targetsmom
Well-Known Member
If all had gone according to plan, Max (see avatar) would be in a trailer on his way to the AMHA World Show right now. But sometimes things don't work out quite the way we intended, despite our best efforts. Max started the show season with a bang, qualifying for the World Show at his first show. And he ended it with a bang too - shortly after the Maine Miniature Show where Max won 4 Supremes (both "under" Supremes at the R show and an Open and Ammy Supreme at the A show), Max colicked and had surgery for an impaction. So that is why there have been no recent updates, why we didn't go to the regional show in Ohio, etc. Despite all this, last time I checked he was still listed on the Honor roll in Open and Ammy Level 1 Junior Stallions, 30" and under. But this experience sure puts show winnings into perspective.
Of course, I have had more that my share of experience with recovery from colic surgery, but Max is a challenge. He only just arrived back here (he had been with Co-owner Kristina Slobody) and is still settling in. The Slobody's (who have been fabulous through this whole experience) had finally worked out a diet and he is doing better than he was at first. But everything here is different, especially the amount of space and our set up. Right now Max is in the backyard eating grass. My philosophy about horses is to keep them as close to nature as possible, which is why my other colic surgery case (Target) is on pasture 24/7 and maybe why he is still alive at age 24, with only half his small intestines. When Max isn't in the back yard, he is in a stall with a small runout attached, and as long as Max behaves, he can visit the herd through the fence.
The main issues/questions:
1. Max eats shavings so rather than muzzle him, I just removed all his bedding. I did leave in extra hay, and then added a bit of VERY well hydrated pelleted bedding, which he seems to know what to do with (pee and poop on) and does not seem to be eating. Is there something better to try for bedding? Or if has left this small amount alone, should I just keep adding more?
2. Anything you can think of to try for his appetite? He is getting Stomach Soother on his grain (Omoline 200 + oil + supplements) and he eats that quite well. He had been getting Sweet Crimped Oats (which I can't seem to find) and Poulin Forage Extender (which he hates). I am swapping that out for some Nutrena Senior (a complete feed), which he is eating. I have a selection of hay and I try them all, but what he likes one moment is not necessarily what he wants the next. I think the concept of "free choice hay" for a show mini is hard to grasp!
3. Should we geld Max? I am thinking yes, and I don't see any reason not to, but would like opinions. I know my usual reaction to anyone who has to ask the question is "YES, Geld him". He would make an awesome all around gelding.
Recent video so you can see how thin he is: Unclipped, dirty, and totally unplanned - I was outside the fence with the camera in my hand when he decided to show off: Remember he is only 30" tall.
http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k29/targetsmom/?action=view¤t=P1020430.mp4
Thanks for any opinions and suggestions.
Of course, I have had more that my share of experience with recovery from colic surgery, but Max is a challenge. He only just arrived back here (he had been with Co-owner Kristina Slobody) and is still settling in. The Slobody's (who have been fabulous through this whole experience) had finally worked out a diet and he is doing better than he was at first. But everything here is different, especially the amount of space and our set up. Right now Max is in the backyard eating grass. My philosophy about horses is to keep them as close to nature as possible, which is why my other colic surgery case (Target) is on pasture 24/7 and maybe why he is still alive at age 24, with only half his small intestines. When Max isn't in the back yard, he is in a stall with a small runout attached, and as long as Max behaves, he can visit the herd through the fence.
The main issues/questions:
1. Max eats shavings so rather than muzzle him, I just removed all his bedding. I did leave in extra hay, and then added a bit of VERY well hydrated pelleted bedding, which he seems to know what to do with (pee and poop on) and does not seem to be eating. Is there something better to try for bedding? Or if has left this small amount alone, should I just keep adding more?
2. Anything you can think of to try for his appetite? He is getting Stomach Soother on his grain (Omoline 200 + oil + supplements) and he eats that quite well. He had been getting Sweet Crimped Oats (which I can't seem to find) and Poulin Forage Extender (which he hates). I am swapping that out for some Nutrena Senior (a complete feed), which he is eating. I have a selection of hay and I try them all, but what he likes one moment is not necessarily what he wants the next. I think the concept of "free choice hay" for a show mini is hard to grasp!
3. Should we geld Max? I am thinking yes, and I don't see any reason not to, but would like opinions. I know my usual reaction to anyone who has to ask the question is "YES, Geld him". He would make an awesome all around gelding.
Recent video so you can see how thin he is: Unclipped, dirty, and totally unplanned - I was outside the fence with the camera in my hand when he decided to show off: Remember he is only 30" tall.
http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k29/targetsmom/?action=view¤t=P1020430.mp4
Thanks for any opinions and suggestions.