Shadow

Pat's been on vacation this week, fixing fences, putting gutters on the bunkhouse, and finishing mowing the south 20. He put a new gate on one of the arenas yesterday afternoon with five frisky horses breathing down his neck jockeying for position all wanting a moment of his attention. Or more accurately a chance to check out his breast pocket where he usually keeps a treat or two in the event someone stops by for a visit.

With the finishing touches on the gate, Pat hopped into his pickup and drove over to the corral expecting to dish up dinner before retiring himself to a well deserved meal. It was a cool evening and everyone seemed in high spirits as they raced Pat's pickup through the pasture, around the corner, and into the corral.

Once inside, each took up their usual spot in the feed line; each that is except Shadow, who decided instead that a nice roll in the dirt would feel good before diving into his dinner. And since he eats first, everyone waited until he finished his ritual cleaning. Pat watched as Shadow dropped to the ground and rolled a bit from side to side--a form of equine bathing. Horses like to cover themselves with dirt as do elephants to keep the bugs at bay and to feel refreshed (it's a horse thing!).

Pat waited and watched but Shadow didn't get up. He tried to get his legs under himself but instead managed to wedge his legs underneath the wood-paneled fence. Wanting to help, but not wanting to get himself kicked by the now flailing horse, Pat called me on his cell phone to come quickly. I'm not sure what he was thinking. Perhaps he thought that someone was about to get the crap kicked out of them and it wasn't going to be him. Call Sandy?

Running to the corral and seeing a struggling horse lying on the ground sent shivers up my spine. I reached for my phone and called our neighbor, Kurt. He came immediately and with Pat on one side and Kurt on the other they managed to free Shadow from the fence. Once free, he was able to pull his legs under himself, rock back and forth, then stand. Whew! A sigh of relief all around.

Since Shadow had the bout with colic just a few weeks ago, Pat wasn't too convinced that he simply dropped to roll and couldn't get up. This horse looked dazed. The true test for a horse, and especially for this big guy comes when he turns down dinner. After Shadow found his legs and was checked for boo-boo's, Kurt walked him to an awaiting pile of alfalfa--his favorite item on the menu. He sniffed, then walked away without indulging. The same with water, he sniffed, then walked off.

Certain that Shadow was indeed in trouble, we hooked up the trailer, re-called the vet, and Pat and Shadow headed down the road toward town. I stayed behind to finish feeding, gather the cats, button up the barn, and wait by the phone for news that Shadow was alright.

Two hours later, Pat called. The vet, still not sure exactly what was going on, did say that Shadow was not colic or impacted--good news. However, he thought something was indeed wrong and wanted to keep him overnight.

Pat had a fitful night worrying about his beloved friend--his first horse--his backcountry buddy. At the age of 18, Shadow's an old horse, but with good care he could live another 10 years or more. Our eldest, Clancy, is now 26 years old; and although he no longer takes long trips, he enjoys good health and the company of his younger brothers. Unlike most of his friends, Pat believes that a horse deserves the utmost respect not only when they are of service, but for as long as they are living. So, we will do as much as we can for as long as we are able to provide a safe and happy environment for our friends and companions.

It is now the next morning. Pat heard from the vet a few moments ago. Shadow has pooped several times and is outside grazing. He still wants to check his white blood count since he had symptoms of salmonella recently. The blood work should reveal more information. In the meantime, Shadow seems to feel better, and when Shadow feels better, so does Pat. All is well for now.