Becoming an Independent Ben

Ben has become such an independent man lately! When he first started being turned out at night & there was only his 2 neighbors in the field next to him he became pretty attached to them understandably . If he couldn't see them & they went in their run in he would neigh & run looking for them until they reappeared . Well after almost 2 months of being out all the time yesterday was the first time I saw him feeling confident enough to not have a mini fit with the other two out of view. He was just standing in his usual corner looking over knowing they were indeed there but just out of view for a short time. I was very proud of him. He may not always do that but it's a big step for him. Now that the weather is really nice finally there are more friends out during the night & he has not become so attached to just them but just enjoys whoever is around him.  This makes me so happy to see him becoming so well adjusted.

I feel like he's grown up to become a stronger horse mentally. Yes I know he's 27 but that doesn't mean anything. His arthritic knees have improved so much with his turnout & he has his beautiful floating trot that I get to see every so often when he chooses. He knows his evening routine so well he tells me when he's ready for his sucralfate! When he is done with his alfalfa, meds, & treats he goes off to do his own thing now. I want him to be like that & feel confident with himself. I am beyond happy with how things have been going so far & can only hope he improves even more! I do get nervous when he starts a new decreasing dose but I trust his Dr.'s & know they always have his best interest. Some people have asked if & when I can ride him again & I don't know the answer to that honestly. I will not ride him while he is undergoing treatment. Why? Just because you start them on medications to curb the symptoms does not mean they are healed enough to be ridden. Ben is undergoing his 3rd month of treatment & still is not 100% healed. Just because he is feeling a lot better does not mean he is on the inside fully yet & we are avoiding set backs as much as we can. When he is fully cleared I haven't decided what we will do. We will see when the time comes. I know most people especially those who show would hate to give their horse many months off but ulcers are in my opinion considered an injury. They are an injury to the digestive tract & should be treated as such like other injuries & given the proper time off. Showing, lessons , & riding will have to wait if you want the best chance to get your horse back. Ulcers are no game to play as you all have read. Here's to looking up to a brighter year hopefully!