Day #10

Since we rode too long and too hard of trails yesterday, we were going to take the hour long flat, sandy trail ride to the Pink Mansion and back today. Dan had gone out early to feed the horses while I got ready.

When I went out to bring my horse up to groom him at the trailer, I noticed that Pearl had not eaten her grain or touched her hay. To a horse person, that means something is wrong.

Dan brought her over to the trailer and I took her temperature. I have a regular thermometer with a string tied onto it just to make sure I don’t lose it inside. Her temp was 2 degrees higher than normal.
Then, I got out the stethoscope to check for bowel sounds and there were none. She was also “Ouchy” when I put the stethoscope on her hind belly spot. We decided that she had a colic and gave her some Banamine to help with the pain.

By afternoon she was feeling better and was eating some of

her hay, but still not drinking like she should. There still wasn’t sign of manure, which means she still must be watched. Dan walked her twice to see if he could get things moving.

I would have liked to take Blaze out, but Pearl would fuss and get upset.

Since I don’t have a good story to tell, I thought some of you who aren’t horse people would like to know a little about our tack.

In the first photo, you can see my horn bag. I just got it for Christmas this year from my son, Aaron. It is just the right size for me and fits tightly in front of the horn. I can put snacks in it and still have room for my hoof pick, pill case, leather riding gloves and sunscreen/lip balm. In the third photo you see Dan's horn bag. It has two sections, one on each side of the horn. I used to have one like that. It holds a lot more, but I thought it got in my way when I was riding. So when it wore out, I put the small one on my "wish list".

The middle photo shows my saddle bags. They are huge. These are divided into sections and hold maps, binoculars, lead rope, lunch,

two bottles of water, stethoscope, syringes of medicines for the horses, emergency blanket, gauze pads, wraps, antibiotic ointment, snake bit kit, 2 short pieces of hose for the horses nostrils in case they get bit by a rattler, high line, and many other things. I also put my sweatshirt in there after the sun warms me up.

Dan's saddle bags are similar to mine and hold a lot. Not sure what he has in there.....his lunch, for sure.

You may have noticed that Pearl has a fly bonnet on. Also, part of our gear. Both her ears are covered and the front is crocheted with some pretty bling. She is much happier when the flies aren't in her face and ears. Well, that is it for today.

Check back tomorrow to find out how Pearl did overnight.

Blessings on you.

Pam