Silver Linings

Life has been coasting at a pleasant level for a few days now. My immediate reaction is to prepare for something bad to happen. But I'm trying to ignore that feeling.

Anyways, yesterday was a great day. Why? Riesling had his "annual" lameness exam/flexion test. A little background; last summer, Riesling had what we thought was an abscess. I took him to the local vet hospital for x-rays. While I was there I figured I mine as well do a lameness exam just to see how Riesling is doing at 12 years old. I hadn't had any extensive vetting done when I bought him so I figured why not.

I felt awful after that flexion test. He basically looked crippled. I thought our lives were over. Riesling got two sets of injections in each hock and we were sent on our way (abscess free too!). Since then, I have put Riesling on the best joint supplements I could find (and afford). Currently, he is on Exceed 6 Way and I couldn't be happier.

After putting it off for over a year, Riesling had another lameness evaluation done. At the vet hospital last year, I was told he could probably last more than 6 months without injections and would need them again in one year. Well I procrastinate everything and life happens.

Yesterday was our annual shot clinic at the ranch so I called and asked if Riesling could have a flexion test as well as he might require injections. The vet evaluated him, and I could feel as I trotted Riesling out after his flexion test that he didn't particularly enjoy it, but he was sound!

I couldn't be happier with how Riesling is doing. I'm not sure whether it was his recent time off that helped, or the supplements. I like to think my $82 a month smartpaks are keeping him happy, but I'll take what I can get.

Now we are ready to take on this winter and get back in shape to start seriously schooling 1st Level!

PS I apologize for the lack of interesting media. I'll work on it. Psst Muskateers?