Horseshoing Day

Dr. Ashleigh Olds, Awesome Equine Vet

Today was spent preparing the horses for travel.  New Eponashoes and a visit to the vet.    The morning started with a trip to the Large Animal Vet, Dr. Ashleigh Olds, at her clinic in Conifer.  All three horses received Coggins tests, rabies shots, and a friendly exam. 

Maggie had her sharp teeth filed (floated) on the cheek side so she can eat better.  I learned that an electric disc is more efficient and effective than the old method of using a rasp.  I got to see inside her mouth with a light while she was sedated and opened with that crazy looking device that covers the front teeth and cranks her jaw open.  Wow - I had no idea.  That's a lot of teeth!  Anyhow, it was a very informative experience and we completed our first Vet visit "on the road".  Thanks to Dr. Olds for getting us in to the clinic with only one day notice!

When I got back to Kelly's, it was time to get started on Maggie's shoes.  4 hours later, after a lot of sweat, blood, and swearing (sorry but it's true), Maggie has a new set of Eponashoes.  These polycarbonate horse shoes are made by Monique and John of Paso Robles, CA.  They have engineered an amazing athletic shoe for horses, and I'm so thankful to have them as a sponsor of my ride.  Today, I could actually feel the new shoes while riding!  Maggie has a spring in her step, and we can gallop over gravel without problems.  Check out their website if you have an interest in these shoes.  I plan to write frequently about their performance on the road.  So far, they are the best shoes I've ever had on my horses, but my farrier skills are still under development.  I have a lot to learn - but my darling Maggie stood there for four hours without complaint.  Hopefully this will get easier as I get more practice.

Ouch.  My back!  Ouch.  My finger!

          Shoeing horses is the thirstiest work I've ever done!

I used a hoof jack device for the first time today.  See the blood?  Next photo - the new shoes. 

Once the shoes were on, Kelly and I rode 6 miles or so into town to share a dinner at the local tavern.  The photo on the left is Kelly on her sweet horse "Buttercup". 

About 3/4 of the way there, I realized that the $100 bill that was in my pocket, wrapped around my debit card, was no longer there.  ARRRRGH!  I rode back the six miles at a gallop.  Maggie was happy to head home.  She bulleted so fast, I had to slow her down at one point.  I was keeping an eye out for the bill, but no luck.  Until I got back to Kelly's and found it laying next to the road, in the ditch grass.  I couldn't believe it!  No debit card anywhere though, but that's an easier fix than losing the $$$.

I drove to the tavern, ordered a saphire gin martini, (up dry with 3 olives please), and guess what? It was "STEAK NIGHT". Kelly and I both enjoyed a fine meal, and headed home, happy with the outcome.

                 (Photos below are Buttercup, after her bath this morning and Maggie, ready to go).

Now it's time to hit the sack.  Tomorrow, it's Midnight's turn for new shoes, and I'm going to need a good night's rest!  Maybe I can cut the time to 3 hours???