, splendid
A happy update to read, so glad he travelled well and is happy to be back at the barn
meesha
Well-Known Member
Glad u got home safely, he looks great and the report is definitely not all doom and gloom, really sounds cautiously optimistic and they have already said he is ok to retire which is great....but u know him best and whatever u decide will be the right decision.
Good luck with the gruelling drug regime and make sure u look after yourself as you've been through a lot !!
Good luck with the gruelling drug regime and make sure u look after yourself as you've been through a lot !!
Red-1
I used to be decisive, now I'm not so sure...
I think you underestimate the guarded return to work thing. They are saying that it is a possibility. They are saying that they are guarded when saying he will return to work, as it is not a guarantee. As you don't know what brought it on, and he has been improving, I would not write it off. That said, I would also stay happy that he is still with us and have no pressure on him or you to that end. As winter is coming, if it were me, I would reassess in spring, and have winter as plan-less.
Sounds like he is making great strides.
My Jay man was kept in some work when 'fully retired' as it seemed to support his spine and reduce the ataxia. I could lunge him at trot and he did the poshest work, no hint of a problem once he was on a regular circle and had all of his legs going in the correct direction. Turning within his own space was the bad part, and staggering a little when just getting up. The vet reminded me that there was no pain.
Go Boggle!
And go you too! He has had the best of care.
Sounds like he is making great strides.
My Jay man was kept in some work when 'fully retired' as it seemed to support his spine and reduce the ataxia. I could lunge him at trot and he did the poshest work, no hint of a problem once he was on a regular circle and had all of his legs going in the correct direction. Turning within his own space was the bad part, and staggering a little when just getting up. The vet reminded me that there was no pain.
Go Boggle!
And go you too! He has had the best of care.
Ceriann
Well-Known Member
I’m so pleased he’s continuing to improve - one day at a time. They must be pretty confident to give such hope on his recovery and you can see improvement. It sounds like you have a great option(s) for the medium term and he’s happy to be home - you’ve got it covered for now. He’s such a lovely boy.
mustardsmum
Well-Known Member
Aw bless him, so glad you were able to get him home. Keeping everything crossed that his recovery keeps heading in the right direction. Take each day a step at a time - your meds regimen is pretty insane but you’ve got this. What a lucky horse he is to have you at his side.
Trouper
Well-Known Member
Home is definitely the best medicine- bet he is feeling happier in himself and I hope you can relax a bit, too now.
And remember -Never say Never with Bog!!!
And remember -Never say Never with Bog!!!
Cragrat
Well-Known Member
1000% the right decision to take him back to his original barn - he obviously appreciates that it's somewhere familiar.
It is so good that he can roll , and get up. It must feel really nice, after all he's been through. to be able to move and wriggle his body.
He is one tough Boggle !
It is so good that he can roll , and get up. It must feel really nice, after all he's been through. to be able to move and wriggle his body.
He is one tough Boggle !
Widgeon
Well-Known Member
Also guys, I got a free bucket and water bottle. That’s my second free bucket and water bottle of the year!
Always look on the bright side! He's spent so much time there I'm a little disappointed he hasn't got a complimentary bathrobe and slippers out of them.
So pleased he's improving. I agree with @Red-1 - "guarded" translates as "cautiously optimistic but we can't commit to saying that". And that's good.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
He looks very happy. All the very best to you both
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
Sounds promising , glad he travelled ok. Good luck
Pinkvboots
Well-Known Member
Funny about the buckets and water bottlesView attachment 125349View attachment 125350
For anyone interested!
Also guys, I got a free bucket and water bottle. That’s my second free bucket and water bottle of the year!
You should have got a gold medal
Sheep
Well-Known Member
So glad you’ve got him back and thank you for updating us so we’d see as soon as we woke up!
I know it’s going to be a stressful road still but we are all here to help support & cheer you (and Boggle) on.
I know it’s going to be a stressful road still but we are all here to help support & cheer you (and Boggle) on.
Kunoichi73
Well-Known Member
That's a positive sounding update. Boggle is great at beating the odds, so fingers crossed for progress in the right direction.
tda
Well-Known Member
I think I'd rather have £10 off the bill than a bucket and a water bottle 
Everything crossed for Boggle, he's a native pony, give him the whole winter off, properly turned away and I think you'll be riding him this time next year
Everything crossed for Boggle, he's a native pony, give him the whole winter off, properly turned away and I think you'll be riding him this time next year
Northern Hare
Well-Known Member
Boggle's discharge notes are excellent and very detailed. I spotted that they mentioned his vaccinations are all up do date, as I know that was a concern of yours last week, that he might have missed one of his boosters.
Anyway, it's lovely to see that he's looking so well in himself, and pleased to be out of hospital and back home in his own bed again!
Good luck with his convalescence over the next fortnight, and for his onward recovery. Don't discount him returning to ridden work......Boggle has his written his own rule book!
Anyway, it's lovely to see that he's looking so well in himself, and pleased to be out of hospital and back home in his own bed again!
Good luck with his convalescence over the next fortnight, and for his onward recovery. Don't discount him returning to ridden work......Boggle has his written his own rule book!
SEL
Well-Known Member
Bucket and water bottle?! I'd want them both full of gin I think 
It sounds like he's pleased to be back at home and rolling and walking around is positive. It also sounds like he knows what his body is capable of at the moment which I think is helpful for the long term.
It sounds like he's pleased to be back at home and rolling and walking around is positive. It also sounds like he knows what his body is capable of at the moment which I think is helpful for the long term.
Surbie
Well-Known Member
That's such a positive update on his return home. And being in a place you like has all sorts of impossible-to-measure benefits when it comes to health. Fantastic picture of him rolling.
The meds regime is a brutal timetable for you - what did they say about an omeprazole injection? Or was that not an option in the end? But like you say, what is 2 weeks compared with 7 years.
Many positive vibes from me to Boggle and you.
The meds regime is a brutal timetable for you - what did they say about an omeprazole injection? Or was that not an option in the end? But like you say, what is 2 weeks compared with 7 years.
Many positive vibes from me to Boggle and you.
Michen
Well-Known Member
Boggle's discharge notes are excellent and very detailed. I spotted that they mentioned his vaccinations are all up do date, as I know that was a concern of yours last week, that he might have missed one of his boosters.
Anyway, it's lovely to see that he's looking so well in himself, and pleased to be out of hospital and back home in his own bed again!
Good luck with his convalescence over the next fortnight, and for his onward recovery. Don't discount him returning to ridden work......Boggle has his written his own rule book!
Yeah- not correct according to the vaccine guidelines. He definitely has missed the west Nile booster and this is something I’m going to be speaking with the practice about, when I have the energy. It felt important at the time when it was possible he had it. The other imported horses at the barn also haven’t had a booster and it’s clearly laid out on the companies website.
So I’ll definitely be raising it and making sure he’s properly vaccinated, but for now its just super low on my priorities!
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Michen
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone. 4.57am here we go!
He will have a re check in two weeks, his usual vet is going to do a field visit (usually only based at hospital). Re properly turning him away, they don’t actually want me to do that- apparently there is or will be some in hand rehab type stuff they want doing (Red I guess similar to what you did with J maybe). And he’s not ok to be a field ornament at the moment to me- he needs to be better than he is now. He needs to be happy to have a hoon around and be absolutely himself and only at a level of ataxic that’s not suitable for riding but isn’t obvious with how he gets about.
I know the vets said he was pasture sound and maybe to some but not for what I want for him- at the moment!
But anyway! We are trending in the right direction so I’m hoping that’s not going to be a worry
Tough little Bogalog, such a combination of things that horse. He is/can be so emotional but he’s also incredibly resilient and sensible in many ways.
He will have a re check in two weeks, his usual vet is going to do a field visit (usually only based at hospital). Re properly turning him away, they don’t actually want me to do that- apparently there is or will be some in hand rehab type stuff they want doing (Red I guess similar to what you did with J maybe). And he’s not ok to be a field ornament at the moment to me- he needs to be better than he is now. He needs to be happy to have a hoon around and be absolutely himself and only at a level of ataxic that’s not suitable for riding but isn’t obvious with how he gets about.
I know the vets said he was pasture sound and maybe to some but not for what I want for him- at the moment!
But anyway! We are trending in the right direction so I’m hoping that’s not going to be a worry
Tough little Bogalog, such a combination of things that horse. He is/can be so emotional but he’s also incredibly resilient and sensible in many ways.
Michen
Well-Known Member
Can you believe it- we can’t get them here. Can get them all over Europe and even the Middle East but not the USA apparently- or at least the one that works.
Thank you! X
Gallop_Away
Well-Known Member
Just spoke with the vets. He’s not improved on the neuro exam enough to drop a grade or anything but he has improved. She said that in itself is very comforting with any neuro type event.
She thinks I can be hopeful he will improve a grade and be perfectly ok as a field ornament, but that the chances of returning to ridden work are in all honesty very slim. And that helps my yard decision really, because it’s not a retired horse yard. So I may as well go sooner rather than later.
That’s heartbreaking but ok! I will give him the best retirement with whatever time he gets from here. And I know for absolute certainty he will enjoy retirement far more in Colorado with the sun on his back than rainy England (he truly hated the wet and mud). Or maybe he goes to another state for it. Either way I think he’s in the best country for it
I hope he defies the odds once again but I’m not even going to think like that.
You brave, strong, wonderful lady
Bog is so lucky to have found you.I can't offer any further advice than what has already been said, but keeping you both in my thoughts.
Michen
Well-Known Member
You brave, strong, wonderful lady
I can't offer any further advice than what has already been said, but keeping you both in my thoughts.
I promise you I really am not I've been a complete and utter WRECK the last week, I have genuinely never felt anything like it- I thought the pneumonia was bad- this was/is ten times worse in my bodies physical response to it. The only reason I have held my s*** together is because that horse is sooo holding his together and honestly I could learn a lot from him and how he deals with stuff so I'm trying to channel my inner Boggle
In fact I might just apply that to daily life, "how would Bog deal with this". That could get me in all sorts of fun situations and trouble!
Caol Ila
Well-Known Member
I'm so glad he's home. He looks delighted to be in his own bed.
Since you don't have to be in a massive rush to find a new barn, maybe have a nosey at some of the ones to the north -- around Longmont, Erie, Hygiene, Lyons. That sort of area. I've had a look at websites and quite a few of them are sort of 'horsemanship' focused, so not H/J training barns, and they offer actual, real live turnout. Not just in postage stamp pens. Not suprising, given they are all satellite towns of Boulder, and Boulder has the most hippies per square mile of anywhere in CO.
The biggest downside to any of those is that you would probably need to go through the faff of moving yourself since it's a stupid commute from where you're living now, and I for one don't think I could deal with that drive every day. Perhaps something to think about in the long term, depending on how his recovery progresses. I know if I had a horse who needed to be retired/semi-retired/in light work, I wouldn't want it living permanently in the small paddocks which are endemic in the US.
ETA: My saddle fitter friend, who now lives in Austria but worked for many years on the Front Range, said that turnout close to Denver itself is basically non-existent. You pretty much have to go way further in any direction to find it. Towards Boulder has the most barns because there's more money up there, and more New Agey/natural horsemanshippy horse owners who want it.
Since you don't have to be in a massive rush to find a new barn, maybe have a nosey at some of the ones to the north -- around Longmont, Erie, Hygiene, Lyons. That sort of area. I've had a look at websites and quite a few of them are sort of 'horsemanship' focused, so not H/J training barns, and they offer actual, real live turnout. Not just in postage stamp pens. Not suprising, given they are all satellite towns of Boulder, and Boulder has the most hippies per square mile of anywhere in CO.
The biggest downside to any of those is that you would probably need to go through the faff of moving yourself since it's a stupid commute from where you're living now, and I for one don't think I could deal with that drive every day. Perhaps something to think about in the long term, depending on how his recovery progresses. I know if I had a horse who needed to be retired/semi-retired/in light work, I wouldn't want it living permanently in the small paddocks which are endemic in the US.
ETA: My saddle fitter friend, who now lives in Austria but worked for many years on the Front Range, said that turnout close to Denver itself is basically non-existent. You pretty much have to go way further in any direction to find it. Towards Boulder has the most barns because there's more money up there, and more New Agey/natural horsemanshippy horse owners who want it.
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Michen
Well-Known Member
Thank you! I will definitely look. Send anything my way you think is particularly worth looking at. My plan next year was to move more in to Denver (been looking at Wash park, highlands), so I feel like south barns are more doable. But I'm not ruling out a move to Boulder. A lady I know (english) has a barn there but is full up and apparently a big barn there shut recently so space is really limited.
I definitely would not be retiring him to a small paddock permanently but I think what he needs now for the winter vs what he will need long term are probably a little different. There's actually some amazing looking pasture only type barns in the south that I've been recommended and found with huge acreage to roam- I just don't want to turf him out with a herd or anything like that at the moment or for the foreseeable this winter. At the moment he's half clipped which as you know with Co weather is a rugging nightmare unless it's both ends of the day, too. And I want to keep a VERY close eye on him.