Welcome Back, Winter!

Well, plans to travel to bring Mesa home were derailed thanks to a freak spring blizzard. The frustrating part (well, one of the frustrating parts) is that the roads in BC are beautiful.. It's just the 2 hours getting out of Alberta that would be means for a scary drive.

One of many in the ditch this morning.

Alberta is funny... beautiful one day... tragic within hours. Here was yesterday morning, vs. what I woke up too today

Featuring Jack, my Hangin' Tree Cowdog

Featuring Brenda No Teeth

Alas, we will try again next Sunday. I'll leave you with a video from the same time 2 years ago today, and what I wish I could be doing. Oh how I can’t wait for summer!

Tis' The Season...

...for babies!

Calving season is in full swing at the clinic. Which means lots of c-sections, and scouring calves. I can't say all of the calves have survived, but we have had a decent amount who have.

Holding the uterus as it is sewn back together.

Live calf, happy momma!

 We've also gotten our fair share of puppy visits at the clinic.

3 day old Miniature Australian Shepherd

3 day old St. Bernard

I went out to a friend/clients place today to administer a few injections. Lucky for me, her mare had foaled the night before.

A Classic Guy x Mega Magic Playgirl

This cute little filly turned out quite the opposite of her mom! She's is doing well, and has the cutest little face.

Her owner noticed that her right eye is weeping, so while I was out there I took a quick look.

Lower eyelid entropion.

This filly has what is called "entropion" on her lower eyelid. Entropion is when the eyelid folds inward, and the eyelashes constantly scrape against the eye. The only treatment is surgery. I've seen plenty of entropion cases in dogs, but personally never in a horse. The surgery consists of cutting out a chunk of skin below the eye, and then suturing the two new edges together which will in turn pull down the eyelid into a more natural position.

I'm not sure the anesthetic protocol, or if there even is one, for a foal to do the surgery - something I will find out tomorrow.
*Edit*: it turns out there is an alternate option to surgery to treat entropion in horses! Some sedation required, but essentially some saline is injected under the eye, which will pull the eyelid down. The Dr. and I will be going out next week to treat this filly, will keep you posted!

It is also the season for castrating, as it is warmer but still not many bugs! This morning we gelded and freeze branded 4 yealings, and in the afternoon a 4 year old barely halter broke stallion lost his manhood as well.

Man down! Recovering from his castration.

In other news, Mesa comes home on Sunday, and I have booked her for the freeze branding next Wednesday. I'm so excited to get her home, and start learning what she is all about. :)

More Than a Sunday.

Currently, I work 3 jobs; my full time job at a mixed practice, a part time/Saturday job at the other  clinic in town, and some evenings at a car dealership as a receptionist.
This usually means I work Monday-Saturday, with Sunday's off (providing there are no emergencies!).
However! This week-end, I took some time to myself and had more than a Sunday. 3 whole days!

Banjo has been doing well in his training. He's becoming more soft and responsive.
I like to start working with any new colt in a round pen, see what they know, what they're unsure of, and what they plain just don't know.
My round pen work with Banjo showed me a couple things; one, he's very flighty, and doesn't seem to have much trust for humans. Second, he is very blocked on his right side.
It took a few round pen sessions to get to this point (him walking up to me), but you can see just how much he blocks me from that side.

Riding colts sure does make me appreciate my main mount!

In the mean time, preparations are in full swing for Mesa.
We had a handful of West Nile cases last year, so first order of business will be vaccinating her. Next will be finding some time to take her into my clinic to have her freeze branded with the Diamond Lazy H brand, and remove wolf teeth (if she has any).
Only 1 week until she's an Albertan!

An Introduction.

Hello!

My name is Shannon. I'm a 23 year old Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) working in a busy mixed animal clinic in rural southern Alberta.

Although I've always had a love for horses, my family did not share my passion. It wasn't until grade 8 that my now best friend moved here with her 8 horses, that I got started riding.
Fast forward a few years and at 16 years old I bought my first horse for $1.00 from a lady I worked for during the summer.

That horse: Bailey.

Eyed B Sassy, AKA "Bailey"

Bailey was a halter broke 3 year old when I got her, and there were reasons she was practically free.

I took her to 4-H with 30 rides on her, and through lots of learning and perseverance, the rest is history. Almost 8 years later she the best horse I could have ever imagined owning.

Although in the summers between my 3 years at Olds College I bought, started, and sold lots of horses, it has taken me 8 years to decide to buy one to keep.

That horse: Mesa.

Midnight Mesa AKA "Mesa"

Mesa had been for sale for a couple months I believe before I messaged Shirley, the owner of Diamond Lazy H Quarter Horses in southern BC. The family where I keep Bailey has 4 half siblings to Mesa (all sired by Isle Be Midnight), and they ALL have incredible minds and work ethic. I knew Mesa would be a good one.

After a 10 hour round trip to see Mesa, it was a done deal. She was perfect.

Mesa will be coming home in a couple of weeks, and while I build new fence on my property, she will be staying across the road from Bailey in exchange for riding a colt for the gentleman who lives on the property.

That horse: Banjo

Banjo is registered however the only thing I know is he has Hollywood Dunit on his papers; the owner could not get the papers from his now ex wife... I didn't ask too many questions ;)

He's 6 years old, and was "cowboy started" and essentially just tracked cows his whole life. I've put a few rides on him so far, and am pleased. He's a nervous nelly, but is SO willing to learn and work. I'm excited for what we can get accomplished this summer.

My goal with this blog is to have a place to document my progress with these horses, as well as life as a mixed animal RVT (because it is NEVER a dull moment!).

So, if you're squeamish, this blog probably isn't for you. If you get annoyed by lots of horse/dog/animals in general being posted; this blog probably isn't for you.

Otherwise, I look forward to having you follow along on this journey.