The things people say!
Okay, maybe I feel a teensy bit of self-pity over my vacation plans getting deep-sixed, and I've already lamented publicly about Riley's stall rest. But Riley's surgery? I feel good, and positive, about Riley's upcoming procedure. It needs to happen, it's getting done, and he can then go about the business of getting better.
So when it comes to Riley, I'm not exactly craving sympathy, but still I marvel at some of the things people have said to me when they heard about Riley. Their words don't make me feel angry, or bad, or sad. I'm filled with wonder, though. What possesses people to say things like...
"Is there some kind of defect in his bloodlines?" [okay, this was a blog comment]People have opinions and advice, which is welcome, for the most part. But these comments are really just intended to hurt. Thankfully, many people have a gift for knowing what to say...
"You're taking him THERE for surgery? Did you TALK to anyone first?"
"Remember, I told you not to buy a weanling."
"Wow, and I heard that Riley is biting you now too." [amazing non sequitor, eh?]
"This is great news. You're getting it taken care of! You did the right thing."
"Hi, I'm sorry to be so far away, what can I do to help. And hey, there's a care package for Riley in the mail..." [voice message]
"I have a drawerful of vet wrap you can have."
There will always be "nattering nabobs of negativism" (I'm quoting Spiro Agnew at Bob's insistence). But here's the deal: I have a wonderful, sweet horse that I feel fortunate to own, and he lifts my spirits whenever I'm with him. Right now he has a problem, and it's being taken care of.
Thanks to all who have expressed concern :-). If you can stand it, I'll keep writing about Riley's journey to wellness.
.jpg)
How can people be so mean and judgemental? Oh, I forgot, it's the internet.
ReplyDeleteYou're taking good care of Riley. I want lots and LOTS of Riley updates in the weeks and years to come.
So glad you are upbeat about the surgery. You are definitely doing the right thing for Riley. I will be very interested in hearing all the details.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a drawer full of vet rap for you, but I did find some good bargains on vet rap on eBay. It was the people version, so it was tan, but still a deal. If you need supplies for bandaging, you might check the listings.
When my Tucker was being wrapped regularly due to an injury, I bought my stuff through the vet and it was pricey. Now, I'd check eBay first.
You've got a good plan for him, and I'm glad to hear as much as you will write on how everything goes and his recovery - here's hoping for the best possible outcome!
ReplyDeleteHey you got a blogging award on my blog. Check it out!
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up. Riley is lucky to have you as his owner. There are way too many horses out there that are disposed of when they have problems. Keep us posted and we will send positive thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you are hopefully for the future. I've been learning a lot from your posts and I certainly appreciate you keeping us updated. I think your horses are lucky to have such a caring owner.
ReplyDeleteNot owning a horse has allowed me into a lot of horse/owner lives and situations, and I too have been stumped by some of the amazingly hideous things people say when the owner/horse/rider is faced with an issue.
ReplyDeleteRiley is so lucky to have you, and I want to hear tons of Riley updates too. Keep 'em coming!
Jane
Please keep posting about this! A few months ago my three year old injured himself playing in the pasture and I searched everywhere on the internet for success stories and how other people went about rehab. It was a huge relief to read people's blogs about similar injuries. So think of all the people out there searching for info and hope about their own precious horses locked up in stalls waiting for surgery. It helps to see that others have gone through it and survived.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do wish people weren't so mean and negative, here in the blog world AND the real world. I blogged on my horse's rehab, but I really didn't think anyone was reading the blog, so it was primarily a journal to keep track of our progress. But sure enough, one vet student decides to rip my heart to pieces with her comments. Apparently what I decided was best for my horse and my unique situation with the advice of my vet was wrong, and she NEEDED to tell me so! Goodness...
I am sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeleteMy own horse was just diagnosed with a condition that needs special shoeing and special consideration about his exercise from here on out (He is 13), and when I got the diagnosis I was actually happy because hey! I could do something about it. Corrective shoeing? I've got a great farrier. My own vet (He was diagnosed at a Large Animal Hospital) offered me advice about acupuncture, feeding supplements etc. and is doing chiropractic on him to help him further. I now KNOW what is wrong and can do something instead of watching helplessly while he hurts.
But I am "weird" if you ask people, I care about the horse and not just the horse as a thing I can ride on, but as a companion and friend that has to be taken care of and that depends on me.
When he was diagnosed, the first think I told him was "Guess you're stuck with me now".
I'm sorry for the mean people. Riley is a wonderful gift for all of us who follow him, and our prayers and jingles (to use a UDBB term) are with you both. I think if someone said something bad about my horse's health (and it has been a struggle) I'd want to punch them in the nose. We all have hope for the future. (Strength for today and hope for tomorrow.)
ReplyDeleteMy horse had hoof surgery last December (sole drilled down to coffin bone with dremel, tumor scraped out off the coffin bone) and it was a bit nerve-wracking to see his coffin bone, but it healed beautifully and he's perfectly sound and chipper. Riley's young, he'll bounce back in no time at all. My vet thought that my horse had an infected bit of coffin bone too, and that's what the vet hospital expected to find when they drilled into the hoof.
ReplyDeleteWill they be doing a perfusion as well for the infection? I for one can't wait to get an update on how it goes!
Please do keep blogging about
ReplyDeleteRiley and his recovery. I have found it both interesting and educational.
I did not ever get the impression that you were ever scared about his out come. Your writing is perhps so confident that this is it's most distinguishing characteristic. I never had a sense that you felt like this was unmanagable, which is very admirable, in my opinion. Today a bit of your concern was palpable to me and am sorry that you and Riley have to go through this. I wish you both all the best and hope for a successful procedure and recovery.
It's my upbringing to plan for the worst case scenario, and from the time I bought riley I knew that a high percentage of babies don't make it to riding age due to injury, congenital problems, etc. But I was starting to breath a sigh of relief, we were so close to actually having him under saddle! So while I have every reason to expect he'll recover from this surgery, his long term soundness depends on my being able to protect his feet. THAT worries me.
ReplyDeleteMy blog readers have been super supportive as have my friends, but there is also a contingent of folks who are passing judgement, feeling smug, etc. And of course I mostly hear their comments through a third party. I don't believe anyone is happy at this turn of events, and I doubt they realize what they're saying gets around. This entry is about what a drag it is to be on the receiving end.
BTW I should mention that I'm rather a gossip myself--but mostly about trivial stuff (who changed trainers, boarders who don't get along, etc). Sad news is just.. well, sad. You don't critique or point fingers...
The best thing about having a blog? You can write anything you want! =)
ReplyDeleteHope the surgery goes well and things continue to progress positively.
Stacey, I devour everything you write on Riley, both here and on Facebook. I could read about him every day if you'd write it.
ReplyDeleteI find that you and Riley both are great, and I say that from reading your stuff a long time. I have been guilty of sticking my nose in, and you tolerated it well!
One thing I have learned about blogging and the Internet in general is that there is always, always something to learn from everyone.
How is Riley doing today?
Riley is doing great -- i handwalked him in the heat of the day and he was so relaxed we BOTH actually enjoyed it. I've been reading about coffin bone debridement and even saw a few pix -- in some cases they really do take quite a bit of hoof. I'm hoping this won't be the case for us, but it helps to see the photos. I've assisted friends with ghoulish injuries and Harv had a hole in his head from a sinus surgery as a 10 yar old. I want to be mentally prepped for his post surgery care...
ReplyDeleteAh man it never ceases to amaze me how insensitive people can be. Also sometimes us "horse people" can be the worst of the worst. Way to laugh it off and stay positive.
ReplyDeleteStacey,
ReplyDeleteI am sending out positive thoughts and prayers for Riley's surgery and recovery. You are an amazing "horse mom" and Riley is so lucky to have you as his owner. I also bought my "dream" dressage prospect as a weanling, and yes it is risky, but well worth it. I love reading your blog and have learned so much. Thanks for sharing the lives of your horses with us.
There's simply no excuse for bad manners. My mother always told me, "If you don't have something nice to say…be quiet!" It's a shame that some of your responses have been so negative but those folks are generally unhappy and need to kick up their horse riding boots and relax. Keep in mind that you are doing everything possible to help your horse feel and perform better. Horses aren't cheap and surgery is even more expensive. The fact that you are personally and financially involved in your horse's well being speaks volumes for your good character.
ReplyDelete