I was doing so well on this blog, and then, silence.
In my defense, a LOT of things were/are going on.
Lots of changes, ALL GOOD.
Let me just start by saying Maxwell has been phenomenal! Things have been on the up swing for some time now, and he's just doing wonderfully!
Back at the end of May, I decided Maxwell could benefit from some "horsie bootcamp" at his Auntie Summer's house, to help with some ground work/manners road blocks I was coming up against with him. He did wonderful there for the 30 days, and I have to admit the thought of bringing him home was difficult. Maxwell had been integrated into a large group of geldings for his night time turnout, and he was thriving. Yes, he came in with some bites at first, but Maxwell is rather mouthy by nature, and probably deserved about 98% of what he got. He found his place in the herd, and the transformation that took place was amazing. His attitude changed. He finally had a "place". Prior to this, Maxwell was kept in a smaller paddock with one other horse for turnout. He had good and bad buddies, but would typically annoy them to death. You can only take so much of one "person" (or horse) before you get annoyed with them. Especially when they're as obnoxious as Baby Maxwell can sometimes be ;-) But being in the group of geldings helped him to understand his place in the herd, gave him a purpose, and a LOT of playmates to annoy. Maxwell was very happy with his arrangement.
Maxwell has never been what I would consider stall aggressive, but he was definitely stall "stressed". He really hated having horses peering into his stall. The stall he was kept in prior to boot camp was wood boards about 1/3 of the way up, and then went to wire mesh from there up. Great ventilation, but terrible privacy for horses who require such. He spent most of his day biting the metal mesh, kicking at the wall, and generally just being really grumpy while in his stall. This is something that has significantly changed for him since moving to Summer's place. Her stalls are wood top to bottom. He can't see the horses next to him, and he likes it that way. He IS an ex racehorse. A horse who when stalled never saw the horses next to him. It's his safe place. His man cave. His fortress of solitude. It's amazing the difference in his attitude when something as simple as a more private stall is added.
The 30 days came and went, and I had a really hard time coming to grips with bringing him back. The facility I had him at was okay enough for the average horse. The things Maxwell was getting at Summers were things that just couldn't happen at this facility due to the way it was set up. I made the decision to keep Maxwell at Summer's. Two days later, I found out the facility I had him at prior was ceasing operations and closing down. Clearly, my gut instinct to keep Maxwell where I felt he belonged, was definitely a good one. We were finally home at Silver Race Farm.Maxwell had a second round of Omeprazole treatment while he was under Summer's care for the first 30 days during boot camp, followed by a round of Sucralfate. His health is perfect, and his body is making some lovely transformations. Between a second stomach ulcer treatment, a hind gut treatment, and a reduction of stressors, my horse is finally flourishing.
I can't put into words the "thank you" Summer deserves. Without her, I would have a grumpy horse, at a facility that may or may not provide what Maxwell really needs. I am beyond lucky and grateful to be allowed to keep my horse at a facility that puts the horse's needs first. He's fed as much hay as he wants, is kept in a stall that keeps him calm and happy, and turned out with a bunch of mostly Thoroughbred friends to play with. Not to mention, the attention to detail. Every little detail. No stone goes unturned. Something most people can only dream of. I was so used to fretting over every single minute detail of my horse's care. For the first time since becoming a horse owner in Florida, I could relax a little. I could focus a little more on our training together. And boy is Maxwell progressing.
I've always been of the philosophy that slower is better. I'm not in any sort of a hurry to get Maxwell anywhere. I am taking my time to develop this horse as best as I possibly can. He's really starting to blossom. Everything is just starting to click. I've quickly become a better rider for myself and for Maxwell, and he a better horse, under the guidance and help of our new barn. I couldn't be more proud to say I'm a member of Silver Race Farm. That Maxwell & I are finally "home".
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| Our most recent photo together. Finally a horse and rider on the same page. |
