Why I chose Retirement for Ben

Retirement..... It's never an easy subject to approach with any horse owner especially when you have had a few years of partnership. So how, when, & do you retire your horse? The decision is ultimately up to you but sometimes its not an option depending on the issue at hand. For Ben I slowly decreased his work load through the years until where we are now which is him being fully retired. When I first got him we lessoned regularly & showed every month from spring to early fall. Ben was about 20 yrs when I first got him but had no problem with the work load he was given. He took me through my first jump course up to 2'9 ft for fun in a lessons sometimes even. His heart was all for it & it showed. 3 yrs down the road I decided to retire him from jumping. Why? His heart wasn't in it anymore. He was a horse that never missed a jump to a horse that wasn't keen on every jump anymore. After being diagnosed with arthritis of his knees (I'm sure in other places as well) I decided to stop jumping him. Sure I could have given him some pain meds & kept going but how fair was that? I wanted him to be able to be ridden as long as possible & being comfortable while doing it. We then did flat work for 2-3 more years after that. After I noticed him tripping more & even coming to his knees at some points I stopped flat work. We then just did light trail riding & he adored it & had his passion again. We had an amazing summer of riding on the trails just at the walking taking it nice & easy. He was still fully sound & able & happy with it all. I made a promise never to do ring work again because he had enough of it through out his years. With him becoming sick in early winter it put a hold on any riding we did & at that point we only rode 3 times a week for 15-20 mins just enough to keep him happy & fit.

Once he was diagnosed with severe ulcers I stopped riding but wasn't sure at first if we would continue after he was healed. Now 5 months later after he was diagnosed I made my decision. I decided to fully retire him from any & all work. He is sound at all gaits. This wasn't as hard as a decision for me personally as one might think though. He has carried me for 6 yrs to ribbons, over jumps, through fields & woods, up hills down hills, given me the wings I lacked to feel free & fly. Never judging me but teaching me all along the way. He has been the best riding partner I could have ever asked for. This is why it was not a hard decision. He has given me so much through the years not just to me though to anyone who has ever sat on his back & asked something of him. So why would I deny him his right in a retirement? I cannot just buy another horse to ride or even lease one to ride. He is & will be my one & only. He deserves my time like he has so graciously given me his when I have asked him of it. Sometimes I just drape my arms & lay my head on his back just to feel his movement , his steps, his steady breathe beneath me, but never wanting to sit atop him. Just being in the moment with him. That is a beautiful thing.

Senior horses have a lot to share & give. They are like encyclopedias filled to the brim with years of experiences & knowledge we all hope to know & encounter one day. I do think they should continue being ridden for as long as they can & slowly decreasing the load as seen fit. If your horse is giving you signs that they have had enough its time to really think what's best for them riding wise. The signs are there it's up to you whether you want to acknowledge them or not. A horse that loves jumping suddenly stops or a horse that stood patiently for you to climb atop suddenly shy's away. You find you need to give pain meds where as before you didn't. These are just a small portion of signs something is not right both physically (internal to!) & mentally. Arthritis happens to every horse its just to what extent & where. You can manage it for many years but take in to consideration what your asking of that horse & how it will effect them down the road. Too many people (not all) just push & push & take no consideration of soundness for their future. Why do some care when they can just get a younger model & not have to "deal" with it right? It's setting that horse up for a very uncomfortable & possibly uncertain future ahead of them that's the "deal". So please take care of your horses physical & mental soundness. They all have their limits & they need to be respected. If you find that your horse is unable to perform at the level you want without prescriptions of any kind then that horse needs an owner who doesn't expect as much or accept the level they can give you.

Horses will often push themselves even to he breaking point just to please theirs owners. It is up to you to decide what is morally right & if they should continue at that level or riding in general. We all got into this sport for a reason right? It had to do with a love of horses to start with. Well this sport doesn't exist without them so treat them with the respect they so rightfully deserve. Sometimes I think people forget who their partner & trainer really is when it comes to riding & even beyond the saddle. They teach you even more if you just spend time with them & be around them not just climbing on top of them. Enjoy your partner & don't always be so serious all the time because you never know when something could come up.

Summer Daze

Summer is in full swing now bringing longer daylight, hotter weather, & bugs. After the random thunderstorm or rain shower brings out the worst in the bugs hands down. I had to use a fly sheet on Ben for the evening following a rain storm that brought them out of the depths they live in. While I have nothing against them I do however have a problem when they decide to irritate Ben. I don't know about anyone else but when I see my son twitching, swishing, or stomping from the nuisances it drives me crazy! For typical fly gear during the day Ben sports the Equine Sun Visor ( which he models on the website!), Kensington Fly boots, & Endure fly spray. Sometimes we add SWAT to the sensitive areas to keeps those tiny little no-see-ums not seen.... This works very well for Ben during the day. In the evening he wears just his fly spray & SWAT as needed. I do not keep a fly mask on him at night because he has cataracts in both eyes worse in the one. So at night he doesn't need his vision impaired further. As for why he doesn't wear the fly boots it's because he dislikes wearing them enough during the day he wouldn't speak to me if I had him wear them all day & night! Fly sheet is only used on an as needed basis because he wears blankets enough through the cold months this is his time to be free & naked. I highly recommend the use of a mask & boots though. Would you like bugs flying around your eyeballs? I'm guessing not... Bugs bite legs which then entails in stomping so cover the legs with fly wraps which stops the stomping. Simple really... It also cuts down on lost shoes or chipped toes for the barefooters. Also saves your horses joints from repetitive joint concussion from stomping!

Ben seems to be enjoying his retired lifestyle very well. I have even started giving him 2 flakes of alfalfa when I'm not working. One in the AM & one in the PM. He very much likes this new arrangement! He seems to be doing well overall with everything. I have to keep a closer eye on his weight this time of year since he can drop. He is the opposite of most horses where they would loose weight in the winter he is the summer. The change to his feed to just the Cavalor Fiberforce is also doing very well for him. He has been off Gastrogard for going on 2 months now. I wasn't sure he would be able to tolerate being off it considering how bad he was when we started this whole journey. He keeps on surprising me everyday & its truly amazing the transformation he has made. He just currently takes the Sucralfate twice a day & Misoprostol once a day & liking that routine! Next test which Is mid July if he tests the same or better he can discontinue the Misoprostol & stay on just the Sucralfate. Like I've said before I'm hoping with eating just the Cavalor & even the increase in the alfalfa hay he proves even better next test!

Thank you for all the support you all have given Ben (you know who you are)!

Recheck number 5

So here we are now heading into month 5 of treating gastric & colonic ulcers. It's crazy to think that it's been 5 months since he was first diagnosed. While we are still going through this journey the past 5 months have been a lot of trial & error. Let's not forget the pop up issues that were unrelated in between! Through it all the strongest one has been Ben without a doubt. Many people give me a lot of credit & while it's very sweet to hear we cannot forget the one who has been going through so much with his body both physically & mentally & coming through with strength I have never seen before. Ben has been such a trooper through everything & never giving me any problems for any of his medications or treatments. A very good friend of mine "babysat" him for a few weeks on my late work night & always praised how well behaved he is & she had never met a horse that took a syringe of medication (especially one that doesn't taste pleasant) so well. Commenting how he knew his routine so well he would even let you know when he was due for something. He is extremely intelligent & sensitive & it takes a special person to understand him fully. He has rare qualities you don't often see in most horses. He is my heart.

His Succeed Fecal test was run yesterday & it was negative for Albumin & very faint positive for Hemoglobin. This is an improvement from last months check because the Hemoglobin was a decent amount more positive than now! The Dr. at the hospital does not want to make any changes to his medication as he is doing very well currently. So he will continue another 30 day course of Sucralfate 2x's a day & Misoprostol once a day. Though he is not 100% negative he's improved from last month & doing better overall. I'm hoping now that he is on just the Cavalor Fiber Force that he will finally be negative. I've noticed many improvements just these past few weeks with taking out the Triple Crown Senior all together. I'm just happy to see him doing well considering where we started. He was very sick & it takes time & patience to heal the wounds he had internally.

Remember ulcers are easily formed but much harder to treat. That's why it's important to know your horse & their habits. Spend time with them & just hang out. You don't always have to ride. That's not what being a horse person is about & until one learns that they will never discover the true beauty of the horse & their spirits that surround them.

Dapples for days

Just as the title says Ben has bloomed with dapples! He has always had dapples while in my care but never to the extent he has them this year! He typically gets them on top his hind quarters after he sheds his winter coat, but this year he has them coating his entire body from his withers to tail! I've attributed it to his Cavalor Fiber Force, medications , & day & night turnout routine. He has been on just the Cavalor Fiber Force for 2 weeks now & has since dappled & gained more weight! I cannot be more pleased with all his progress especially considering where we started. I always thought to myself if the Triple Crown Senior was so good then why did he have an entire GI tract filled with ulcers? I'm sure many horses do great on it & while Ben did for awhile it clearly wasn't what his body was needing.

Next week will be his recheck of the Succeed Fecal test & then we go from there what his next medication plan will be. I'm hoping he finally beats this test & gets a full negative. Either way though he has shown miles of improvements regardless. He seems to be very content with his current regimen & retired lifestyle.  Do I miss riding him? Sure I do I had been riding with him as my partner for 6 years hardly missing a week. I am honored to be able to provide him with a retirement he has more than earned with watching the sunrise & sunset & endless grooming session. No stress just relaxing. He began his career as a racehorse at 3 then from there became a star in the Hunter ring winning more than one could count. I retired him from the show ring at age 23 due to arthritis developing in his knees. We then dabbled in some dressage, trail riding, & just messing around. Once he was diagnosed with ulcers though I would not ride him. Now 4 months down the road I have decided to give him the retirement he has been long awaiting & deserved. I may hop on bareback for a short stroll but no saddle will again be put on his back or a girth squeezing his sides. He will spend his time doing as he pleases with his pamper sessions in between.

I will not ride him until he is so uncomfortable that he cannot enjoy his time after 26 yrs of service to numerous people. I say 26 because he was not ridden since February & his birthday is in March when he turned 27. It's never an easy decision but its by far the right one & I couldn't be happier with having him right by my side.

A Special Thank You

I wanted to make a special "thank you" post to all those who have helped Ben & I get to the point we are at now. Its easy to forget sometimes how much those people have done & care when you get caught up in everyday life. I never use names other than Bens for privacy reasons but you all know who you are.

I would like to first say a huge thank you to the vet that helped save Bens life. She is the one who insisted we go to the hospital in the first place & gave me support through the process. She is always cheering Ben on to get well & has played a huge role in where he is today. So thank you.

Next is my barn manager & barn owner. They have both done so much for Ben in regards to ensuring he stayed as stress free as possible. Checking on him at points during the night when he was at his worst & rearranging so much just to fit his needs. I am forever thankful for what you both have done & continue to do for us. Again we wouldn't be where we are today without your help & care.

Next is the Vet at the hospital & staff for obvious reasons. He chose an excellent medication plan for Ben & has been in touch whenever I needed a question answered. He has played a major role in helping Ben get to this point. Thank you for all you do.

My friends who have helped me from standing by me when I hit my lowest point & guiding me to help Ben. To my friend who helped me trailer Ben to the clinic always making sure he got his correct medications at the right time & making signs to ensure things go smoothly when I was at work. To the ones who have watched over Ben while I wasn't there to make sure all was ok & quickly calling if any problem arised. Babysitting him & helping to medicate him on days I work late. Thank you all. You know who you are so thank you.

My parents who have always been there for Ben & I through everything no words can describe how thankful I am for you both.

Next is his massage therapist. You have always been there when Ben needed you & have gone out of your way to help in any way you could. Knowing Ben for 5 yrs now you are a great person to turn to as a highly valued opinion on his overall well being & comfort. A great person & friend to us both you will always be. Thank you.

His farrier, you have also gone out of your way to ensure Ben's comfort & health for his toes. & in general. Helping us so much through the bruised foot & checking in on him regularly to make sure he is comfortable. I have yet to meet a farrier with your kindness & patience when working with him. You have turned Ben's feet around from falling apart to falling in place. So thank you for all you do.

Ben's chiropractor. You are another that is always there if I need advice or recommendations on anything. You have turned Ben around with his comfort & keeping his body in place. Thank you.

The Barn staff. You have played another big role. in his overall well being. Ensuring Ben gets his medications on schedule & making sure he is cared for. Thank you for your care everyday you give to him. Thank you all.

To my work for always being accomidating when Ben required my highest level of attention & sending positive thoughts & vibes his way. Allowing me to get anything he needs & never questioning it. Thank you.

All of you play an important role in Ben's life & care & where we are now. I consider all of you apart of Ben's people. Again Thank you all for everything you do & continue to do everyday.

How to medicate the ulcer horse Updated 7-19-16

I have received many questions in regards to Ben's treatment regimen on how his ulcers are being treated. So I have decided to make a post about his entire medication schedule from beginning to where we are now. Though my blog has all of this throughout it will be easier to see here all together.

Month 1: After initial scope & diagnosis of Grade 2 & 3 gastric ulcers coinciding with colonic ulcers both with bleeding & fully positive Succeed Fecal test.

30 days Gastrogard full tube
30 days Sucralfate 4x's a day
30 days Misoprostol once a day

Month 2: Scope 2 revealed almost fully healed Gastric ulcers only grade 1 but still colonic ulcers & fully positive Succeed Fecal Test.

30 days Gastrogard 1/2 tube
30 days Sucralfate 2x's a day
30 days Misoprostol once a day

Month 3: Half positive Succeed Fecal Test no scope needed.

2 weeks Gastrogard 1/4 tube
30 days Sucralfate 2x's a day
30 days Misoprostol once a day

Month 4: Half positive Succeed Fecal Test.

30 days Sucralfate 2x's a day
30 days Misoprostol once a day


Month 5: Almost fully negative Succeed Fecal Test.

30 days Sucralfate 2x's a day
30 days Misoprostol once a day


Month 6: FULLY NEGATIVE Succeed Fecal Test!

2 weeks Sucralfate 2x's a day then stop



That is where we are currently in regards to his treatments.

His diet consists of 3 quarts of Cavalor Fiberforce given 3x's a day.

His Supplements are:

Assure Guard- Gastric & colonic support
Assure Plus - 7 days of every month for sand removal
Steadfast- Joints
Xie Yin San- Chinese Herbal for allergies

His Turnout is day & night

He gets 1-2 flakes of western Alfalfa hay & 24/7 hay in Nibblenets.

He gets his toes trimmed every 4 weeks, Massaged every 4 weeks, Chiropractor & acupuncture every 8 weeks.

He is retired from riding since his diagnosis.

He has never been happier.

Appointment Days

Today was a busy day for Ben! He typically spends his days just relaxing in his field, but today however he had a busy morning! It started with his farrier visit. His toes have been in need of a trim despite being on an every 4 week schedule without fail. He had a good amount of growth on his toes & had some chipping on his right front which his farrier had predicted the trim prior. The damage may look bad but most people don't realize its cosmetic. Just because he has a chip does not mean he will be lame or even sore in the slightest it just may not "look pretty". This is the foot that was soaked & bruised & caused him lameness for almost a full month. Naturally it needs to grow back stronger again which takes time. All of his other toes are holding up well. He had an old bruise grow out on his left front which he has never had issues with but due to compensation from his other hoof it too sustained a minor bruise that caused no problems at the time apparently. After his trim his toes indeed do "look pretty" again the chipped hoof rasped back into uniform with all the others again. Ben also held his right front foot up the longest on record I have seen him! His normal 5 second rule turned into a full minute! I'm hoping this means his new joint supplement is proving its worth!

Directly after his toe trim it was time for his massage session. He gets massaged in his field because its his happy place. So out we go to his field for his massage. His massage session went very well! His massage therapist reported that his stomach both foregut & hindgut felt beautiful for the first time in many, many months! His right front knee also felt great & more lubricated than before! Again he gets done every 4 weeks for his massages as well without fail. I again am attributing this to his new joint supplement (Steadfast) in case anyone forgot. Some don't feel feed through joint supplements work but there are way too many horses that improve once on one. It is a game of which one will work for your horse because as with anything not one thing will always work for another. I had a hard time keeping Ben awake for his massage the energy work always effects him very well.

I received comments from both his massage therapist & his farrier about how good his weight is & how good he looks! That is always nice to hear especially considering they see him every 4 weeks & are great judges on any changes that may go on that one may not notice seeing him daily. He has also been just on the Cavalor Fiberforce for a few days now. He receives 3 quarts 3 times a day.

His summer coat is in full bloom with very little shedding left & his dapples coat his underbelly peeking out the sides.

Until next time...