Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;
Yesterday marked day 9 of our 10 day Previcox trial. And given that tonight it will be approximately 10 degrees, I chatted with the vet to make sure day 8 and 9 would be a good indicator of the drug’s success (it would). So I hopped on (still wearing 1,000 layers from hanging out at the Bobby Costello clinic- post to come), and after a 20 minute walk warmup, had a friend video.
Verdict- he’s significantly improved, though obviously still not 100%. I tried not to make a big effort to put him together and allow him to do his thing for the most part, except when he kept trying to hop into canter while trotting to the right- that’s when I gave up and did sitting trot in order to establish a true trot rhythm.
After sending the video to my vet, along with twenty new questions- I got the verdict. No need to go straight to retirement. He is serviceably sound enough to be a trail riding and light ring work horse, or we could see if anything changes with 8 months off. Two roads- and one horse.
Finding good juju, courtesy of Straight Shot Metal Smashing
Right now my first choice would be to find him that free lease situation, as it would guarantee that he would continue to get the care and attention I want him to have. Also, finding a reasonable pasture board situation is proving to provide less leads at the moment. But the person to take over riding my spotted pony will have to be a trustworthy individual who finds Foster just as charming as I do. I’m trying to be realistic in that the first person who comes along may not be a good match, or even the second, but I have a lot of faith that the right person is out there.
I’ve started shooting emails to individuals who may be interested, and I’m hoping to be able to enact a plan either way in the next few weeks. If no one suitable comes forward before then, I’ll send Foster to my parent’s farm to start his pasture period until I can find an appropriate board situation around here. At least that’s the plan as it stands right now!
Red on the Right 
He’s a SUPER handsome horse with a good mind. I’m optimistic you’ll find the right person 🙂
That’s positive! 🙂 Glad you’re taking care of him and making good choices, even when it’s hard.
I hope you get some comfort that he may have a job and a happy human relationship yet. Fingers crossed you find someone happy to take him. He’d make a very fancy trail mount!
This is better news! I’m sure someone will love to have him as a trail pony 🙂
Good news! Wish I wasn’t moving out of the triangle in May – would have been a great situation! He’s so cute, I’m sure you won’t have any problems.
Ugh- yes! Where will you be going?
Spartanburg, South Carolina for a hospital fellowship
I hope you find the perfect situation for Foster. Do you have plans to continue riding? Maybe too soon but I hope so as I love reading about your adventures.
I do. I’m actually very fortunate to have a few prospects for riding- once I get Foster settled in either situation then I’ll be bringing something up very quickly.
what a relief that he responded so well to the previcox – good luck finding the perfect situation for him!
Sounds like great news and some good plans in the works!!
What a weight off your shoulders! He is such a nice guy, I’m sure someone would love to have him as a trail buddy!
Glad the previcoxx is helping!
At least he’s serviceably sound. 8 months in a pasture may really help. There was an article in Dressage today this month about coming back from injuries and almost all of the trainers recommended pasture time.