Horse Jail: Probationary Review and Conditional Release

On a dreary Monday, everyone needs to enjoy moments like these....

Last week the vet rechecked Guinness' leg, with positive results. The offending bump was given several steroid injections to keep its size from increasing, and we hashed out a tentative plan to reintroduce the restless creature to a life of activity. We decided on 8-10 days of continued stall rest, followed by a limited reintroduction to turnout and subsequent start of tack walking. 

#racehorse

This weekend, I decided it was time to release The Kraken the prisoner. 

Wheee!

I took a friend's suggestion to heart, wrapping him all the way around in standing wraps. That precaution made me feel better as he spent upwards of 8 minutes solid burning off his pent up energy.

After running around like an idiot and nearly crashing straight into a fence (not captured on video, sadly), Pig rolled, bucked one more time, and settled in to calmly grazing for the remainder of his time out.

"I'm freeeee!"

After his adventures, he was caught easily and I returned him to his stall for the evening. He looked a little calmer, and maybe even tired.

"Look at me! I'm so damn majestic!"

The next day I turned him out for a few more hours, and it was much less dramatic. He even stood so quietly in crossties that I was able to finally trim his feet.

I think I might have my sweet and quiet horse back.

His leg has looked amazing after two days of wild action, so today he will go out all day with the boys in his old field. By the end of the week, I hope to have him back on full turnout. Keep your fingers crossed that everything continues to go well...

Happy Monday...