Making Changes

So after my frustration post I knew I had to make some changes. Ben continued his stall walking every evening. He would eventually stop at some point because he ate his hay bag until there was hardly any left & always ate all his meals. For whatever reason his stall was causing him stress & that would prohibit any healing of his ulcers despite all the medications he is taking. They say horses speak but we need to listen, well he was screaming at me & I chose to listen. I asked my barn if it was some how possible for him to be turned out pretty much 24/7 except for bad weather & he would eat his meals in his stall. Naturally it would have to be discussed at first. While I was waiting on an answer he continued to walk. He walked a total of 4 days & it only took 2 days to get an answer & he was freed from what he felt like was a prison . I can never thank my barn enough for everything they have done for us. We are not anything special either. We don't take lessons, we don't show, do clinics, nothing, but that never matters to them. They have always put his & my best interest first. I am truly lucky to have found them ( thanks to a friend who was already there) . Even the boarders are so helpful & supportive of each other & keep an eye out & that's so appreciated . My one friend goes above & beyond giving him medications, mixing meals & supplements , & trailering him to his appts. I am truly lucky to have these people in my & Ben's life. I am forever thankful . 

Tonight he started his first official turnout. I can not tell you how nice it was to see him relaxed & not stall walking for once. I left the barn smiling from ear to ear. I still can't stop smiling because he's not walking in circles! I don't know what caused him to hate his stall all of the sudden whether he related it to something negative since his ulcers arrived or what actually came first, but I am listening to him as much as I can. 

So next week we have our 4 week recheck gastroscopy. We trailer all the way back north to see how well he's healed. It won't be exactly 30 days for the recheck but I'm told to have it done a few days before so he doesn't stop medications. We have our bumps in the road & some delays in healing & I'm sure more hurdles to over come, but we have a great support system in place & that's the key.