Stable Boy has a herniated disk in his neck. The doctor wants him to try a heavy duty anti-inflammatory to see if that eliminates the pain he has been experiencing. Cross your fingers--if it doesn't work, the next step is surgery.
Kid 1 sang in the first round of auditions for Upper Valley Idol last night. We'll know by tomorrow if she advanced to the next level. I'll try to post the video later.
In the last couple weeks, Kid 1's had a camera stuck down her throat, her gall bladder tested and an ultrasound done of her belly. Everything came back perfect, which is great, but doesn't explain why she is having such severe tummy pain. She is also on a new prescription that is supposed to soothe her belly ache.
Ranger Update
He's done better the last couple day-no buck! I've worked on one rein stops, flexing, figure 8s, and focused direction, with an emphasis on getting him to relax at all gaits. He needs a lot more work on getting into and maintaining a lope, both from the ground and under saddle. It will come, but it's taking him some time.
The neighbor bought a miniature horse last week. Her son took it for a walk down our road while I was training Ranger in the barn the other day. Ranger saw the little fur ball and freaked! I gave up on what we were doing and instead we played "follow the pony" up and down the lane for a while. It was so funny when we introduced them! Ranger was clearly curious, but was scared to get too close. He stretched out his head as far as he could, while at the same time bowing back like a dog stretching it's front legs.
He had the same reaction when he first met the neighbor's llama. I didn't have a camera handy either time, but here's a photo of Ranger and the mini when they met the second time.
If I train him today and hit everyday next week, he'll be at 30 days next Saturday. T., let me know if you still were thinking of taking over at this point, or if you want me to finish out the full 60-day cycle. Thanks!