Since I still can't ride, I've been taking her for walks. My mom has been riding Jimmy outside in a field more often, so while she does I take Socks on the halter and walk around the field with her. It's nice and relaxing. She walks at my speed and lets me ramble on about whatever I want. It's one of the only things I can do with her. I do groom her but since I'm trying to use my broken arm to do that, I can only do it for so long before my arm hurts too much. Speaking of though, I cleaned her front hoof, completely and properly, all by myself the other day. It completely killed my arm but I was very happy with myself. And then kind of upset that I was pleased with that, but I take what victories I can.
Jimmy has been great lately. The bitless bridle has made all the difference in him. He's so much more willing to do everything. Not to say he isn't still stubborn, because he's just a stubborn horse, but now we can at least say that's part of his personality and isn't being caused by discomfort.
We had the vet out on Friday to do Strangles for the three of them. Strangles is a nightmare to do every year, Socks hates it, Jimmy usually tries to rear and this was the first time Artemis was going to have her strangles done. We usually try to do it on our own but the vet was already coming out so we figured we'd get them to do it. I'm very glad we did. Socks was perfect. She didn't put her head up or react at all. Jimmy got very nervous when I gave the lead rope to the handler and the vet student walked over to him, his back arched, he went stiff everywhere and his eyes were rolling into the back of his head, but he was perfect too.
Artemis on the other hand, was her usual self. My mom went to catch her when we first got out there and by the time the vet was finished with the big guys, they had only gotten halfway across the field. The vet student, the handler and I walked out to them to save time, since they had another appointment to go to.
For the actual Strangles, Artemis was great. There was no reaction from her. She's just still being awful to bring in. Just out in the pasture, once you reach the gate then she's fine. It's extremely frustrating.
Socks also has a new paddock mate, a bay mare named Lily. Lily was here the winter Socks and Jimmy arrived but she was kept in a stall. I was actually worried when I saw Lily was in with Socks because they hated each other. I couldn't tie Socks up to her stall because they'd be pinning their ears back, squealing and snapping at each other.
The first day they were together Lily kept chasing Socks away from the food. T and I were a little concerned because Socks is a horse who can't afford to miss a meal. Socks is smart though. She just hung back and slowly inched her way in, slowly letting Lily get used to her presence. T promised to keep watching them and I knew Lily would be moved if she kept keeping Socks from the food. However, we don't need to worry about that. They seem to have sorted it out and are fine now. They hang out a lot more than Socks or Felene did. I'm very happy they're getting along.
Socks also got a much needed bath today. She was great for it, considering she doesn't get bathed very much and having a bath inside is still a new experience. She did get spooked badly when someone dropped something just as L walked in the door beside her. My poor horse almost had a heart attack but we got over it.
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