DAY 175 - Back!

Okay. Back again. Up to Day 175.

Not much has been happening, mostly because of the weather and the holidays. Haven't ridden, but have taken Possum out for some hand walks now and then when possible. The roads are icy, but there have been a few opportunities. Today is Sunday, Feb. 15, and we are at the ends of a big blizzard (that sort of fizzled out up here for us in snow totals.. but it's plenty cold and very windy right now!) I locked Possum in the stall around 7:30 p.m. last night, and he stayed nice and calm overnight until I opened the doors back up around 9 a.m. this morning. Because of the wind, he's hanging out in his usual position.. facing out, munching on the hay that's getting blown around by the fierce wind.

Over the last month and a half, Possum has had his hooves trimmed by Butch, and we also had a visit with Dr. Judd a couple of weeks ago. I had noticed that he wasn't able to chew his hay properly.. he would take a bite, then spit out a cud.. he was cranky and whiny.. I knew something was up with his teeth, but I wasn't totally sure. I gave Ryan a call and she agreed to let me call the vet. When I described what was happening to Dr. Judd over the phone, he told me that what Possum was doing was something called quidding, and that it was teeth related. He scheduled us in for the very next morning, and I was told to give him some bute in a hot mash, and to not bother giving him anymore hay, as it was only irritating him.

The next morning, at 9 a.m. sharp, Dr. Judd rolled in the driveway in his giant truck, braving the windy, snowy conditions that morning. I had already locked Possum up in the stall, and Dr. Judd brought all of his tools into the barn. As he was doing that, he explained what he would be doing. First, in order to look inside Possum's mouth, he would have to sedate him. He gave him the drug in I.V., and it took effect very quickly. Once Possum's head lowered, I took off his halter, and we strapped on the specula.. which is just a gadget that forces his mouth to stay open. Then, we propped Possum's head up on top of the special stand, Dr. Judd and I put on our head lanterns, and peered into Possum's mouth.

Dr. Judd stuck his hands up into Possum's giant, gaping mouth, and felt all along each side, inside and out. He concluded that there was no abscess or broken teeth, and his gums felt fine. What he did find was lots of sharp edges that were most likely the cause of his quidding.. the sharpness on the edges of his teeth were bothering his cheeks and / or tongue, which made chewing hay very uncomfortable and painful for Possum. So, we were in luck. All Possum needed was to have his teeth floated!

I had told Ryan last spring that I thought they needed doing, but apparently they did not take care of that at camp last summer.. And when Dr. Judd was here back in November to treat Possum for his Lyme Disease, he suggested that they would probably need to be done in a few months anyway.

Dr. Judd spent at least a good half hour filing away.. he is a highly specialist equine dentist along with being a D.V.M., so I felt really good about giving Possum the best possible treatment.When Dr. Judd was confident that he had filed all of the sharp edges down, he checked one more time with his hands, and then we lifted Possum's head off of the stand and pulled off the specula and put his halter back on. While Dr. Judd cleaned his tools and packed them back up and brought them back to his truck, we kept an eye on Possum as he came out of his sedation. I had to take the scraps of hay out of the stall, as eating in that condition is unsafe for a horse. I finally ended up just tying him for a while in the stall, so he wouldn't be tempted to nibble. I invited Dr. Judd into the house to warm up his hands and write out the report and the bill, and he gave me instructions on what to watch for in the next 24 hours.

As predicted.. Possum came to just fine, and now he is a happy camper again!

Here's some pics from the last month and a half:

New Year's Day 2015

Hanging out in the barn during a snow storm

Dr. Judd floating Possum's teeth

DAY 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, & 124 - Hand Walking & Christmas

Last Saturday, "day 118," after a nice grooming, which he very much enjoyed, Possum was being so good that I decided to take him out for a hand walk before my gig that night after all. I was so happy I did. I clipped the lead line onto his halter - no chain over the nose - he was that chill - and we carefully edged our way up the icy driveway and onto the sanded road. We got to the top and stopped and looked both ways - naturally, Possum wanted to go right and up to the Dodge farm, but I asked him nicely to walk left and he obliged. Slowly, and with many stops to look along the way, we ambled down to the bottom of the hill and all the way down to Dr. Doyle's old place. I let him stop and sniff around now and then, and then we turned and started back up the hill. At the bottom of the hill, he suddenly got a little frisky - he put his head down to the ground and wiggled it back up and gave a little kick - I knew he was fresh and wanted to play! But, I asked him not to be that way with me on the ground by giving a little tug back and asked him to woah. Then we'd start walking again, and after a few paces, he'd start walking ahead and faster, so I'd say, "woah, woah." He stopped. We waited, then I said, "walk," and off we went again. I did that several times going back up the hill, and by the time we got to the top, he got the message - don't walk faster and ahead of me. Such a smart little pony.

Photo shoot at the bottom of the hill. :)

As a reward for his most excellent behavior, we continued on, up past the Rhoad's house (no barking Newfie's out this day), past the Dodge home (where we waved hello to Ms. Sadie laying on her futon in the garage), and carefully edged our way down the Dodge barn driveway, where we found a bunch of areas where the snow had melted back down to the grass! Oh boy! We nibbled around on the grassy areas while Big Mack watched us from the paddock gate. Then, we walked down to say hi to Big Mack, then back around the other side and up to the road again. Down part way to Lenny's, then back home, carefully edging our way back down our driveway to the barn and paddock. I was so pleased with how excellent and cool Possum was! Yeah! I took a bunch of photos of him that day.

Grass! (And saying hello to Big Mack) But, hey look, GRASS!!

Sunday, "day 119," he got fed and watered and his stall and paddock cleaned, and then we left for our afternoon gig at 2:30. He was cool with all that. Also, he got his very last dose of the Doxytetracycline medicine! (And yes, I'm sure I spelled that wrong!) No more medicine! When I got home, he was standing guard in his stall, and gave him one of the new big and sweet cookies I picked up for him at Paris Farmer's Union last week. He really loves those!

Monday, "day 120," and Christmas just around the corner. Much to do, and Possum was very gracious in my absence while I was running around trying to pull it all together. I did take the time to tie him up in the stall and give him a nice long grooming, though.

Tuesday, "day 121," and once again I was bustling about - he got the basics - hay, water, clean stall and paddock, and a grooming. I think I took him out for another short hand walk again - and again, he behaved beautifully. We really have a nice understanding between us now.

Wednesday, "day 122," and it was warming up but raining. Actually, it started with a light coating of snow, but over the day, switched to rain. Possum, as usual, spent a lot of time outside getting wet.. but eventually, he came in and stood in his stall to dry off. I did rub him down with towels to hurry the drying, but it really wasn't that cold, for a horsey, anyway. He got fed early, about 4:45, and then we went next door for Xmas Eve and a run to the church to watch Dad perform in the service. We got back around 10, I believe, and I gave him a cookie and sprinkled some of his favorite hay (the yummy sweet second cut) over his piles of regular hay. This makes him happy.

Thursday, "day 123," Christmas morning. Luckily, our family was planning on meeting up later in the afternoon, so I had all morning to do barn chores. The rains had finally stopped and the air was warm, almost spring like feeling! I picked the paddock well, and cleaned the stall and fluffed it all back up again. I took the electric water bucket into the house and scrubbed it clean, then refilled it to the top with fresh water. He had rolled outside and he had mud stains on all of his white parts, of course.. but, it was Christmas, so I let him hang out in his pajamas all day. He got his dinner of pellets and carrot skins early, about 3:15, and then I was over at Dad's for the next several hours, preparing and gorging on the Christmas dinner with the family, and sharing the small amount of gifts we all exchanged. When we got back around 8, Possum was holding court and very relaxed. I gave him a Christmas cookie and sprinkled some of the sweet 2nd cut into his stall, and topped off his water bucket. He was happy.

Friday, "day 124," and the air was still warmish - in the 30's, anyway, which is hot for this time of year in Maine! The ice and snow is slowly easing back, but poor Possum still has to tip toe about in much of the paddock. Luckily, he hasn't seemed too wired as of late, though I'm sure if he had the opportunity, he'd love to have a good run and a few bucks! In the afternoon, things were calm around the "estate," and I took Possum into the stall and gave him a long grooming. He was very agreeable and sweet, for him.. I still have to always keep on him about his little nips and tiny threats of kicks (and the kick threats while grooming are because he thinks he is ticklish down around his belly and gaskin area - but he isn't really.. silly pony).. but those behaviors are just him, and he has learned to respect my voice and movements. After grooming, off we went for another nice long hand walk. Down as far as Dad's driveway, then back up to the Dodge house, where we said hello to the daughter who was out shooting arrows into a stack of hay bales with her new Christmas bow and arrow set. Possum was a bit fresh, but settled down again. Again, I worked on the voice commands to keep his head in the game. "Woah." Wait, wait, wait. Then, "walk," and off we'd go.

Out and about on Friday. Happy pony.

We went down to the grassy spots and grazed a bit, then walked down to say hello to Big Mack, who was hanging out by the gate. They touched noses and caught up ("what did Santa give you? I got a new salt lick! Cool, me too!"), then Possum and I made our way back to the road, and meandered down towards Lenny's. We took our time, enjoying the warm air and sunshine. We stopped at the top of the hill and took in the view, then turned and ambled back up the road, back towards our house. He was very happy and cool. We went as far as Dad's driveway again, then we went back to the barn. He was content with our little walk.

Can't wait to ride again!

DAY 114, 115, 116, 117 & 118 - More Chilling & A Short Ride

Tuesday, "day 114," arg. I really don't remember all of the details..

Wednesday, "day 115," I do remember, because we finally went out for a ride! I had been looking at the backyard, and the snow is not too deep, and not too crusty with ice. I was pretty sure he'd be fine walking around back there, and as long as the path to the back got some sand, we'd be able to get there. Walking up the driveway, at this point, would be foolish.. it's covered in ice.

The temp was probably around 30, and though the sun was covered by clouds, it was fairly bright. I got going early, taking care of the barn chores, then around noon, I got ready to ride. I lugged the saddle, pads and girth up out of the basement, put on my paddock boots, and brought the breast plate out to the barn. I brought him into the stall and gave him a good grooming. He started out testy, as usual, but settled down very quickly. I could tell he was ready to do something!

I got the saddle on and tightened the girth very slowly, in increments. Then I bridled him, and off we went to the tree stump in the paddock. I took my time with everything. Jennie drove by on her way to Dad's to do her house cleaning gig, and we waved. I let Possum stand and watch her as she parked her car his driveway and got out with her things. Then, we walked over to the stump, and I rolled down the stirrups and tightened up the girth one last time. He stood still while I mounted, but as soon as I sat down, he began to walk off. Woah, I said... then we walked around the paddock for a bit. I could feel his back was a bit tense. We circled around a few times, and stopped, then walked. I wanted to make sure I had his head in the right place before we left the paddock.

Then, we walked out of the gate and took a sharp right to go around the house to the back yard. He was getting a little excited, but he kept walking, and we went down the back path and looped back up the center. At one point, he started to move like he wanted to bolt.. not sure what instigated that, but I turned him in a circle and said woah, and he settled back down. We walked around the snowy back yard for a few minutes, and I knew that was kind of hard work for him, so I used that to my advantage to calm him down.

Then we walked up the secondary driveway to the road, and turned left.. but I saw that it was too risky to walk down hill with the patches of ice, so we turned right and happily headed up the other way. We got past the barking Newfoundlands with only a few eyeballing moments, then walked past Sadie the German Shepard in the garage, and then past Big Mack, who was sunning himself down by his turn out shed. He whinnied as we walked by.

Checking out the view in the field across from Lenny's

We walked down past Lenny's a little bit, and stopped at the top of the hill to check out the view and look for other horses, then we turned back and walked into the big field across from Lenny's. A lot of snow has melted along the edges, and we walked along that for a while at the top. Then we walked through the middle in the snow again, back to the road, and back up to Mack's paddock. We walked through the snow to the fence, then walked all the way around the fence to say hi to Mack. Mack came up to the fence, and I let them touch noses a few times, then we walked back up the fence line and around the barn and back to the road.

We walked past our driveway, then back to the back yard the way we came. We walked around there for a while again, working on a few circles and halts. Towards the very end of the ride, I asked him to trot back up hill. In the snow, his trot is much higher and bouncier, because he has to lift his feet higher through the snow! It's funny.

Ooh, this makes a great tree to scratch my neck on.

We got back to the driveway, and headed back to the stall. We had been out almost a whole hour, and he was super happy, I could tell. I was, too. Felt good to get him out doing something! He got brushed down and back to the paddock with fresh hay. All was good.

Thursday, "day 116," the weather wasn't so great, and the temps got colder. I didn't do much with him that day.

Friday, "day 117," another cold morning, and the paddock is all hard with packed snow and ice. Luckily, he spreads his hay out all around, so there are some safe spots to stand and hang. Donna and I took our walk in the morning, but left the horses at home. Then that afternoon, Don and I went off to North Conway to take a stab at some Christmas shopping. Possum was left with a bunch of hay, a clean stall and a full bucket of water. We got back around 5, and he was hanging in his stall, patiently waiting for his dinner.

Today, "day 118," is Saturday, and I have a gig tonight. It's sunny, but very cold, around 25-28 I guess. I've just finished cleaning the frozen poops out of the frozen paddock, and I think I'm just going to groom him a little later and shower him with some loving. That's probably it for today.

DAY 109, 110, 111, 112 & 113 - Barefoot & Bored

Possum did end up spending another night in his box stall last Wednesday. The stormy weather was just too yucky, and I knew if I didn't lock him in, he'd stand outside in it and be a freak all night. It was pretty much a repeat of the night before.. waited as long as I could, then locked him in, fed him, rubbed him down with towels and the fleece cooler, dried him off, picked his hooves, tossed in the second cut hay. Happy boy. Last year, he was really stressed about being closed up in the stall.. now it's nice to see how he seems to appreciate it. It has become a safe place for him.

Thursday morning, "day 109," Donna and I walked, but of course, no ponies. The storm had finally passed, Possum was out in the paddock munching on hay, but the road was still slippery, and the boys still had their front shoes on. Later that day, I tied him up to the tie in the paddock and gave him a good curry, hoof pick, mane comb and brushing. He was pretty relaxed and in a good mood.

Friday, "day 110," and our fingers were crossed that Butch would still be on schedule. Between the holiday, the weather and he being sick, we knew he was pretty backed up with his clients.. but our gal Luanne kept up with him with text.. she can be pretty persistent! Mid-morning, I got a message from her saying he was due to arrive at the Dodge barn between 1:45 and 2:00, and the plan was to have him do Possum first, and for me to help out with Big Mack, as Donna was 40 minutes away and may be running late. No problem!

Around 1:20 or so, I went out and caught Possum, then brought him into the stall for a quick grooming. Brushed out his tail, picked his hooves and brushed off his coat. Before leaving the paddock, I decided to pop the chain over his nose.. it had been about a week since he had been out of the paddock, and I wasn't 100% sure which pony I'd be leading up the road.

Well, he was pretty cool. We took our time on the way up, looking at this and at that.. the snow cover changes the scenery for him.. We got to the Dodge barn and opened up the barn doors, then walked into the aisle. We hung around there for a few minutes, and Possum helped himself to a few bites off of a pile of hay bales in the aisle. Then, I opened up the back barn doors and we walked down the path to Big Mack's paddock gate. Mack looked up and eventually ambled up through the path he has created in his snowy paddock, up to the gate to say hello.

The boys touched noses a few times, but once again, Possum was so much more interested in seeing if he could paw his way to the grass in the field under the snow. Plus, the scraps of Mack's hay that had blown out under the paddock fence. I let him "root" around a bit to keep him occupied, and finely, we spotted Butch's truck. Hooray. He backed down the driveway, and Possum was all high headed at that.

Once Butch parked and got out of his truck to say hello, Possum knew what was up, and we walked back into the barn. Butch worked quickly and efficiently. He likes Possum, too. Finally, Possum was barefoot again! Yea! When Possum was done, I led him into Big Mack's stall and closed him in. Then, I grabbed Big Mack's halter and ran down into his paddock to bring him into the barn. Of course, Mack had gone all the back down to his shed area..

Getting his pedicure at the Dodge barn Friday afternoon.

Then I held Big Mack while Butch clipped and filed down the nails on the outside of the hooves, then pulled the shoes off. Then, he trimmed and filed the four hooves back. Mack was very good for this, too.

Just as he was finishing up, Donna got back and came to the barn. We chatted for a few minutes with Butch, then she had to quickly drive down the hill to pick up her daughter from the school bus. She put Mack into the other stall, and we joked that the boys were looking all excited about having a slumber party!

Butch and I chatted for a few more minutes (he was telling me about a beautiful 2-year old palomino Tennessee Walking Horse he was given for free, and about how he was trying out a new training method with him), and then he got in his truck and started it up.. Just before he drove off, I noticed that he had left one of his rasps leaning against the wall.. I grabbed it and tapped on his window to give it to him. Oh boy, he was grateful for that! Then he drove off to head down to Luanne's to work on her four horses, and I turned back to the barn and waited a few minutes. I was concerned that maybe Donna might have gotten down to the bus too late, meaning her daughter would have had to stay on the bus and gone back to the school, so I decided that I would lead Mack back out to his paddock so I could take Possum home.. I was getting kind of cold!

So, I led Mack down to his paddock, and I could tell he was feeling a little abandoned by all of this.. Hey, he said, I thought Possum was moving in! I latched the gate, then realized it wasn't right, so I latched it in the other direction. As I walked back to the barn, Big Mack whinnied. I clipped the lead line onto Possum's halter and opened up the stall door and led him out. Hey wait, said Possum, I thought I was sleeping over? He stalled in the barn aisle, and I was working on encouraging him to move ahead, when I noticed that Butch had left a second rasp leaning against the other wall! Oh dear, I thought. So, I sent Luanne a text (she was still at work, but her husband was at home helping Butch with the horses), and asked her to send Butch a text to let him know. Then, I managed to get Possum out to the driveway and up to the road, not without a fight from him. He wanted to stay there and hang out! Meanwhile, I heard Mack whinny again, and I think he was pacing around his gate a bit.

Donna drove up the road with her daughter and youngest in the car just as Possum and I were getting to the top of the barn driveway, and I waved her to stop. I told her about Butch's rasp being in the barn, and I asked her if it was possible for her to run it down to him. No problem, she said, let me just drop the kids off at the house first.. just as we finalized the plan, I saw her eyes get all big and she yelled out, "woah woah woah!" I turned, and there was Big Mack, galloping up through the snow towards all of us! Oops. Guess I didn't latch that gate right!

Donna jumped out of her car, and Mack was easily caught.. Luckily, I had left his halter on. Possum, of course, took this opportunity to spin around and prance his fancy pony dance. Donna locked Mack into his stall, and I kept up with leading the pinto back towards home. He continued to jig and stall.. and Mack whinnied from the barn a few more times.. Donna drove off with the rasp to Luanne's place, and finally, Possum became agreeable again and we got back to our place. I was a little worried that Mack would try to bust out again.. but luckily, he stayed put. I sent Donna a text a few minutes later, and she informed me that Mack had settled down again and realized his fate.

Possum was a little worked up once I let him loose in his paddock again.. standing at the edge of the fence looking up towards the road.. but eventually, he settled down again, too. Poor horses. They just want the comfort of each others company. Guess I can't blame them.

The temps stayed bearable that night, and the air was calm, so I was able to leave the stall door open again all night, and he had no need for his blanket. The next morning was Saturday, "day 111," and the temps rose to the mid 30's by mid day. Possum was calm and ambled around the paddock all day, munching on scraps of hay (I think of it as him "cleaning house,") then in the afternoon, I clipped him up to the outside tie and gave him a full grooming. I took my time with the curry, and he was being very good. With the hard brush, I stroked his bum and flicked as much dirt and dust as I could off of his coat.. I picked his freshly trimmed hooves, and was happy to see very little ice and snow packed in them. I spent a long time combing his mane, which is getting very long now, and brushing out his beautiful, long tail. He was very chill.

Then, I led him out of the paddock, and off we went for a hand walk. First we went left and walked down towards Dad's driveway, but I decided it was still just a little too slippery to keep going down the hill, so we turned back towards the Dodge barn. We took our time, ambling up past the barking Newfoundlands, Sadie the German Shepard tied up at her spot in the garage, and then past the Dodge barn. Big Mack looked up from his spot by his turnout shed as we walked by. A little ways before Lenny's driveway, I heard the rumble of a large truck coming up the road. Okay, I said to myself, here's a test..

It was a Lucas Tree Company truck, and when they spotted us, they respectfully slowed down. Possum was cool, and they drove by us. Possum raised his head a bit and walked on cautiously, but all in all, he handled that like a pro. We got down to the pavement at the top of the hill, and we nosed around a bit, and stopped and checked out the views. I always think he's saying to me, "are there any horses down here? Isn't that were the other horses are?"

We turned to start walking back, and who should come back down the road but our friends in the Lucas Tree truck again. This time, Possum decided he might be in danger, so he responded by skidding around and prancing with his head in the air.. After a little spin, my friends in the truck once again slowed down, and then they even shut the engine off. So cool! We pranced by, and I joked to them, "He thinks he's a wild stallion today! Thank you very much guys!" They chuckled and said "you're welcome," then waited until we got past them before they started up their engine again and drove off.

Possum did a couple of more little spins and hops, then he settled back down again. We marched back up the hill, and a couple of times I asked him to "woah." He obliged, then we'd walk off again. He wanted to go down the Dodge barn and hang out there again, but I did not allow that. After another stall or two, we walked on, and he was nice and relaxed by the time we got back to our driveway. I let him hang around there for a few minutes, nosing at the snow, then back to the paddock we went. I turned him loose and left him with some hay, and he was content again.

I got ready for my gig, then went out and fed him his pellets, topped off his water and scattered flakes of hay around the paddock and in his stall, and then we drove off around 5:45 for our gig in Lewiston. When we got back, very late, about 2:30 in the morning, Possum was standing guard at his post in the doorway. He was very relaxed. I went out and topped off his water again, gave him a couple of cookies, and one more flake of hay. Then I turned off the lights and hit the hay. I mean, went to bed.

At 7:45, I dragged my sorry butt out of bed, got dressed and went down to the barn to give Possum his breakfast. After that, I went back to bed, and managed to get another 3 hours of sleep. I was fighting a head cold, so I wanted to make sure I got enough rest! Around 11 on Sunday, "day 112," I went out to clean the stall and paddock, and visit with Possum. He was chill. I didn't do much with him, just chatted with him. He was content when we left for our gig, and also when we got home that night.

Yesterday was Monday, "day 113," and I had gotten plenty of sleep and feeling a bit better from the head cold. I cleaned up his paddock and stall, and then got dressed and went down town to run errands. It was fairly mild for this time of year (lower 30's), and I wanted to take him out.. but at the same time, I wanted to get this Christmas tree business out of the way. So, at 3:30, I said to Don, come with me. We hopped in the Jeep and drove down to New Road, and stopped about halfway down Dad's property line. There was the tree I had been scouting out for our Christmas tree this year. Don climbed up the stone wall, though the snow, and sawed it down. Then, we plopped it on top of the Jeep, and I put the car in reverse and backed up all the way to the corner. We hadn't brought anything to tie the tree down with, so Don had his arm out the window and was holding onto it. Halfway back up the hill, though, he lost his grip, so we stopped, he hopped out, and then he got back into the car and just held it outside the window as we drove back to our driveway. It's a pretty light little tree.

Chilling out in the sunshine on Monday.

So, Possum kind of got the shaft yesterday, but he didn't seem to mind too much. At least he is sort of part of the activities around here, as the barn and his stall is so close to the house and the driveway. He is always "in the loop," so to say.

The Christmas tree

DAY 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 & 108 - Paddock Bound Some More

Friday, "day 103," was another frigid day.. 20 degrees and below, if I remember correctly. Too much ice and snow to do anything, plus he still has his steel front shoes on. Couldn't do a thing with him. We had been informed that Butch had rescheduled our farrier appointment for the upcoming Tuesday afternoon..  We had to leave early for a gig that night, so Possum got his giant pile of hay and his medicated pellets just before we left around 5:45, and he was happy.

Saturday, "day 104," and frigid again. Again, there was really nothing I could do with him, short of a grooming, some hoof picking, and paddock cleaning. Piles of hay all around the paddock and brimming in the stall.. plus, the weather was awful. In fact, I think I closed him in the stall for most of that day, come to think of it. It was a day freezing rain, and I had a gig that night. I was terrified about driving to and from it, so much that I almost felt a panic attack come on.. not quite, but I was very anxious. The air warmed and it turned to just rain, so I was able to open the stall doors before I left. Don ended up offering to come with me to my gig, for which I was ever so grateful. Once we got past the 8 miles or so from our house to the main road, I relaxed, and luckily, the temperatures never dropped too low on our ride home.. so though there were a couple of slick moments, Don got us home safely. And I could finally relax. Possum was fine, hanging out in his stall when we got home.. looking out into the night, keeping watch.

Sunday, "day 105," the precipitations had stopped, by the air was getting colder, and naturally, the snow was coated with ice. I did my best to pick up the frozen poops in the paddock and mucked his stall. My plan was to blanket him when I got home from my afternoon gig around 9:30 that night. I left him with massive piles of hay to keep him occupied and warm, and topped his water bucket off to the brim. When we got home, he was once again hanging out in his stall, munching on hay and keeping watch on the outside world. After bringing our gear in from the car, I changed out of my gig clothes and bundled up to go out to the barn. It was around 5 degrees at this point, and dropping.

He seemed happy to see me. I put on his halter and clipped him to the tie in the stall and gave him a good curry.. though he wanted to make a stink about it, I think he really did enjoy the rubbing.. got his blood circulating a bit. Then I brushed him with the dandy brush, combed his mane and brushed his tail, picked his hooves, and finally, a quick once over with the soft brush. Then I went back into the house and got the blue blanket that was sitting on the kitchen table. I let him stick his nose in it at first.. it had been a whole year since he's last officially worn a blanket. He played around with it a bit, then I gently tossed it over his back and pulled it up high over his withers and buckled up the front and then the two straps that go under his belly. I spent a lot of time fussing with it and adjusting it just so.. he seemed to enjoy the attention. When I was finally finished, I took off the clip from his halter and then took of his halter. Then I got his feed tub and put one horse cookie in it and fed it to him. He was happy.

Monday morning, "day 106," I got up early and gave him his pellets.. I was happy to open up the last of the three jars of Doxy medicine.. Only a couple of more weeks to go. After his pellets, I brought a few flakes of hay to the paddock and then left him alone for about half an hour. Then I went back out with the halter with the lead attached and slipped it over his pretty face, then I unbuckled the underbelly straps on the blanket and then the two in front, and slowly, I pulled the blanket off. He stuck his nose in it one more time, as if to say, "Thanks, Kate! I felt much better with that extra layer on me over the cold night!" Or maybe not. Who really knows?

Monday morning, before taking off his blanket.

I had agreed to go with Dad to Brunswick to view another apartment for him that day, so I only had until 10:30 to get my stuff done. I grabbed the wheelbarrow and mucked the stall, then picked up as many poop piles around the paddock as I could. I had to keep stopping to warm my finger tips, even with the ski gloves on. It is quite a struggle to push the heavy wheelbarrow around the paddock, too.. thankfully, some paths have developed. Done with cleaning up, I scattered nearly a whole bale of hay around the paddock and in his stall, mixing in some from the hay he "snubs" his nose at.. little diva! I topped off his water, and satisfied, I ran into the house to shower and get ready to go off with Dad for the day. Luckily, we didn't lose power this time!

I got home around 4, and I was debating on whether or not to blanket him again that night.. but the temps were not dropping as low, so I opted to keep it off him for the night. Plus, a good old fashioned "Nor'Easter" was coming the next morning, and because the blanket I have is not an official "turn out" blanket (waterproof), I didn't want to take any chances. Better that a horse has no blanket on then a wet blanket, especially in the cold. I was able to groom him that night and pick his hooves, and he seemed content with that.

Tuesday morning, "day 107," the freezing rains came on schedule, but it wasn't too bad for most of the day. Though, certainly not a day to go driving, but we had planned well and did not need to go anywhere that day. I let Possum hang outside all day, walking out every few hours or so with another pitchfork full of hay from the massive pile in his stall. I cleaned his stall and paddock, and scrubbed out the electric water bucket and filled it with fresh water. I also made sure to fill as many buckets of water as I could (all strategically placed under the tables in the kitchen) in case we were to lose power. No power = no water.. so, very important.

Butch was scheduled to come that afternoon, but thankfully, for his safety and ours, he rescheduled again to Friday, because of the dangerous driving conditions. That was a relief to me! Was not look forward to leading Possum up the road in that ice and wind!

By 4:30, as the winter darkness began to set in, the temps were dropping and the wind was picking up. And soon, it started to become down right ferocious! I was 99% sure I was going to lock him in the stall for the night, it was just a question of when. But after watching the 5 o'clock weather report, and then stepping outside and feeling the roar and blast of the wind, I knew it was better to lock him in sooner than later. I stalled as long as I could, then went out to give him his pellets at 5:30. It was dark outside, and he was out in the paddock. I had his feed tub in my hands, and I called out my dinner call, "Possum! Pellets!" Usually, I am quickly greeted by a loud whinny and he comes ambling up to the barn.. but not this time. The wind was too fierce, and he was out there, somewhere, holding court.

So, back in the house I went, to grab a second cap and the headlamp so I could see. Back out to the barn, I grabbed the purple camp halter (easier to put on him), with the lead line attached, and out I marched into the slush and ice and snow. He whinnied when he saw me coming.. and with not too much fight, he allowed me to put on his halter. He almost seemed grateful that I was making the call. He walked back to the barn with me willingly, his face and body covered in ice, and in the stall we marched, where I then quickly clipped the tie to his halter. I ran back outside and pushed away the shavings and hay, then closed up both doors tight.

Back in the barn, I let him loose again, then quickly shoved the feed tub with his medicated pellets, mixed with water and a few carrot strips and celery ends, under his nose. He ate well, and began to relax. When he was done with his pellets, I grabbed some of the second-cut hay (much greener and fresh, it's like candy to the horses), and mixed that into the pile of his regular first-cut hay. He was happy. I left him alone for awhile to munch on his supper and relax. I put on the barn radio low - it's on Don's sports talk station, and it seems to suit Possum as well - and his "party lights" (a strand of blue Christmas lights that wrap around the top of his stall.)

After about 45 minutes, I flicked on the spot lights inside the barn, and clipped him back to the tie in the stall. I had cut up a big old towel into about 8 pieces, and I got busy giving him a rub down. His face and ears, around his head and neck, the top of his back, the sides of his barrel, the top of his tail (the "dock"), and I even ran a towel over and through his tail. He really began to relax then. I kept getting dry towels and going over and over until he was nearly dried off. Then, I took the little blue fleece cooler and tossed that over his back for a few minutes, rubbing around to soak up as much wetness as I could. I also picked his hooves, which were packed with ice, and I made sure to pick up the chunks and toss them in the wheelbarrow that I keep in the barn. Finally, I picked the fresh manure in the stall, then took the blue cooler off of him, and spoiled him with another little helping of second-cut hay. He was content. The winds were whipping outside, and he was safe and dry and calm inside, munching on hay and standing on a thick bed of shavings and hay. All was good.

This morning, Wednesday "day 108," I got up early and spied him through the kitchen window as I was making coffee. I had left the blue party lights on as well as the radio overnight.. he was just standing there, waiting. When I went out at 7:45 to give him breakfast, he whinnied loudly. I'm ready to go outside and play now, he seemed to be saying! I fed him his pellets, then went outside to survey the damage.

Branches down everywhere! And one giant pine branch on top of the white fence tape! I couldn't even move it by myself, so I had to wait for Don to arise so I could get his help. I went back into the barn and told Possum all of this.. another few minutes, buddy! Okay, he said, but hurry! I'm bored!

The giant branch of the fence line Wednesday morning!

Don came out and together we moved the giant branch, and then we tightened up the lines, and I cleared more branches away. Finally, we were all set, and I went back into the barn, turned on the electric fence, then went outside and opened up the stall doors. He was tentative at first, but then walked out to the new "addition" part of the paddock and the first thing he did was get down and roll! Yea! Then he got back up and shook himself hard, and jumped a little to run.. but I had a big flake of hay ready to toss in his way, and that stopped him from running (pretty slippery out there!)

It is still pretty windy, and there is a light drizzle, but I'm happy that he is outside now, and so is he. This storm is supposed to continue until tomorrow, so I will decide whether or not to close him in the stall again tonight later. See how it looks. Now, I've got a very dirty stall to clean!

DAY 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102 - 100 Days!

(I'm not sure if naming these blog posts by the number of days is 100% accurate.. I started the blog that way and now I feel compelled to keep naming the posts that way. Kind of silly. And now, back to the Adventures With Possum The Pinto.)

I did end up taking Possum out on the lead that Saturday afternoon ("day 97.") We wandered up and down and around the hill, but stayed on the dirt of the road as much as possible. We walked down the dirt to Donna's barn, and right through the aisle (past the chickens living in the other stall) and down to the gate of Big Mack's paddock. He was standing there, munching on hay, and we chatted for a while, about the weather, the quality of hay, and whether or not there were still any other horses left on the planet. Big Mack seemed doubtful, but Possum thinks that their might be... then he reminded Big Mack about the trail ride we took with Cooper in October. Ah yes, said Big Mack.

Mack and Possum chatting on Saturday.

When I got Possum back to the paddock and stall, he was very content. The next morning, Sunday ("day 98",) the snow in the paddock was annoying, packing into his hooves and making it difficult to get to the manure pile. I kept using the big snow scoop to pick up poops and drag them to the pile. A work out! I think I just gave him a grooming that day, and left him with plenty of hay and water before we went off to work for the afternoon.

Monday, ("day 99,") the temperature climbed up to spring-like numbers! It was such a tease! I cleaned the stall and paddock, cleaned and re-filled the water bucket, and was about to go shower when we lost power! Just on our road, of course. Possum was happy munching on hay in the middle of the paddock, and it was so mild, the snow was melting like mad. I had agreed to get picked up by Dad to go down to Falmouth for the afternoon to check out an apartment for him and meet with the marketing reps - I made myself as presentable as possible, then I led Possum into the stall and closed him in. He was all like, what? I left the windows open and the front door so he could look out, and piled on the hay and what was left of the water. The plan was to have Don let him back out as soon as the power went back on. Later I learned that it went back on as soon as Dad and I drove out of the driveway, so Possum was only cooped up in the stall for about 10 minutes all together. Don said that Possum was like, "what was all that about?"

I got back around 5 that night, and Possum was all mellow. The paddock was mushy. I was bummed that I missed opportunity to ride him on that warm afternoon, but that's life. He didn't seem to mind. The next day, Tuesday ("day 100!"), it began warm again, and I knew I had one more shot to get him out and ridden. I opted to run errands first, which included picking up two more bags of shavings at the lumber yard. There, I was chatting with the woman about the drastic weather changes, and she told me that one of her customers who owns horses told her that a couple of her horses had suffered colic - probably due to the extreme temperature changes. That is scary to hear. I made a mental note to keep an even closer eye on the Pinto.

By the time I was ready to get going with Possum, the temperature had dropped again. but it wasn't unbearable. After mucking out his paddock, I brought the saddle up from the basement, and he was agreeable about being haltered and led into the stall for grooming. He was ready to "do something!" My plan was to tack up and then mount him right from the stall and ride straight out of the big door to the driveway. I got a bar stool and brought into the stall, tightened up the girth, and climbed aboard. He was cool with all that.

I knew I had to keep him on the road and avoid the snow.. and so off we went, left down the road, past Dad's house, all the way down to Dr. Doyle's old place then back up New Road. We walked all the way down to Stan's Laughing Tree Farm, then I could see that the road was a bit icier there, so we turned and walked back. Well, we did sneak in a couple of nice trots on some of the better parts of the road. It felt good to get him out and moving! He was excellent, too! I was so proud. The complete opposite of one week earlier, when he was spooked out of his Pinto mind!

Coming back from Dr. Doyle's and past Micheal's property on Tuesday.

We got all the way back up to the top of the hill, then wandered down to the Dodge farm. We stopped and chatted with Donna in her driveway for a spell, then we walked down to visit Mack, taking the same route that we had taken on Saturday. Right through the barn aisle and down to the paddock gate. After our visit with Mack, we walked all the way down to Lenny's and as far as the pavement, then we just stopped and stood for a while.. enjoying the peaceful sounds and the late afternoon winter sun. (Okay, so I know it's not officially winter yet, but it sure is acting like winter round here!)

Hanging out in the sunshine before heading back.

Then it was time to head back, and I couldn't have been more pleased with our ride. Such a good pony, and I was so happy that he got to get out for such a nice long walk.

Wednesday, "day 101," back to freezing cold again. An inch or two of snow fell overnight, and by morning, it switched to rain, leaving a nice crunchy coat of ice everywhere... Paddock and home bound for the day, I made several visits to Possum through out the day. Later, he came into the stall and hung out, the steam rising off his body, drying off his coat. So cool. That night, I made him a bran mash and put some fresh shavings in his stall. So spoiled!

Thursday morning, "day 102," was walk day, and I was trying to decide if I would bring Possum along or not. I sent Donna a text saying that I was thinking about it, and so she said she'd bring Mack along, too. I caught Possum and brought him into the stall. Picked out the ice packed his front hooves, brushed his coat and tail. Donna and Mack came along and Possum got all excited. I put the chain over his nose.

The wind was fairly strong, and it was brrrrrr cold. Both horses were feeling very fresh. We started walking and had to keep steering the horses onto the parts of the road that had less ice. We managed to get them down the hill, but they were both acting pretty fresh. We stopped for a few minutes in the sunshine and debated going on.. but looking at the icy road ahead and holding on to our two horses who were acting like kites sealed our answer.. we were heading back and getting rid of the horses!

Oh boy, Possum was a handful on the walk back! Like a two- year old race horse going to the starting gate.. prancing up the hill sideways, standing on his hind legs, spinning around to stop and stare behind him.. "woah woah woah," I repeated over and over, resorting to jerking the chain over his nose several times to keep him from killing me, or at least hurting me badly. Donna was having a heck of a time herself with Mack, charging up the hill... ooh boy, that was not fun at all! We got our horses safely back to their paddocks and met up again and took our walk without them. We tried.

DAY 92, 93, 94, 95 & 96 - Cold Snap, Snow Storm & Thanksgiving

Monday, "day 92," it rained all day, so no riding. Late in the afternoon, though, the rains slowed enough for me to take him out of the paddock and around into the back yard for some hand grazing on the long line. He was a bit spooky, but we stayed out until nearly dark, then I took him back in and groomed him. He got his supper, and was content again.

Tuesday, "day 93," the rain had cleared, and it was much warmer. I knew that this could be one of the last good days to ride, so I was looking forward to getting him out for a good long hack. The rains had melted the last traces of snow, too. After barn chores, I went out around 10 to catch him.. but he was taking his morning nap, and gave me the "back off, woman!" look. So, I respected that and changed my plans. Instead, I made my Thanksgiving shopping list and went downtown to load up on the goods.

After getting back, putting away the groceries, and a quick lunch, I went back out to try again. The winds had picked up a little, and I could feel the temperatures dropping, but nothing was going to stop me for this last good day to ride! He agreed to let me halter him and into the stall we went for grooming. He was a bit testy.. but I kept on him, and, all tacked up, we walked out to the paddock to mount up. He was acting "looky " again.. but he stayed fairly still as I climbed on his back. We walked out of the paddock and onto the driveway, took a left onto the road, and started walking down the hill.

I spotted Dad first. He was clearing trees and brush on the stone wall that runs between the road and Mom's "memorial garden" area. Dad had neglected to wear his hunters orange, but instead, was wearing a big black jacket. From our view point, he could have been a bear. And when Possum caught sight of this, the fear of God went soaring all through his body. His head went up high, his eyes popped out of his head, his ears tipped as far forward as they could possibly go, and he stopped dead.

Uh oh, I thought. I kicked him forward, he walked one step, then stopped again. He tried to spin, I shortened the reins and turned him back. He snorted his dragon snort.. it reverberated loudly. He spun again, he stopped again, he snorted again. I tried one more time to get him to move forward towards the "bear," but he was not going to have any of that! So, I decided to not be a hero, and we turned away to head towards the Dodge home. He pranced sideways, threatening to bolt, but I kept his head turned tightly and talked to him. It wasn't doing much good, though.

We made it to the dog pen, and all three of our neighbor's dogs were out (two giant Newfoundlands and an aged Golden Retriever.) Of course, they started their barking. Possum has been desensitized to them, but the barking really wasn't helping matters at this point! I kept talking to him, I kept his head in my hands with the reins, and I kept circling him.. It was doing me no good. Possum was lost in his wild horse head, and I began to get concerned for my safety. So, I hopped off.

Sometimes, it's easier to handle him from his back, though. I had just as tough as a time leading him with the bridle on. We made it, sideways and hopping, to the Dodge's driveway.. I was beginning to think I might just try to get him back to his paddock, maybe take off his tack again and run him around in the paddock for a while.. But, I couldn't even get him to walk towards home. I began to get really frustrated with him. I hit him on the bum with my bat a couple of times, to get him to move forward. Wasn't working. His head was craned high, he continued to blow loud dragon snorts. Grrrr! I was getting pissed!

All of the horse psychology theories were bouncing around in my head. Be kind, be patient. Be firm, insist. Be calm, be secure. Don't lose your cool. I changed tactics again and decided to lead him down to Big Mack's paddock, thinking, maybe just being around another horse would calm him down again. I led him around to the back of the field and we walked right up to the fence line. Big Mack came over to say hi, and was wondering why Possum was so distressed. I just let him stand there for a while. He kept peering into the forest, convinced there was a horse eating monster laying in wait.

Finally, he relaxed, and I pulled the stirrups back down and mounted him from the fence. I asked him to walk, and we stayed near Mack's paddock. Once we got going, he actually was quite good. For 15 minutes or so, we walked and trotted in circles and figure eights, halting and trotting and walking again. He began to blow the good snorts, the ones that tell you he is beginning to relax. Finally, I gave him his head to stretch, and I was pretty sure we were in the clear.

Leaving the field and heading back to the road, he began to tense up again. But, I was able to get him back towards my house, though he carried his head high. In our driveway, I saw Don, getting more firewood, and I called out to him and asked him to say hello so Possum would know that it was Don and not a horse-eating bear. Don walked up to us, and I told him about our adventure. Though my mood was kind of soured by Possum's behavior and I kind of just wanted to call it quits for the day, I decided the best thing to do was to keep going.

So, off we went, towards the scene of the crime, and Dad was gone by now, and we carefully marched past were he had been working. As we continued down the hill, I could tell Possum was finally back to normal. We walked all the way down to Dr. Doyle's old place and stopped to inspect, then we turned back and picked up a little trot to the corner. We walked a little ways down New Road, then turned back and trotted part way up the hill. Back at the top, I walked him down our secondary driveway and had him walk over the little birch jump. Then we turned, picked up a trot, and we trotted back over the little jump. Back on the road, we turned for home. Good enough! Out for nearly an hour, and finally, back to normal!

Stopping at Dr. Doyle's old place Tuesday afternoon.

Walking back up the hill Tuesday afternoon.

After an hour or so, I went out to the paddock again with the halter and lead line, put it on him, and groomed the dried sweat off of his back, girth and behind his ears. He was good as gold for this - not even one threat of a kick or nip! Such a funny, funny pony.

The Eastern sky from the manure pile, the night before the snow storm.

Wednesday morning, "day 94," Donna and I had our walk scheduled, as Thanksgiving was the next day. Snow was predicted to begin falling by noon, so I decided to bring Possum along, as it would be the last day we would see the ground for many months, I'm sure. I caught him in the paddock around 10 of 10, led him into the stall, and gave him a quick grooming. He was pretty relaxed. I led him out to the road and we walked up to the Dodge home. Donna was running a bit behind, and when she saw I had Possum, she decided to go grab Mack, too. She told me that Mack had been very pushy and bad on her walk with him the day before..

The boys were very good on our walk. Possum hardly gave me any grief at all.. just a couple of nips now and then (like when one horse nips another in the herd - it's not a malicious nip. I let him know I do not appreciate that, though, anyway.) After Donna and Big Mack left for home at our driveway when we got back, I led Possum out to our back yard and let him graze for about half an hour. That's it, buddy, I told him!

After our walk and before the snow began on Wednesday morning.

Back to the paddock, fresh hay and water, and he was good. And within an hour, the flakes began to fall from the sky. And they fell all day, into the night. After I fed him, I hemmed and hawed about whether or not to bring him in, but after watching the 5:30 weather report, I decided to bring him in. The winds and snowfall were to pick up after 6 p.m. and go strong until after midnight. I marched out into the dark and snowy paddock, haltered him, put the chain over his nose (because I knew he was going to fight me on this one - he was pretty spooky at this point - it's just what stormy weather does to him) and dragged him into the stall. I clipped him to the tie, went back outside, pushed the snow away from the door frame with my shoe, and closed both of the doors on him.

He was covered in snow and his hooves were jammed with icy snowballs. After a few minutes, I went into his stall and brushed off the snow. Then I picked his hooves (so NOT fun getting those ice balls out!), and fluffed up his tail. His halter came off, and a giant pile of hay was placed at his feet. He began to relax. The wind was whipping outside, and he'd stop and raise his head to listen, but eventually, the hay and the shelter from the storm won him over, and he appeared happy. Phew!

I checked in on him several times through out the night, then retired by midnight. By the next morning, Thanksgiving day ("day 95"), the snow had stopped, and we had a lot of work to do before our guests arrived later in the day! I fed Possum his pellets in the stall first, then I went outside with the shovel and pushed away the snow blocking the doorway. Then, I opened the stall doors. Here's a little video of  his first few moments in the fresh foot of snow:

I cleaned his messy stall, refreshed his heated water bucket, and dropped many flakes of hay all around the paddock. The sun was out and there was no wind, so that was nice. Then, Don and I got to work clearing snow. Don did most of it, of course. I began to prep for the many dishes for the meal. Our guests arrived a little after 3 in the afternoon, and we had a fabulous time. Possum got his dinner around 5:15, though he was a little annoyed with all of the noisy company in the barn with us, observing the ritual! Then I left him with more hay and topped off his water, and he was good.

Friday, "day 96," it was very cold. Half of our guests had stayed overnight, and we were busy entertaining them until they got on the road a little after 10. Then, it was time for me to get to work! I had a plan formulated to empty the wheelbarrow that was filled to the brim from the day before. I got the big giant snow scoop, and dumped the manure and shavings in that, then dragged that through the paddock to the manure pile. It took me three trips, but it got a decent path going. Then, I picked up as many poop piles as I could in the paddock and dumped that, too.

Butch the farrier was scheduled to come that afternoon, but I had a gut feeling that he wouldn't make it. I was right, of course. Luanne sent me a text around 3 saying he hadn't arrived at her place yet.. By 4:30, the winter darkness set in, and it was clear Butch wasn't going to come. Donna was out of town for Thanksgiving, and I had promised to blanket Big Mack if it got below 20 degrees, so I drove up to her barn around 5 p.m. and brought Mack into her barn and gave him a quick grooming and picked the iceballs out of his hooves. I put on his rug then let him back out in the paddock. Donna happened to send me a text in the middle of all this, asking how it went with Butch.. I told her what happened, and an hour or so later, we got the word that Butch had been sick in bed all day and would call to reschedule when he is well again.

So, Possum still has his front shoes on, but I really can't ride anyway. If I was "rich" enough, I would pay to have pads and "cleated shoes" put on, but that luxury is out of my price range! So, here it is, Saturday morning, and he will have another day of "neigh-cation." It is the holiday season, after all. I am going up to Donna's shortly to take Big Mack's rug off, and later, I hope to take Possum out for a hand walk. We will see what state of mind our little Dragon Pony is in today!