New Year. New Food.  New Attitude.

With the start of 2019 came the start of Jean-Luc’s “curriculum modification.” 
Several things have happened to really kick my tail in gear:
1.    I am eating healthier than ever and because of this . . .
2.    Jean-Luc is also on a new diet – Omolene 200 Performance Concentrate Horse Feed | Purina.  When Tractor Supply gets the senior version of this in we will switch that.  Jean-Luc has completed a little over 10 days (about how long a bag lasts), and for the first time since we’ve been together, I am starting to feel hind end muscle development – most noticeably on our snowy ride last Sunday.
3.    Completed 2 rides in the pouring snow.
4.    We completed one 12 mile ride where we trot/paced/ cantered for at least 8 miles and (barely) managed to keep an average speed of 5 mph. 
5.    We survived 0-degree weather – an accomplishment in and of itself.
6.    Joined the HRN 2019 Winter Challenge – This shouldn’t be too difficult.  The goal is to complete 40 hours of horsemanship, with 30 rides in by the end of March 2019.

My goals for this week include:
1.    Complete 10  hill exercise in one day
2.    Work on the hill 3 days this week.
3.    Complete at least 8 miles in one day
4.    Continue feed schedule 
Today is already Tuesday, and we’ve got a big week ahead – fingers crossed we can get it all in. 

“I’m going to sell you!”

Yes.  Everyone has been that upset at one point or another with their critters – say otherwise and you’re lying.  However, I went there.  I was so “over it” with Jean-Luc that I actually was ready to let him go.

“What?  How on earth did you get there?” – the question most people ask when I put him up for sale. 

“But, you love him,” they would say. 

Of course, I love him!  We’ve spent at least three to five days a week together since May of 2017.  How could I not?  That said, I was also tired of riding something that made my crotch feel like it was on fire after a while.  I was tired of trying to teach a horse to gait, that paced.  I was tired of trying to build a top line.  I was tired of working with a horse I felt cared more about being with others horses rather than me. I was tired, just plain tired.

Around November I made the mistake of riding something I’m very familiar with – a good ole Quarter Horse.  The horse left the barn without much fuss, moved out like a proper gentleman, stopped when I asked and stood as long as I asked, and even cantered a smooth lovely “da da dump” that any Jo Shmoh could sit. It was perfect!  I wanted that!  How on earth did I end up with the opposite of all of that! 

So, around November, I lost most of my motivation to work with Jean-Luc.  “He is what he is,” I thought.  “He’s coming fifteen, I can’t change things like his gait, or temperament.  It just isn’t going to happen.”

I also had a ton going on in my personal life from traveling to Ireland to some serious family drama to being overloaded with “teacher classes” I have to take to keep my job, to getting the flu or some other unknown sickness found in this Pitre dish known as “Public School.” I barely made it to the barn three times a week. 

Jean-Luc was rather enjoying hanging in the pasture doing nothing.  In fact, it’s when I realized he just sees me as “work.”

“When that lady comes around, she makes me do stuff.  I don’t want to do stuff,” I’m sure he thought.  “So I better be a total turd.”

Long story longer, on January 3, 2019, amidst New Year Resolutions and what I assumed was level-headed thinking, I wrote an ad to sell Jean-Luc. Yup – there it is.  I said it.  “This is the right thing to do,” I thought.  “There are too many “good ones” out there to hold onto a “bad one,” many people counseled me.

Before I knew it, I posted an ad in five or some places and told the world.  Within twelve hours I had six phone calls, countless messages or emails, and two appointments to show Jean-Luc to his new owners.

“Wow,” I thought.  “This could be it.”  I could have a new horse in the barn before the end of the month, and I could get rid of something I just don’t want.

The following day after posting the ad, I met a woman who flew to Virginia (from Florida) to look at some horses.  She was disappointed, but her trainer saw my ad and after speaking, she was convinced that it was worth the three-hour trek into West Virginia for her to come to see my horse. 
We met up, and I drove her right out to the barn around 11:30 AM on a Saturday.  She was perfect.  If Jean-Luc were to have another owner, I wanted it to be someone like this lady – She might take better care of him that I am!  And he’d get to live in warm sunny Florida.

I let her do whatever she wanted with him.  I could tell she was educated and know Jean-Luc well enough to know that his ground manners a solid.  She caught him in the field and was genuinely impressed. 

“You’re welcome,” I thought haughtily.  “You should have seen him when I brought him home,” I kept to myself.

The only words that did come out of my mouth at this point were, “This horse saved my life.”
“Weird,” I thought.  “I hadn’t meant to say that.”  Also, that statement just hit me like a truth bomb.  It was making me wildly emotional.  I needed to suck it up, though.  This was going to be an emotional processes - let it go. 

“He came to me when I wasn’t in the best place.  My work/home life was struggling and I needed something to focus on.  He gave me that,” I told her.

“Why am I saying this to this person?” I thought.  “She doesn’t care, nor need to know.  Shut up.  Just shut up!”

I showed her my habits – ground tie practice, feeding regiment, etc.  Then, like any serious buyer, she asked if we could take him in a round pen.

“Sure, follow me,” I told her and tossed her Lukie’s lead rope without care.  He followed along like the joyful puppy I know him to be. "Good boy!" I thought. 

In the round pen, she did a typical warm up and she could see his “skills.” He started out great, then, something happened. I’ve never seen this before, but I’ve also never been the primary person to work with a horse before Jean-Luc.  This new lady would tell him to complete a task, and before attempting it, he would look to me for a nod of approval.  Only after reassuring him would he work for her – true story. 

It got to the point where I told her, “I am going to turn around.  Do whatever you wish.  If you need help with a cue or are curious about one just ask, but I don’t want to look at him or distract him.”
“That was hard,” I thought.

Eventually, the time came to throw a saddle on and head out.  Several distractions happened in between and Lukie was a solid doll the entire time.  Literally, someone was practicing with a muzzle-loader off in the distances.  If you’ve never heard one, just know they’re loud.

“Wow!  Your horses are literally bomb proof,” she said.

“You could say that,” I told her.

Together we headed out on two horses and she seemed to really be enjoying herself.  She was incredibly complimentary of how beautiful our “facility” was and how well behaved our horses were.  Periodically, this possible owner would stop and ask me to take a photo of her and her Lukie, too.

“Great, buddy.  She really likes you,” I thought.  I knew they would be a happy pair, and that did give me comfort.

Eventually, she asked if he would gait.  My biggest downfall to selling this horse, WILL HE GAIT!?
I warned her about the fact that he was pacey and that I’d taught him what gait he knows.  I explained that he would do it, but you had to work into it.

She went off to try, and in true Jean-Luc fashion, he paced.  He paced, and paced, and paced.  Then, working from the walk up, she actually created a (false) sense of roundness and got him into a gait.
“Well I’ll be damned,” I thought.  Look at that.  I wasn’t the best but was definitely something.
“Maybe there is something more there?” I wondered to myself.

Soon the ride ended, and we said our goodbyes.  She was pleased, but I didn’t ask her right there if she wanted him.  I didn’t want to put any pressure on it.  I wanted Jean-Luc to only go with the right person.

Evening came and I fielded several more calls and queries about Jean-Luc.  Finally, one caught my eye.

“Why are you selling him?  He’s perfect! You shouldn’t sell him,” someone commented on one of the Facebook posts I’d made.

“I don’t know you from Adam,” I thought.  “Who are you to tell me what to do with my horse?” However, this lady had completely suckered me in. 

We started a little thread that eventually leads into a private message and her saying she’d meet me on an LD Endurance Ride (that happens to be sponsored by my riding club) if I wished to “try a new sport,” and keep him.  She also rides a Tennessee Walking Horse, and they’re a 20-year team. 

“He’s a gem,” she said.  “And I can tell.  You need to keep that horse.”

“Who is this woman?” I thought.

Then, there it was – mini-meltdown.  “Am I doing the right thing?” I wondered.  “Should I keep him?  He was brilliant today.  I have never wanted to do endurance, but I was also nearly 30 lbs heavier when I made that decision. People have always thought Jean-Luc would do well at endurance.  Could we really do this?  Those people are crazy!”

Later that night my husband knew I was losing my mind.  “Don’t sell that horse,” he finally said.  “I mean you can do what you want, but I think it would be a big mistake.  I’ll ride him if you’ll let me, and you can get another one – if that’s what you really want,” he said.

“WHAT!? THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.”

We continued to chat throughout the evening, and I told him I would think about it.  After all, how could people think I would make a decision as big as this without being 100% sure about it?!
1:30 AM – I shot straight up in bed and took down every ad I’d previously placed online. 

The following morning I still wasn’t sure what to do until, like with most things, I talked to my mom.  I shared with her how I was feeling, what I’d been going through, all the people that had come out of the woodwork to tell me to keep him, and then, completely without warning – TEARS! I don’t cry for much these days.  This was entirely unexpected. 

“You can’t sell that horse,” she told me.  “He’s a part of you.” And that was it.  Through blurry eyes, and a red face I decided Jean-Luc would be with me for life – good or bad. We were just going to have to try a new sport, a sport I swore I never would do, but also swore Jean-Luc would likely be good at – Endurance. 

At work, I told my co-workers my decision.  They immediately laughed.

“What’s so funny?” I asked.

“We knew you couldn’t sell him,” one told me.  “You’re a special education teacher.  It’s in your job description to not “give up” on a learner.  You’re just going to modify the curriculum to something that suits his needs.”
​
I hate them. No, but in all seriousness, they’re completely right.  That’s exactly what I’m about to do!
Since deciding to keep this guy, I’ve re-fallen in love with him, found an even deeper level of patience, and realized the reason my crotch hurt so bad was that I actually have NEVER sat properly on a horse! Who knew? I’ve changed my seat (huge help for both of us), researched affordable supplement/grain options to get Jean-Luc through this cold and come out better on the other side, rode a total 6 miles in bitter cold and snow, changed my mindset of what I think Endurance Riding is, listened in on a Green Bean Endurance talk for newbies and no-Arabs, and committed to a moderate 12-mile “training” ride this Sunday with a local guru.  My dear life and horse guru Liz has also been nothing but supportive in helping us determine training schedules, trimming and hoof care and nutrition. 

I don’t know what the hell I’ve got myself into, but I do appreciate the support of the Endurance community.  It already feels like I’ve found new, extremely supportive resources. I am also trying to keep this as realistic as possible.  Though I believe Jean-Luc may like this sport, he could be terrible for it?  We’ve never tried, but that is the first step – try. 

So yes, I’m embarrassed by my fickle nature.  No, I’m still not entirely sure I can commit to this new sport.  But keeping Lukie and trying does feel better than throwing in the towel and giving up.  So, stay tuned for more.  A wild new chapter is about to begin.
 
 
 

Recently, life has afforded me some pretty amazing opportunities.  My husband, father and me spent Thanksgiving in Ireland. (See recent Instagram Reel for some examples until I get an album up).  I love this country more than words can say.  It is similar to my home in West Virginia - artsy, folksy, historical, and most of all green!  The people I encountered lived a lifestyle of "no worries," and personified kindness.  They're hearty people.  They appear to look a cold day in the face and smile saying, "bring on the braughts." 

In other words, while away I ate way, WAY too much food.  Nothing wrong with that, it's vacation, right?  However, I have noticed a steady gain (again) since starting up the new school year.  Teachers, I don't know how you don't gain weight!?  Every other day someone, group, student, etc. is trying to stuff us full of yummy cakes, pastries, lunches or other delicacies we don't need!  That sounds all well and good, but those of us who really know, understand the hardship gaining weight can be on our critters as well as our own bodies. 

More recently, my dear friend Liz was at it again with her amazing photography skills.  She took the photo at the top of the page.  It is so wonderful!  The colors, the composition, the lighting all make us look like a fall fashion model.  

That said, I notice I am the biggest I've been in . . . well maybe ever - at least since owning Jean-Luc.  I mean ... I can see a pooch!  There's a belly pooch!  No one wants a pooch in their belly (maybe a furry puppy pooch - but not on your stomach).  I understand I'm not exactly overweight, but I will say that I am just not comfortable where I'm at.  I carry my weight in my core and though that helps hide things some, it makes riding difficult. 

"It is CHA's recommendation that the weight of the rider does not exceed 20% of the weight of the horse." I still meet CHA guidelines (thank the Lord), but I could exceed them if I'm not careful and don't change the amount of schnitzel I am inhaling this holiday season. 

My questions are simple:

• What are your thoughts about "safe" riding weights? 
• Have you ever had to "get real" with yourself about losing weight? 
• What did you do? 
• What didn't work for you? 
• Are these questions way to superficial to care about?  

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts out there horse people!  Talley-ho! 

Lesson Instructor Lauren explained to me during our first session the importance of sending your horse through a gate.  Not only is this a safe practice, this is also a way to practice trailer loading from the ground!  Furthermore, when doing working as we do here (asking JL to turn and face me after entering the gate) the horse is able to disengage his hind end.  It really is a pretty nice way to work on multiple things and warm up. 

Homework Session 1 - Ground tie attempt 1

Without further hesitation here is lesson 1 with LC.  There's much to say, but I'll simply let the video speak for itself.  Look for upcoming attempts at this my instructor's homework in the weeks to come. 

This video was taken in the Spring, and at this point it has been so long I'm not entirely sure when.  I know it was when we were doing really well in the round pen, and prior to our lessons with Mike Hurst over the Summer.  We Still were using a snaffle bit, and a few other things.  Jean Luc was in really good shape here.  The newer videos, I think, show me the value of round pen work.  I do not believe Jean Luc is coming out of this Fall season look as good as he did here in the Spring. 

You will see in an upcoming video, I am working with an instructor - Lauren Carver.  She mentioned a few worrisome issues with Jean Luc - namely a back problem.  He really needs a chiropractor, but living in rural West Virginia doesn't afford that option.  There just are not horse chiropractors here. 

At the end of this video there is some canter work.  He goes into the canter with much more ease in this video than the upcoming one.  That said, he's fat from summer grass. I didn't realize how fat until looking back here.  Then again, "Winter is coming!" So, I like my horse to have a little weight on him for the season. 

All in all, I'm just worried we're not progressing due to physical limitations.  In fact, I'm worried we're going backwards.  If I am being honest with myself, I believe his head is in the game, but I don't know if Jean Luc's body can take it?  That  is honestly a terrifying thought.  Only time will tell, I guess.  Prayers things start to turn around soon. 

From the vault of Liz who stole from Amanda I tossed together answers for 10 of 25 questions:

1. Why horses? Why not a sane sport, like soccer or softball or curling? 
Why Horses?  Why not?  Seriously though, when I’m working with horses it is the only sport I’ve ever done that I’ve not consciously thought about as a workout.  Instead, I can actually see riding as more a goal oriented thing. 

I played tennis and swam for years.  Both are sports.  Both don’t make me smile nearly as much as I do when I’m working with a horse.  I can’t explain why.  I thought, maybe because it has something to do with a partnership, but I was always on a relay team or had a tennis partner in both sports?  
The only other idea I would have is that I am not really a competitive person, unless it is to compete with myself.  I’ve never really been into sports to be “the best.”  I am terribly uncoordinated, and usually everyone is better than me – so why try. 

2. What was your riding “career” like as a kid? 
I showed once.  I learned to ride on a 20 something year old, black pony name THUNDER!  He was exactly what every little girl needs to learn on – wily, compassionate, and most of all, challenging.  I think we may have won a ribbon or something, but I’m not sure. 

3. If you could go back to your past and buy ONE horse, which would it be?
Cricket.  She was the first horse I ever rode.  She was a beautiful black line dun.  She has a baby out in the world somewhere, and I hear he’s pretty awesome.  All I remember is that for a mare, she knew how to take care of people.  Other than her, sorry Jean-Luc, I don’t know that I’ve met that horse yet?

4. What disciplines have you participated in?
 Train western pleasure, English pleasure, and general trail riding. 

5. What disciplines do you want to participate in some day?
I would love to learn and compete in some competitive trail completion and Mounted Orienteering, though.

6.  Have you ever bought a horse at auction or from a rescue?
Nope, but I’ve heard some pretty great stories.  Most recently, I met a guy that rand one up to $15 at the American Trail Horse competition this year.  His wife tells the story best, she was ready to divorce him on the spot – luckily he bowed out. 

7. What was your FIRST favorite horse breed – the one you loved most as a kid?
Anything with fluffy feet.  I knew nothing (like how difficult those fluffy feet are to take care of).  I have always liked fluffy things.  I had a mane coon/ bobtail cat mix.  My dog is German Shepard Husky Mix, and I am likely the only person that loves when her horse is furry (minus how quickly he heats up). 

8. If you could live and ride in any country in the world, where would it be?
West Virginia is BEAUTIFUL!  That said, I have it in my head that I want take riding tours through various countries.  One I am really looking at is riding Icelandic horses through Iceland and seeing the Northern Lights.

9. Do you have any horse-related regrets?
I love Jean-Luc, but I do wish I’d hired a buyer and just known more in general before I went horse shopping.  I believe I lucked out, however, in many ways I overpaid, overlooked the skills I wanted him to know v. me teach.  That said, projects are fun! 

10. If you could ride with any trainer in the world, ASIDE from your current trainer, who would it be?
Monty Roberts is great, but his wife Pat Roberts is the one I would love to go one on one with. Why?  The Horse Radio Network did an amazing interview with her a few years ago.  She’s just lived such an amazing life – because of horses!  

Check it out here: https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2017/05/22/hitm-05-22-2017-by-omega-alpha-equine-one-on-one-with-pat-roberts-and-a-dozen-celebrities/ 

It has absolutely been a while since I've had the ability to write anything about by riding.  However, that doesn't mean Jean-Luc and I have not had things to work on together!  We have had a great end to our summer.  From trail rides, practicing new skills, and more, we have really had a great time. 

In work-life, I have been really pushed.  I am have the best year ever teaching, but I am working very hard for it.  I have 3 online classes I'm taking to be considered a fulfilled Special Education Teacher as of December. Needless to say this has made my spare time very limited. Also, I am writing 3000 word assignments every other day!  It has made wanting to write for fun difficult.  I am proud of where I'm at, though.  Despite all the challenges thrown my way, I do feel like we've been rather successful. 

In the horsey world I have also taken on a second horse project named Cody.  To be clear, he isn't mine.  He belongs to a friend that needs a rock solid trail buddy - a job I don't mind working on.  He's a beautiful big brown quarter horse with a brain a tummy.  This also means he can get himself into trouble because he's smart and lazy. I missed riding something i knew how to ride, though.  Picking him up has just been a fun break for Jean-Luc and me!

Since this summer, and working on a few things - namely just being comfortable, I began to feel like Jean-Luc and I had finally hit a wall that I could not work around.  You only know what you know, right?  Well, things have moved in an interesting direction. Thanks to some friends, I have sought out the help of a trainer new the Canaan Valley area.

I could not be more excited about this (expensive for me) opportunity.  I believe it is an investment in our growth, together.  That said, this Wednesday is our first lesson and I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous. I mean, I don't think I'll be judged ... in a way that makes me feel bad about myself, but I am just nervous in general.  I wonder what I've been doing wrong for years?  What can she help me with?  And most all, I'm nervous because in many ways, I'm not even sure where to start!?

Regardless, I'm looking forward to this next chapter in our lives.  What will we learn?  Who knows, but I'm thinking it's going to be fun. 

Let's face it, owning a horse means that inevitably something will go terribly wrong one day.  Yes?  The question you have to ask yourself is, "What does my support system look like for when that happens?"  

Recently, a woman I board and ride with had that very bad day happen to her.  Let's start this like all good friends should when something bad happens and they need to let you know . . . Spoiler Alert - Everything is OKAY.  

Last week, I was with the husband when I noticed my BM calling.  When the person who owns the place where your critters live calls you, you pick up no hesitation. 

"Hey, What's up?" I asked.

"How close are you?" she replied.

At this point, I knew something was up.  This woman is a solid rock.  To hear her nervous is enough to make me want to grab some canned food and prepare for the Apocalypse.

"I'm not far," I replied.  "The husband's truck's down so I'm actually waiting for him to drop it off at the repair place...What's going on?" I asked cautiously. 

"So-and-So horse is down," she said.

"Down?" I questioned.  This is the oldest horse on the property.  Down could mean a multitude of things.

"He's down and can't stand back up.  I think he was caught in barbed wire.  The vet was my first call, you were my second.  How soon can you get out here?"

"Fifteen minutes," I replied.  "But wait, have you called-?"

She cut me off. "No!  I have not.  Let's get things under control and the Vet can call." 

"I'm on my way," I said and hung up.

This was bad.  This was really bad.  What on earth was I going to find when I arrived out there? A bloody mess, that's for sure!  No sooner than I hung up the phone did I hurry into the truck repair shop.  

"Husband?!  Husband, where are you?  We need to go!" I shouted.  "A horse is down."

There was a line of people all waiting to have work done, but the look on my face must have said it all.  

A man at the front of the line looked to my husband, then back to me, then to the owner taking care of him.  "You might need to let this feller go," he said.  "Looks like they've got somewhere to be?"

I thanked the room, watched my husband turn in his truck keys and together we sped out the door.  On the way to the barn, I explained what was going on and apologized for rushing him.  He didn't care.  I was nervous and honestly thankful he was there to assist with whatever may need assisting.  He isn't a horse person by any means, but he is, however, super strong.  In situations like these, where you're not sure what you're going to encounter, super strong is always comforting.

As we pulled down into the farm I was further comforted to see the vet was behind me - the experienced, good vet that I know.  Not that I have any issues with any of the others, but if I could have picked who I wanted there, she'd have been the one. 

I drove to the barn immediately and could see the horses all gathered around our old white man.  Yup, he was down. 

The vet headed straight for the field.  I needed to toss on some muck boots, and my BM hollered to grab a halter - good sign, he's not dead. 

I sent the husband with the halter while I quickly shoved some tasty things in a pouch and followed after.  In the field, I found my BM and her 20-something-year old niece and two nephews she'd just picked up for a visit. 

"Ha! Welcome to West Virginia," I nervously yelled.  

I could see it in my BM's face.  Nervous jokes were all we had.  If we needed them, use them.  Just keep calm.  After shooing the other horses away from the down fella, I got my first look at what we were dealing with.  The only thing I can say is that it looked like this poor guy's back end had gone through a meat shredder.  

: : PAUSE::
This property uses a barbed wire fence - something I do not condone.  It's dangerous and should never under any circumstances be used as a horse fence.  That said, it is the situation that it is and while it could have been entirely preventable had the fence been a horse safe fence - it wasn't.  I hope anyone reading this, if they do use barbed wire, never had to witness this and can work towards changing their fence asap. While the focus of this story could continue on in gory detail about injuries, I prefer to discuss the positives.
: : RESUME: : 

I wasn't sure this guy was even going to be able to stand up.  We all looked at each other with a question in our eyes directed towards him.  He was tired, but not out!  In less than a minute the vet actually coaxed the poor boy on his feet.  She then gave him as manly shots of numbing stuff (sorry couldn't tell you want she really did) as possible.

Now, I am the last person you want on your team when gross blood is flying.  Sadly, I am one of those that gets so sick they nearly vomit at the sight of gore - this was no exception.  

There I was in the field, the second most experienced horse person out of 6 people.  The vet looked at me and told me we had to walk this animal to the barn - no less than half a football field away.  She also said he'd likely cut the equivalent of his Achilles tendon (thanks Liz) and that he would likely knuckle over on his back right foot.  

"It's gonna look weird," she said.  "Try not to let him go too fast so he doesn't do it."

"Okay," I said faintly.  

She took off in her truck to prep for surgery and together with the BM and I just looked at each with dilated pupils. 

Together, my BM and I scouted the ground and as slowly as possible walked this guy forward.  I was in charge of searching the easiest path forward and watching the back feet so that they didn't do the "knuckle over" thing, while BM walked him forward. This was about a 20-minute painful process filled with treats, the good boy calling, stopping, and so much effort not to vomit. 

When we finally arrived at the place where the vet had prepped my BM handed me the horse and said, "Here.  Your turn." 

I'd like to say the words that came out of my mouth were PC, but they weren't so we just won't say them.

I took the horse by the halter and held his head speaking as calming as I could while softly rubbing his neck.  Believe it or not, this was by far the better deal.  I faced forward while the vet and my BM went to work with these little wooden scrapper blocks and a hose.  They had to clean the blood off this grey horse to see what really needed to be done.  They went to town cleaning and scrubbing and soaping and cleaning and scrubbing while I did what I could to keep the horse still breath. 

This is the part, believe it or not, that I am going to say, "good friends," and where the title of this post comes into play.  Only after getting the horse diagnosed and to a point to things were starting to come under control for better or worse did we call our friend / his owner.  Knowing the person, she would have lost her mind had she shown up prior to the vet.  I WOULD have absolutely lost mine had this been my horse.  To me, the most comforting thing that can be done in an out of control situation is regaining control.  The fact that we waited to get her there is exactly what I hope someone would do for me if things ever would be in reverse.  

I say this because honestly, I'm no vet.  What would I do to help?  I would panic and cry - just like she did.  Only the tears were less because I believe she felt like things were beings taken care of as best as possible - AND THAT'S THE KEY.  

That day, I learned just how important it is to have someone come when you call.  I can not overstate that message enough.  The reciprocity of friendship is having people that will take care of you and yours better than you can yourself AND vice versa.  It is a powerful thing to know that when the world caves in, people can be there with or without a plan, but level-headed.  Having people you can trust to not only get a job done but get through a traumatic situation is absolutely priceless.  

The rest of this story is simple.  The horse's owner showed up, and before we knew it he was all buttoned up.  He's still getting through the worst of it, but he's going to be okay.  While we did not exactly plan it, I believe we followed one heck of an Emergency Action Plan.  In future posts, I would like to develop a few for various scenarios.  

Here's a great start if you're looking to create your own along with me. 
practicalhorsemanmag.com/health-archive/create-a-horse-disaster-plan-11570