Its been a very taxing week emotionally here on the farm. Other than being just super busy with vacation guests over the 4th of July weekend and kicking off of the summer season, we got terrible news on the farm. One of our Tennessee Walking Horses, Strider, is holding on to his life. The vet came out last Thursday and handed us the heavy news. Strider has a 50/50 chance at beating his fight with a severe laminitic episode that began about 3 weeks ago. Laminits is a hoof disease that effects cattle and horses. We thought we caught it early enough and took him off the pasture, but Strider kept declining. Even the vet was surprised with Strider's severe condition and his physical reaction.
Right now Strider is on a 6" bed of sand, getting constant attention from us and all his medications. We are just hoping for the best. He doesn't seem as depressed anymore, which is a great sign. However, only time will tell and its so difficult to see him in such pain and discomfort. He's an older horse at 23 and this is his first case of laminitis. We've had Strider for 13 years and only hope he'll be with us for another 10.
It is really bringing to light what defines a farm. I am beginning to think you can't have a "real" farm without animals (no, a few backyard chickens don't count). There is something more to farming than riding around in a tractor, tilling rows, and pulling weeds form crops. That's just an excessively large scale garden and of course that is grueling work. But just recount Old MacDonald's menagerie to literally hear whats on a "real" farm. The sounds, smells, and gifts they offer. The emotional and physical pain and joy you share with animals is priceless, especially horses. There really is an indescribably bond. The communication and connection is truly deep. Not something you can pick up with rows of potatoes or beets, which don't make any sounds at all.
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