Vet Visits and Thoughts on clearing sand?

No issues here with teeth.

 The vet came out for spring shots and teeth floating. Gwyn's blood was pulled for her coggins, so I can get on with putting in my ride entry for Brighton. The ride manager knows I'm coming, but I'd at least like to get her that form with the coggins so it's taken care of.

Little Miss I fight the Vet through heavy sedation was good overall too

 I did ask about the cantering issues and possible SI problems. Vet palpated but didn't really find much. She suggested that since I'm not seeing associated lameness, it could be sand and took a listen to Gwyn's guts for the characteristic sand sound. Apparently having some sand just makes them feel heavy in back and protest getting up and underneath them. Sure enough, there is some sand in there, so now I'm mulling over how best to clear her. Basic research has suggested that just free choice hay is the best way to clear out sand, better than sand clear, and she gets that now. I bought psyllium husk anyway from costco to start adding just in case.  Your thoughts?

I also scheduled a chiro adjustment. We'll at least get a better sense of where she is with that when that vet comes out.

The vet was really happy with Gwyn's condition and said it's better than most horses she sees in the spring. YAY! I was pretty happy too and I'm glad to have that confirmed by someone with a better eye for such things.

 I've been letting them into the smaller pasture when I'm home since the ground isn't as torn up and the grass isn't grazed to the dirt. Saffron practically drags me to the pasture when I get out both their halters. It's super cute.

 I think they're happy. Later, Saffron laid down as well.

Hazel came out to help with feeding time Sunday evening and I asked her where the horses were. She looked across and exclaimed, "I SEE SAFFRON!" Then she just took off across the property to go say hi. I love the light in this photo.

Then, since we are riding more and actually working up a sweat, I clipped Gwyn. It's no more than what you see, and I'll reevaluate after our next ride to see if she needs more. With the weather forecast as it is, doing something this minimal means I don't feel terrible about still not blanketing and can toss a sheet on if absolutely necessary.


So, what have you  found works well for clearing out sand? I obviously haven't had a huge enough issue to cause a colic, nor do I want to reach that point. If clearing out sand from her gut is what it takes to help her figure out the canter better, then that's absolutely a step I'm taking. It's WAY cheaper than doing a joint injection.

In Which Gwyn is a Good Girl

I finally bought clippers. Just a cheapy pair, less than $50  for trimming Gwyn's mane, dock, fetlocks (maybe), (never muzzle, she will be au naturale forevah) and the occasional trace clip (I think it could handle not a whole body thing).

Tonight, we practiced desensitization with the clippers.

I can't remember if Gwyn has been clipped before. I don't think she has but you wouldn't know it. After her dinner I put her in the cross ties and turned on the clippers. She flicked an ear at me but otherwise didn't react. With the free hand I stroked her shoulder.

Then I brought the clippers near her body. She definitely had ears on me and twitched when I touched the buzzing clippers to her shoulder (but no clipping).  Then she relaxed and I kept petting and talking to her.

Then I tried a quick buzz on her neck with the actual blades. No big.

Then I clipped her damn bridle path all proper like and tidied up the hack job roach I did to her mane.

It was no big deal.


I fucking love this horse.

Have some photos from 3 days ago when the fog settled in while I was feeding.