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So the horse is partially mine, kinda like a lease to own type deal. I've known him for about 5 years, this past June his owner moved across the country and thought it was in his best interest not to bring him to a hot climate. I didn't have a horse, so we kinda fell into eachother. He's not what I would have picked--I ride dressage and owned a thoroughbred, and hes a 19 year old QH thats basically done trails all his life. But I love him to bits, and he has the absolute best personality.

I mix up what we each like, I do a little dressage work with him, and then hit the trail to cool down. I've learned to take it a very little at a time, or he gets frustrated and shuts down.

Things went great until September when he went lame. It was bad and sudden, so I figured an abscess. After a couple weeks of no progress, we had xrays taken. No rotation, just inflammation. Opted for rest, bute, and pads. Saw some improvement but not much, so we injected his coffins. That was mid November, and he was spicy and feeling fantastic, I rode about 3 times a week walk/trot to get him back into shape slowly. Mid/late December he went lame again, the farrier was out and said he seemed sore in his navicular, so we put wedges on him as well as the pads. This week he took a downward turn and was walking like he foundered, so we got more xrays taken, still no rotation (thank god), his coffins look good, but his navicular bursa is inflamed, bad. Vet said the inflammation progressed quickly. We started him on bute twice a day to keep him comfortable, the vet suggested we haul him to his facility for a few days, so he can check a few more things out, inject his bursa, and do another injectable medication.

Im taking this as riding days are behind him, which is okay with me. He's been absolutely perfect in the months Ive ridden him, and he even gave my sister and friend a good first ride. Im just scared, I've been with him almost everyday since June, I've known him for years. He's really hurting right now, and the vet said that what hes going to do is a last resort. What if it isnt enough for him? What if it doesnt keep him comfortable? Its just been a rollercoaster of a ride.