Sick bay for Ozzie.

 I’ve been treating Ozzie for another abscess in the same foot again. I noticed him beginning to limp a few days before and I sighed a deep sigh.  Not again! This poor horse, he’s had a real bad run of feet issues. Most people couldn’t afford or wouldn’t put up with the problems and I’m not sure how I’ve managed to get this far with him too. Everybody around me keeps saying give him away, some have suggested putting him down.  I just can’t seem to bring myself to do it. It is too hard and I love Oz so much. He has taught me so much and given me confidence in a field I would never have had otherwise. He’s just part of Pine Haven and always will be. Jen, the farrier suggested at his monthly trim to get a poultice dressing and a bandage. She taught me how to apply the dressing and gave me instructions for the next few days. I was nervous, as this was the first time I’d be applying a bandage, but there was nothing to be done as I was the only one available. Johnny was working long hours and coming home in the dark.  Jonathan was doing the same. The only person to help was Michaela and between us I don’t know who was more tense. I had to overcome this fear, Ozzie was depending on me.  Lifting up his foot was the toughest part and knowing how inexperienced we were, he stubbornly refused. Once the first bandage was changed and the second one was done, it was time to take it off for good.  I was relieved but the work wasn’t over yet, I’d still have to clean out his hoof daily and apply iodine.  The minute his foot is up, I have to be really organised and work quick.  Hoof picking out all the debris, I’d then give the hoof a quick rinse with some water, dry it off with some paper towel and then spray on some iodine. It doesn’t sound like too much but I have a healthy respect for farriers these days.  It’s a back breaking job. Of course Ozzie doesn’t always oblige me and he tends to pull away and then we have to start again. It’s exhausting work but it’s taught me confidence around him. I’m looking forward to seeing Jen in a week or two.  I’ll be asking for advice and have some questions to run past her. The abscess broke through and he is not limping anymore. I still clean his foot everyday now and he is on the mend. He is back out in the paddock where he is happiest.