Boggle- USA bound!

[Michen]

@ycbm The Bogstrut

That made me laugh SO much!! Especially when the pony nearly went over the cliff. Last winter Bog decided he couldn’t cope with a wheely bin and despite my pleas he reversed into a huge ditch, which he clearly didn’t realise was a ditch because it was filled with snow and looked level. It was literally like he was rearing his back end dropped so quick and deep. I had to climb off him so he could get himself out and he looked so p***** off- like I was totally to blame Both of us covered in snow and very cross.

It was one of the most ridiculous things he’s ever done actually!

 

[Michen]

You’re clearly showing signs of the unrelenting pressure and justifiable worry. This thread is a masterclass in how much positivity, support and balance can not only be willingly given but repeated as necessary and with each situational challenge.

So much brilliant and well-considered advice, suggestions and humour. I think anyone reading it could apply most of it to crap that crops up in their own lives.

You ARE going to blame yourself, but who knows what might have happened if you’d left him and how damaged you’d be (probably significantly less than at present, though some of that IS self-inflicted ) had you done so. Time to put that extra stick to beat yourself up with down now. Loads of people take their horses half way round the world just to compete, then fetch them back. So let’s hear no more about it.

With horses, you can never say never. Vets can’t always predict outcomes and have to be guarded. Everything I see is pointing to progress and repair. The pig is maybe an added complication and test but he’s not alone - except in his horrification of it. And so far he’s winning.

Don’t underestimate his ability to pick up on your demeanour and emotional exhaustion. I’ve known that to make a big difference to a horse’s behaviour and calmness.

I’d say all the signs are looking great and he’s in new surroundings. Whilst getting accustomed to new top/geography, most horses will skid and slip to varying degrees - and that’s without the fleeing from demons element. I’d be more worried about the trees!

Nobody is tiring of the adventure, the hiccups along the way and coming up with suggestions and things to consider, so post away. You need to hear things from other standpoints You’re impossibly close and I think everyone has a good handle on pragmatics vs despair talking. Your worries aren’t trivial and I haven’t felt resistance to you ‘continuing’ as you are with him.

We are all cheering you on xx

Thank you. X

 

[Michen]

Bog being an over achiever with his surefoot balance pads. Obviously they are super expensive (nearly 200 bucks inc delivery per pair). For a neuro horse it was recommended you start with firm but he had no issues with them at all so now I’ll need to go and get some softer ones so that he’s actually having to work!!

He’s totally relaxed now at new barn (though I haven’t seen him once he spies the pig) and he had myofascial therapy today.. electro acupuncture on Friday.

I’m off to Arizona for 24 hours for some desert warmth (with a bit of work).

He’s been out in the pasture with two geldings, and has a fair few bite marks where his fur has been removed on him. I feel a bit bad but.. maybe it’s not a bad thing for some older horses to put him in his place a little? He’s certainly not scared or weary of them, I think Bog just may be finding out for the first time in his life that there are older, wiser creatures out there..

 

[Pinkvboots]

Bog being an over achiever with his surefoot balance pads. Obviously they are super expensive (nearly 200 bucks inc delivery per pair). For a neuro horse it was recommended you start with firm but he had no issues with them at all so now I’ll need to go and get some softer ones so that he’s actually having to work!!

He’s totally relaxed now at new barn (though I haven’t seen him once he spies the pig) and he had myofascial therapy today.. electro acupuncture on Friday.

I’m off to Arizona for 24 hours for some desert warmth (with a bit of work).

He’s been out in the pasture with two geldings, and has a fair few bite marks where his fur has been removed on him. I feel a bit bad but.. maybe it’s not a bad thing for some older horses to put him in his place a little? He’s certainly not scared or weary of them, I think Bog just may be finding out for the first time in his life that there are older, wiser creatures out there..

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The pads under the feet are really good I used them on Arabi for his rehab after he had a long box rest, luckily someone lent me there's so I didn't buy them.

Also not all horses that fall have neuro issues Arabi fell with me on him and I got him thoroughly checked out it was just a freak accident, he has gone over being a twit on the lunge before now, so please don't be hard on yourself you have done everything you possibly can.

 

[splashgirl45]

Sounding more positive ,enjoy the warmth

 

[BMA2]

I had a lesson today. First time off ground since accident in July. But one of the fillers just plonked next to a wing was a life sized pig and horse was like WTF so I did think of you!

 

[Red-1]

I really like the look of this barn. The stables and the field, and the vibe in general.

Yes, I think it is good for Boggle to meet older and wiser horses

 

[Cragrat]

He looks very happy!

You certainly are doing well getting all the therapies in- it's great you have access to people like that .

I agree with Red re: the barn - I really do think you hit the jackpot, even with the pig!

 

[Michen]

Thank you everyone! And yes I think the older horses are not a bad thing for Bog

I have great "alternative" resources at my fingertips but sadly a good equine physio doesn't exist here. They don't even know what that is- only chiro- which I don't particularly have much patience for. It's a great barn, it is very different to a true boarding barn because it's the owners/family that do everything and everything is very chilled and relaxed. Which is hard for me to settle in to, haha. But it's really lovely and I feel very lucky to be able to be there.

 

[Michen]

Deleted changing my mind

 

[Michen]

He still gets so silly about the damn pig whenever it’s remotely near. Argh. But totally settled in every other way? It’s frustrating. I guess it’s only been 6 days…

This is why he doesn’t have any friends

I nearly booked flights to go away next tuesday and then I didn’t because I am convinced it’s a catalyst for something terrible happening.

 

[Widgeon]

I nearly booked flights to go away next tuesday and then I didn’t because I am convinced it’s a catalyst for something terrible happening.

Baby steps maybe? I reckon it'll take time to stop feeling like that, I wouldn't put pressure on yourself. You've only just moved him - give him another few weeks to keep settling and I'm sure you'll start feeling more confident about leaving him.

If he isn't carrying his pig worry when the pig has gone out of sight again, I wouldn't worry too much. Like you say, it's only been six days.

 

[Pinkvboots]

He still gets so silly about the damn pig whenever it’s remotely near. Argh. But totally settled in every other way? It’s frustrating. I guess it’s only been 6 days…

This is why he doesn’t have any friends

I nearly booked flights to go away next tuesday and then I didn’t because I am convinced it’s a catalyst for something terrible happening.

View attachment 127586
View attachment 127587

I know his pulling a face but at least he is actually in a field with another horse now, the little Arab looks nice is he better with some of the herd than others?

When Arabi was on livery he mostly went out with a few others and it definitely liked/tolerated some horses more than others, he loved my friends Arab and was fine in the field with him for years, yet some horses he just couldn't stand so it was a bit of a trial and error to get it right.

 

[Michen]

Baby steps maybe? I reckon it'll take time to stop feeling like that, I wouldn't put pressure on yourself. You've only just moved him - give him another few weeks to keep settling and I'm sure you'll start feeling more confident about leaving him.

If he isn't carrying his pig worry when the pig has gone out of sight again, I wouldn't worry too much. Like you say, it's only been six days.

If I'm going to go on this particular trip it needs to be next week annoyingly, I just don't have another gap.


That's a good way of putting it- carrying his pig worry

Thank you xx

 

[Michen]

I know his pulling a face but at least he is actually in a field with another horse now, the little Arab looks nice is he better with some of the herd than others?

When Arabi was on livery he mostly went out with a few others and it definitely liked/tolerated some horses more than others, he loved my friends Arab and was fine in the field with him for years, yet some horses he just couldn't stand so it was a bit of a trial and error to get it right.

No he's pretty terrible to everyone He never leaves a mark though. And he's got marks on him (not from his arab friend- from the older horses)

 

[Michen]

Some more civilized pictures of Boggle and his new home and beauty that is fresh snow fall. There is something totally magical about the snow and the sun and horses all combined.

He is rather bloomin cute if I may say so myself…

Right guys, where am I going to find a Boggle brother!? Something with *that* attitude.

 

[Cloball]

I could ship you my fell she has similar attitude has cost me a lot of money this month but is fine with pigs

 

[brighteyes]

Right guys, where am I going to find a Boggle brother!? Something with *that* attitude.

*Leaves thread at 500mph*

 

[Trouper]

There's always one thing about checking in to read your posts Michen - life sure moves at 100mph!!

Lovely pictures of Bog - give the pig time. Knowing Bog, they'll probably end up best mates

 

[rabatsa]

Have your week away. Do not think about Bog brothers until after Christmas at least, he is improving all the time and may even get back to hacking. Just look at his improvement since coming home from horspital only three weeks ago.

 

[southerncomfort]

If you don't feel you can go away, could you at least take the time off and have some fun/relaxing day trips?

I think you probably need some time out just to decompress from it all.

 

[JGC]

Glad to hear he has a pig protection agent with him at all times, even if some of the work force are elderly I reckon it'll do it. I have a feeling

There is one thing that is absolutely 100 per cent vital to Bog - one thing without which he can't get through this ... a HEALTHY you. Take care of yourself, that is your number one priority and the single best thing you can do to help him.

 

[Michen]

I absolutely do not have the I guess 10k to buy something and 15k to import it so it’s all good, my hands are tied

I think my riding days are over other than other peoples tbh, I can’t imagine wanting to spend the money to keep two in Colorado in the way I’d want to keep them (ie not thrown in a dry pasture with no facilities). It would be SO much money to spend on horses and obviously I would never compromise Boggles care to afford another. I’d rather spend the money on the other things I love like diving and skiing. You know, the hobbies that don’t totally break your heart and your bank balance…

But who knows, maybe a crazy good sales deal will come my way!

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

I absolutely do not have the I guess 10k to buy something and 15k to import it so it’s all good, my hands are tied

I think my riding days are over other than other peoples tbh, I can’t imagine wanting to spend the money to keep two in Colorado in the way I’d want to keep them (ie not thrown in a dry pasture with no facilities). It would be SO much money to spend on horses and obviously I would never compromise Boggles care to afford another. I’d rather spend the money on the other things I love like diving and skiing. You know, the hobbies that don’t totally break your heart and your bank balance…

But who knows, maybe a crazy good sales deal will come my way!

Im feeling the same about riding too, my pony has had all my money spent on him and still not right im doing a last ditch attempt and turning him away for winter. I *probably* could afford to buy and keep another but my hearts just not really in it, and like you I want to spend that money on other things that dont break your heart and bank.....

 

[Michen]

Im feeling the same about riding too, my pony has had all my money spent on him and still not right im doing a last ditch attempt and turning him away for winter. I *probably* could afford to buy and keep another but my hearts just not really in it, and like you I want to spend that money on other things that dont break your heart and bank.....

Hard isn't it? Do you get much out of riding other people's horses? Generally I don't but I do love riding Beau who I've had all summer, as I've ridden him so much and done lots with him. I don't find just riding other people's for the sake of riding much fun.

But... you and I both know it's a disease and we will probably be posting about a new pony in here next year I could *afford* another but it would be nice to spend more money on other things.

 

[brighteyes]

The quickest way to get Boggle sound is to buy another…

 

[Michen]

The quickest way to get Boggle sound is to buy another…

It is isn't it. I remember his fury when I bought Bear though, he was on box rest and would bang at the stable and show his teeth, flatten his ears at me as I "did" stuff with Bear who was opposite at the time. I don't believe horses can truly feel jealousy but he definitely felt something! He did get over it as he started doing more but I was always very careful to greet him first before Bear. My friend made me laugh because she said as soon as Bog realizes he's retired you can be he will start ramping up his own rehab to not be

The Bog/Bear relationship was so funny- best of friends really but Bog really did treat him with totally distain. Even leading them in together from the field, Boggle's ears would be flat back if Bear was equal alongside him and heaven forbid he have a whisker in front.

 

[brighteyes]

Don’t feel ‘jealousy’? Might not be that exact thing but a sense of displeasure/affront if they aren’t prioritised (by their person) I have definitely seen.

 

[BallyRoanBaubles]

Hard isn't it? Do you get much out of riding other people's horses? Generally I don't but I do love riding Beau who I've had all summer, as I've ridden him so much and done lots with him. I don't find just riding other people's for the sake of riding much fun.

But... you and I both know it's a disease and we will probably be posting about a new pony in here next year I could *afford* another but it would be nice to spend more money on other things.

So hard! I've had loads of offers to ride but my hearts just not really in it, like you say riding for the sake of it isnt my idea of fun either. But maybe I will change my mind on that

Haha I know I feel the same...

 

[Michen]

So hard! I've had loads of offers to ride but my hearts just not really in it, like you say riding for the sake of it isnt my idea of fun either. But maybe I will change my mind on that

Haha I know I feel the same...

It's that term- just because you can doesn't mean you should