Well Hello Again

It's been a while. It's also been a long winter and now we're into the most stressful spring I've ever participated in. But here we are. Mort and Blue both wintered well for the most part. Blue got a very light winter, but he seemed to maintain his happy demeanor. He is really just what I was hoping for in a companion/pleasure horse. He's the easiest keeper, he's the same boy day-in and day-out and he was happy to wander around bareback even after some time off. Now that we're coming into spring he's got his grazing muzzle on and we're easing back into more of a routine to get him to some semblance of fitness again. Mort had a slightly more active winter, but only because he does not do well without some regular work. When the footing allowed, we worked on basic skills of relaxing and moving over his topline. When footing didn't allow we worked on his bravery along the gravel roads. Some days were better than others, but we trended longer and longer. Both horses were mostly on 24/7 turnout. I kept them in their stalls just a handful of times when the weather was some combination of wet and cold. When the weather was gross and/or the pastures were soaking wet then the boys hung out in the lot with the run-in. It got pretty muddy in there, but they always have a gravel area to retreat to. I do plan on adding more to that this summer as well so that we're even more prepared for next winter (though it's hopefully less wet!). Mort has had a rough couple of weeks health-wise. He got a severe stone bruise that I had the vet and farrier out for. He was basically three-legged lame for several days. Thankfully, we've recovered from that and he got pads to make sure his hoof heals without further issues. He's comfy and sound. However, he's been semi-off his feed since the incident. I'm not sure if the bute and stress caused ulcers or if it coincided with spring grass and he's going back and forth with fighting a gas colic. His demeanor seems fine and he's active and mostly normal. So, we're monitoring him and limiting grazing to just during the day. I've got a couple tubes of UlcerGard coming to see if that makes him hungry again as well. If it does, then I'll order the full treatment. I have done some light rides on him. I'm sure some wouldn't, but he is a happier horse when ridden regularly. AND he's still galloping around in the pasture and behaving normal other than not quite cleaning up his feed. Our rides have been as you'd expect. I'm taking it slow and easy since we've had such a scattered winter and he's NQR. But he seems content with being back to some semblance of work. And with COVID-19, I am so grateful that my boys are home. I get to feed and care for them every day. I still get to mount up and enjoy their company. Times are tough and stressful in a lot of ways right now, but I try to remember that I have it so much better than so many. On the house front, we're getting close! I'm hoping we can move in within the next couple months, but we'll see how it goes.