Boggle- USA bound!

[jhoward]

The smell of pigs can I've found be a trigger before the pig it's self.
Does the pig have a bed area where you can take bog for sniff so he can get that into his head at his leisure before the beast appears?

 

[BMA2]

I think you let him believe that the pig is your new best friend and male a huge fuss over it. Feeding it treats

Or maybe cover it in molasses and stick polo's and carrots to it

 

[Ambers Echo]

I am glad he is settling with the pig. That;s reassuring. There were pigs on my old yard. You may recall I had a horse - Deedee - who freaked out when she arrived and met the pig. I tried for 6 weeks before giving up and moving her to a new yard. But she was not getting any better week on week, so if you have seen improvements already I think that is a very positive sign.

 

[Surbie]

I hope you've managed a bit of a reset as well as Bog, with his mini pig-induced rollercoaster. You must be on your last nerves. The barn looks amazing and it's so good he can have a friend with him - I hope his fear of the pig reduces over time, it's not the best to have this when he is still so fragile but super that you can see he is making progress.

Mine was fairly anti-alpaca to begin with at our first yard, which wasn't handy as they lived next door and their field was next to our arena, as well as having their stables next to our hacking route. It did get better quite quickly.

 

[brighteyes]

My Irish TB was scared to absolute DEATH of black Shetlands. No other colour. No other size.

 

[muddybay]

My Irish TB was scared to absolute DEATH of black Shetlands. No other colour. No other size.

my TB hates every coloured shetland

 

[Michen]

Thanks everyone. Time will tell.

Honestly I’m just really upset about it, and everything else. He basically completely stacked it galloping around the other day. Well he kind of nose dived but didn’t seem to loose much speed and just continued straight back on. The vet thinks any more improvements will be tiny/marginal. I probably made the wrong decision going to this barn over one in the foothills and if I’m honest with myself it was a selfish decision because it was the barn I wanted to go to for me. A barn where the pasture is hilly and the snow will be endless. Wtf was I thinking. I overestimated his recovery.

I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing to try and keep him going. He’s got to be able to gallop around and not fall over- whatever the terrain. And then the damn pig and how upset this move has made him. I didn’t even want to tell you guys that he fell because in my head that’s acknowledging that he has to be better or PTS. And I feel weirdly embarrassed and protective of the truth if that makes any sense.

The other element is should he even be in Colorado. Or would be better in a state where the weather is less extreme, Kentucky or whatnot.

Sorry all, I am way over tired. And poor Bog.

 

[Michen]

Sorry all I know this is utterly boring. I don’t really discuss this with anyone to be honest, it kind of just upsets me to speak the words!

 

[Fraggle2]

First off . Can you still go to the yard in the foothills? Could you give this yard a week or so to see if he settles? And then make a choice as to where he is best suited.

Horses stumble and fall all the time when they are on high alert. It doesn't mean he's getting worse or won't cope.
Please be kind to yourself. X

 

[Ahrena]

Take a breath.
Sometimes horses fall over even when entirely normal function - I’ve seen two of mine over the years go splat. Not common, but not out of this world either. The fact that he got straight up is brilliant. Obviously if he’s falling over every time he has a gallop, that’s not good but that’s not the case, is it? I certainly wouldn’t PTS over one fall.

Give it time, I know it’s horrible seeing them worried and upset but it sounds like there’s improvements on the pig front.

 

[meleeka]

I don’t think euthanasia is something you should be thinking about now. Does he have good quality of life (or will he have once he’s stopped stressing about the pig)? It sounds like he wasn’t just galloping, but full on panicking, so it’s understandable he wasn’t careful about where his legs landed. Of of mine slipped this morning, again when panicking and he nearly fell. There’s definitely nothing wrong with mine.

 

[palo1]

Thanks everyone. Time will tell.

Honestly I’m just really upset about it, and everything else. He basically completely stacked it galloping around the other day. Well he kind of nose dived but didn’t seem to loose much speed and just continued straight back on. The vet thinks any more improvements will be tiny/marginal. I probably made the wrong decision going to this barn over one in the foothills and if I’m honest with myself it was a selfish decision because it was the barn I wanted to go to for me. A barn where the pasture is hilly and the snow will be endless. Wtf was I thinking. I overestimated his recovery.

I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing to try and keep him going. He’s got to be able to gallop around and not fall over- whatever the terrain. And then the damn pig and how upset this move has made him. I didn’t even want to tell you guys that he fell because in my head that’s acknowledging that he has to be better or PTS. And I feel weirdly embarrassed and protective of the truth if that makes any sense.

The other element is should he even be in Colorado. Or would be better in a state where the weather is less extreme, Kentucky or whatnot.

Sorry all, I am way over tired. And poor Bog.

It's all a bit much to cope with - well it would be for me! I don't know anything much about EPM but Neuro things can and do improve over time up to around 6 months or so I understand. Boggle may have just lost concentration, especially as he has had so much else going on. Give it a bit of time and if this barn is easier for you, it may work better for Boggle too. You can only do your best, which you absolutely are doing but you need a break and for a change in your luck.

 

[Slightlyconfused]

First off . Can you still go to the yard in the foothills? Could you give this yard a week or so to see if he settles? And then make a choice as to where he is best suited.

Horses stumble and fall all the time when they are on high alert. It doesn't mean he's getting worse or won't cope.
Please be kind to yourself. X

This, my old lad was a horror for running around and stacking it, he just forgot his feet when he was on high alert running.

 

[Ceriann]

I can understand the pit in your stomach disappointment seeing him fall, but it is such early days for him and it could happen to any horse. Give yourself a bit of a break - it seems you are some way off a decision on him and the pics suggest he’s bright and full of life. You have had so much trauma and stress to deal with (both of you) and a move is stressful. Take a breath and allow some time to settle. It’s not the same but my now semi retired mare has broken over and over again, each time I felt I was making progress something would happen. I would be (still am) ultra tuned into the tiniest change in her and jump on it straight away - it was exhausting and I would spend days looking at options to treat or manage. It used to really take it out of me and can still do that as she’s my heart horse and I had so many plans that we wont ever now do. You have to accept you can’t protect him from everything though and that he will have hurdles, which you need to allow him time to deal with. And that if you he will most likely be ok - worrying yourself won’t change that. In some ways (getting you need to rehab him) what I’m saying is, your worrying (like mine) doesn’t make things worse or better. If that makes sense.

 

[DiNozzo]

I know it isn’t the same, but whilst most improvements in nerves do happen quickly, they don’t always, and can sometimes be dramatic.

I broke my ankle and they cut through my nerves when they stuck the plate in- bam! No feeling in entire foot. About 6 months later I had some feeling on the surface, in patches. For the rest of Y1, those patches got slowly bigger, but still only on the surface.

Years later, severe pins and needles and bam! Very nearly full sensation.

 

[SEL]

I have seen MANY fit & healthy horses misjudge their footing flying around fields. Young welsh boy actually skidded along on his side, got to his feet and farted and bucked in embarrassment before flying off again. The Appy has had her back end go and even the microcob - who I trust under saddle in every terrain - ended up on her bottom. It happens and I wouldn't make that your line in the sand as regards PTS.

Can you see if there is a T-touch (Linda Tellington) near you? A lot of their work was done to help horses understand their bodies and it's very methodical and stuff you can do or someone else can be set up to do. Having read her books I suspect they were dealing with EPM without knowing what it was in the early days.

I suspect you have quite a tiring rehab ahead of you and there are never any guarantees - but I don't think you'd forgive yourself for not trying xx

 

[Surbie]

Sorry all I know this is utterly boring. I don’t really discuss this with anyone to be honest, it kind of just upsets me to speak the words!

You need somewhere to get the words out. This is a pretty good place. Hugs.

 

[Red-1]

Well BH has no signs of anything wrong, yet he stacked it when some stampeding cows startled him!




I felt awful! But sometimes, stuff happens. It just happens, however careful you are. BH was fine, just like Boggle is, after his fall.

I would set, say, a 4 week timeframe to see if he is settling with the pig. It is important that you have a yard that works for you.

If he is not settling after your set timeframe, then look at another yard.

Stuff happens the world over.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Can you see if there is a T-touch (Linda Tellington) near you? A lot of their work was done to help horses understand their bodies and it's very methodical and stuff you can do or someone else can be set up to do. Having read her books I suspect they were dealing with EPM without knowing what it was in the early days.

I did some of this ages ago with my TB and incorporate some of it now with my 2 year old on the ground. Some if it's rather interesting.

Normal horses may stack it from time to time, especially in questionable footing. So there's that too.

I was reading a thread on EPM somewhere and it did say that nerve recovery/progress can be painstakingly slow, so I do agree with those that are saying it's early days.

 

[Michen]

Thank you all so much, jeez you guys have been an unreal support through this whole thing. I guess my despair about it comes out on here rather than real life where I probably seem pretty optimistic about it all and under control.

I also think that, like Boggle, I’m so on edge in general about things that everything is really heightened. So I’m getting upset about things I’d usually be rational about and get on with.

In no way would I be as upset about his reaction to moving if, this neuro thing had never happened. It all just combines and then I crack.

On better news I’ve just cleared out another stable for him that’s between two horses. I thought that would be his worst nightmare but now I’m thinking maybe it’ll help rather than him being on the end.

He’s also very chilled having a nice time in the pasture this morning with another new friend and he seems to have got some softness back in his eyes again which is a relief.

Tomorrow I will go pick up more Gastroguard and sucralfate from the vet! And then Tuesday I need to go to Arizona for an evening/day. Then I’ll decide on whether I got on this trip or not, depending on whether Bog decides the pig and life is ok! At the moment it’s a definite no.

I can’t remember who suggested best friending the pig but it’s a great idea and definitely what I’m going to do as is T touch.

 

[Michen]

Oh and btw Bog is being so nice to all the other horses they are all older and just very chilled and no nonsense. Perfect for him.

Bar my friends Arab- whose a bit like Bear personality wise so inoffensive to Bog.

 

[Michen]

Two minutes ago- 0-60 in a few seconds. Didn’t fall

 

[palo1]

Two minutes ago- 0-60 in a few seconds. Didn’t fall

View attachment 127145

Umm, Boggles version of a rehab plan?!! Good for him though, if not for your nerves...

 

[SEL]

Two minutes ago- 0-60 in a few seconds. Didn’t fall

View attachment 127145

That's more like the Boggle we know & love!!

 

[Nicnac]

Deep breaths Michin (are you vegetarian? If not, the pig would fill your freezer nicely - we promise we won't tell anyone what happened to the pig).

Is Bog picking up anything from you? You are understandably tautly wired and a break will be the best thing you can do. Que sera sera as they say. You've done more than anyone and need to prioritise you.

He looks fabulous and amazing that he's tolerating friends.

 

[meggymoo]

Thanks everyone. Time will tell.

Honestly I’m just really upset about it, and everything else. He basically completely stacked it galloping around the other day. Well he kind of nose dived but didn’t seem to loose much speed and just continued straight back on. The vet thinks any more improvements will be tiny/marginal. I probably made the wrong decision going to this barn over one in the foothills and if I’m honest with myself it was a selfish decision because it was the barn I wanted to go to for me. A barn where the pasture is hilly and the snow will be endless. Wtf was I thinking. I overestimated his recovery.

I have no idea if I’m doing the right thing to try and keep him going. He’s got to be able to gallop around and not fall over- whatever the terrain. And then the damn pig and how upset this move has made him. I didn’t even want to tell you guys that he fell because in my head that’s acknowledging that he has to be better or PTS. And I feel weirdly embarrassed and protective of the truth if that makes any sense.

The other element is should he even be in Colorado. Or would be better in a state where the weather is less extreme, Kentucky or whatnot.

Sorry all, I am way over tired. And poor Bog.

Oi you!!!!

Stop beating yourself up over every little (ok not always little) thing. It will not change anything and you are going to make yourself ill.

I'm pretty sure none of us would have condemned you if you'd told us about his fall.

Of course you have no idea if you are doing right. Presumably you haven't been blessed with hindsight. You weigh up all the options and try and act on what you feel is best with what information you have available. If it turns out to be the wrong move, you have other options to move him to.

As far as piggy is concerned, the one at our old yard was treated as a mobile buffet by all the horses. He used to sleep in the barn, snuggled into the hay bales. If it wasn't for the loud snoring you wouldn't know he was there. When he awoke, he'd have hay all over his back and as he waddled around the yard, the horses all leant over their doors to eat the hay off him.

 

[jhoward]

What youve done for him is amazing how you sacrifice your own plans/life is amazing.

But you do need a chance to de bog let your mind calm and think of other things.
Before your own health takes a bigger dive. Even if it's a meal out and a drink please take some time for you to be a person. None of us here mind what you say and what ever you decide in the future you've given big the best life and best
chances some of it comes down to fate yes, but sometimes you have to allow yrself the space to think of things further down the line both yours and his health need to be in that. And you can't do that if you don't allow yourself some time to de bog/de work/de life.

 

[Sheep]

Echo what everyone else has said about giving yourself a wee bit of headspace & also the ability suggestions from others ref: the pig situation sound very sensible. Hopefully Bog is starting to be a bit less worried now.

One other thing I would say. I think we all “know” you well enough that if any of the experienced posters on here felt that, based on info you’ve shared here, Bog’s health / quality of life was not sufficient, I think you’d see that in the responses. That probably isn’t very well expressed but what I’m trying to say is that none of your decisions so far have seemed in any way questionable, and I think with the same resources etc we would all have done the same. You’re doing a brilliant job.

 

[Michen]

Oh I did take some time out on Friday and it ended with the most horrendous hangover all day Sat- that’s still not entirely lifted. My friend and I realised we mixed five different types of alcohol. Maybe that’s actually a big chunk of the problem

Thank GOD, Bog seems to have turned a corner and is now very chilled (when pig not in sight) wedged in between two older horses. I thought that would be his worst nightmare but seems to be what he needs for now. He’s not running manically back and forth between stable and run anymore and his eye has totally relaxed.

Phew. Phew. Phew. He’s been doing plenty of mucking around in the field and no falls.

 

[Michen]

Deep breaths Michin (are you vegetarian? If not, the pig would fill your freezer nicely - we promise we won't tell anyone what happened to the pig).

Is Bog picking up anything from you? You are understandably tautly wired and a break will be the best thing you can do. Que sera sera as they say. You've done more than anyone and need to prioritise you.

He looks fabulous and amazing that he's tolerating friends.

I absolutely would love to eat the damn thing. I’m even more annoyed because I found out last week I have a generic heart thing (excess sticky protein or something) which means I probably have to go on some statins and my risk of stroke etc is much much higher than most. I haven’t yet had all the scans etc to see if there’s already damage.

So I have to give up things like bacon too! One of my favorite things. And cheese. Gah!