A New Look But Old Problems
First off: I'm trying a new template on the site. Let me know what you guys think! Obviously there are still some quirks of code to figure out, so let me know if you run into any issues.
Now, back to Guinness...
Falling temperatures, Indiana mud season, and cold humidity mean one thing to me: arthritis flare-ups. The last two weeks have been a perfect storm of rain and temperature variation. Every day, Guinness has come to work exhibiting some level of stiff and sore.
As I've discussed before, Guinness suffers from some rather extreme arthritic changes in his fetlocks. He has been managed with steroid/HA injections in the past with extremely good results. For nearly all of 2013, he was fantastically sound.
At the moment, I'm torn. Most rides, he warms up out of his stiffness and we have a fantastic ride. Some days, he doesn't. Those days are a reminder that my horse is getting older (17 isn't THAT old!), and he's only going to get harder to maintain. I think, "maybe he won't make it past Second Level."
Then the next day, he comes out limber and happy and we bam out some fantastic starter half pass work.
Arthritis is a total emotional rollercoaster.
*Did anyone catch the phrase "Giggle Pig" during a recent episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine? I laughed hysterically (not just at that, the whole show is hilarious).
Now, back to Guinness...
Falling temperatures, Indiana mud season, and cold humidity mean one thing to me: arthritis flare-ups. The last two weeks have been a perfect storm of rain and temperature variation. Every day, Guinness has come to work exhibiting some level of stiff and sore.
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| One consolation? Fall foliage is brilliantly pretty next to a red chestnut... |
At the moment, I'm torn. Most rides, he warms up out of his stiffness and we have a fantastic ride. Some days, he doesn't. Those days are a reminder that my horse is getting older (17 isn't THAT old!), and he's only going to get harder to maintain. I think, "maybe he won't make it past Second Level."
Then the next day, he comes out limber and happy and we bam out some fantastic starter half pass work.
Arthritis is a total emotional rollercoaster.
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| Feel better, buddy. |
I love the new look! Super classy.
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks! I figured I better step it up, you know. Can't let the other dressage queens down. ;)
DeleteI really like the new layout!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
DeleteArthritis is so hard, I feel ya. I love this new blog look!
ReplyDeleteUgh. Can't wait till my hands start acting up again, so both my horse and I can gimpy around together...
DeleteGimp*
DeleteLove the new blog look!
ReplyDeleteI hear you on arthritis. I'm battling it right now, too. Tristan missed his Pentosan dose last week because I was behind in buying syringes, so he was really hoppy/stiff this week. It's such a fickle thing and so hard to just fight.
Boo to hoppy strides!! Does Pentosan really work on him? I've never had any luck with it.
DeleteI like the template! Maybe time for another round fo injections or Pentosan?
ReplyDeleteIf he stays this bad for another week, I'll do injections. Pentosan doesn't seem to do anything but eat my money. I'm hoping it's just the seasonal stiffness, and he'll be back to normal. Call me nuts, but I'm crossing my fingers for another super cold and frozen winter. Without the mud last winter and spring, he stayed sound.
DeleteArthritis does mess with your emotions and it can be so hard to plan anything around how they feel. My girl is 16 and I totally get the difficulties :)
ReplyDeletePlanning is the hardest. Every day I have to adapt to how he feels, and at the same time be aware that he'll take advantage if I let His Lameness get away with too much.
Deletethe blog looks great. hopefully Guinness will soon too! haven't personally dealt with equine arthritis, but it sounds challenging to say the least. good luck!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your horse suffer is always difficult. Knowing the best treatment is making them keep active through the pain is ... excruciating.
DeleteLove the new header photo. Am reading on my phone, so don't see the full effect of new blog layout but I'm sure it is fab! ☺
ReplyDeleteHope Guinness feels better soon *hugs*
Glad to know the template works on phones, too!
DeleteI quite like the new look. As for the arthritis roller coaster I'm living it with Irish and he's just 14! I had some success with Previcox but had to stop due to his intestinal issues. But with arthritis moving is better than not moving.
ReplyDeleteTruth. Movement is key. It still sucks, though. It's always nice to commiserate with someone else, though! :)
DeleteI really like the new blog look!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteI love the layout! But the text is HUGE on my computer! Also I love the header, you have a great photographer. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI doooooo! :) I need to come up with a good bribe to get you back here and photo some more!
DeleteLove the new blog layout - very easy to read and polished! I've been on that arthritis rollercoaster with a horse who had ringbone - sending you and ponykins happy healing vibes!
ReplyDeleteLove the look-though I admit it took me a minute to figure out how to comment (blonde moment perhaps?). Hopefully he continues to get better and you two can have a great winter! Fingers crossed!
ReplyDelete