...don't tell anyone...

...can you be trusted?

...well, you're reading my blog, in all likelihood you're horsey, Pony Club and maybe even an ex-Brownie?  So the answer might be a yes.  But still, I have to be careful what to reveal.

You'll recall last years excitement when the world of fashion turned Tom and Henry into stars of style...can you guess where I'm going with this?...

...I'm saying nothing...(which will make a pleasant change).

...sshhhhhh...

...remember that thing we can't speak about?...
the thing we don't mention and mustn't know?

...well, it's happening soon people! 

...a lesson learned...

...health&safety...

You may think your horses' environment is perfectly safe? Well, so did I until Tom's 'unfortunate incident'.  From the first May bank holiday to the next, here's what happened...
 

We'd do anything to protect them.

Since then we have investigated every single inch of their environment for any possible hazards (again), and whilst we can't protect them every second...they are horses after all, and will get into a pickle with or without human intervention...we can customise our equipment with safety in mind.

So here is a clever little device for closing gates that replaces the unmovable/unbreakable metal closures that, and trust me when I say this, can cause injury.

So you've got a job to do in the land, first you need to gather equipment, then you'll need to enlist help:

Here Lemmy, Coco and Min are casting a disapproving eye over any proceedings that spoil naptime.

 

...and provide a forum for Tom & Henry to watch from a safe distance, with available forage and refreshment too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John has of course invented a clever use of available equipment, you can buy on-line, and here's what he did, (and it's all perfectly safe, there's no protruding metalware).

Simple to replace the metal catches are now not used anywhere, all gates are safe.  The rope winds around the posts when not in use, it's easy, and the boys can't get caught up in it.

These carabiners are Black Diamond 'hotwire'.

 

...the simplest solutions are often the best, (Occam's Razor).

...stay safe x


and here are just some wonderful photos of T&H x

..the aftermath...

...Tom, and the stitches come out...finally...

Today the vet came and gave Tom the big thumbs up, and took out his stitches:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First she cleaned the area with weak Hibiscrub, then proceeded to cut and whip out the bright blue wires one by one. 
 

 

 

Her blade was curved and the process quick.  Tom must have felt the top ones more because he fidgeted and raised his leg up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've had my fair share of stitches out, and though not painful it does have a weird pulling sensation, which I'm guessing Tom didn't like.  But without sedative, he did stand still and allow it.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I invited the vet to linger and watch as the boys were turned out finally, since she gave me the green light to allow Tom to test his scar to the limit!
 

 

 

 

 

...and test it he did, they love being out at grass since they have been restricted since the 'unfortunate incident'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a look at these photos, you'll see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

...I think you'll agree, all back to normal now...

...and now for something completely different...

...it's all been about Tom...
so here are some lovely photos of Henry...we love him x

...UPDATE...

..Tom update...

It has now been two weeks since Tom had his 'accident', and I have tried to account here each step we have taken.

 

This weekend the rug came off and he was turned out with Henry in the small field, with lots of hay in the Haybars and access to stables at all times.

 

He was relaxed and happy grazing and wandering alongside his friend, and on occasion getting too excited and leaping about and rolling too.  But I took this to mean he's feeling better, so I watched him and allowed it. Plus, as you can clearly see here, his scar looks very healthy indeed.

His stitches are all intact and the wound has healed beyond even the vets expectations.

But pictures speak a thousand words, so here are a few:

...stitches out Wednesday...

...a check-up...

...today the vet comes back to check Tom.  Fingers crossed...

It's windy today, very...and the horses are out in restricted grazing still, but they're finding the small space simply a challenge which they meet face-on.  They are speeding about, but I am keeping an eye on them.  Tom is not supposed to be leaping around, he has stitches, but I guess he's feeling better?  Off the anti-biotics by yesterday, but still a sachet of Bute morning and night, for it's anti-inflammatory properties more than pain relief now.

I decided to add some happy photos to remind us all why we go through all this worry, just look at their pretty little faces, and that's all you need to know.
 

 

The plan is for Tom's stitches to come out next week, you can see here the swelling has lessened.  Then I am hoping things can get back to normal around here. Out again at night and free-range to graze.  Tom will get some well-earned rest alongside Henry and because his scar sits under his saddle area, I'll need to be extra careful he is ready and pain-free before I ride him again.
 

Fingers crossed.

The vet actually used the word WOW when she saw Tom today, which is good news.  happy with his recovery and on-track for next week.

Single dose of Bute only a day.

Henry is making his feelings about Bute quite clear!