I have some very depressing news. Galaxy kicked Chrome in the face earlier today and now he's having trouble chewing. He still acts healthy and happy with a good appetite, but he can't move his lower jaw in the circular motion that they usually use to chew. He can't eat hay, but I'm going to soak his feed for him so he can still eat it. We can't get an appointment at the vet until eleven in the morning, but the doctor didn't think it would be a problem overnight since he's acting okay.
The bad news doesn't end there. We've finally made the decision to rehome Galaxy. This was the last straw. I didn't want to get rid of her, but I refuse to put up with her kicking. This morning when I walked across their pen to get her bucket, which they'd pulled off the fence, she galloped up behind me, spun around and kicked out with both rear legs. Luckily I heard her coming and was able to get out of the way, although I don't think she was really aiming because she has deadly accuracy. I'm sad about this, but was also surprised to find how relieved I was when I finally made the decision. I just do not get along with her and I bought Chrome to enjoy him, not put up with her. She's already injured a goat and now Chrome. I'm afraid I'll be next or that she'll kill one of the chickens. When we find someone who wants her we're going to go pick up Zeppelin (the donkey) from my dad's house to keep Chrome company. They have similar laid back dispositions, so I think it will work out better.
Well, back to work. Later.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Which neck?
Here's something fun to think about. Of course we won't have an answer until Chrome is grown, but still. :) While out feeding I started taking pictures of Chrome, mostly because I wanted to show you all how his neck is thickening up and I got to thinking . . . will he have a Friesian neck or an Arabian neck? Here are some pictures. Let me know what you think! You can click to enlarge for a better view.
Here are a couple of Friesians. I couldn't find any in the exact position, but you get the idea.
One last picture of my cutie pie.
"Mom! I'm trying to eat!!"
Here are a couple of Friesians. I couldn't find any in the exact position, but you get the idea.
And here are a couple of Arabians. I don't mind either way which breed he resembles more because they're both beautiful.
"Mom! I'm trying to eat!!"
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monthly Progress Report - 12-19-09
I had plans to go out and groom Chrome and get a really cute picture of him for his progress report, but I woke up feeling sick this morning, so instead I just got a picture of him eating. Oh well. Chrome really seems to be filling out. He's getting a thicker neck and crest and his chest is getting wider. These pictures are on a slope so he looks really butt high, more than he actually is, but that's okay.
And a few more pictures.
Look at how much his mane has grown. This is from October.
And this is now. It's hard to see because of the shadow, but I'm sure you kind of get the idea. :)
Nickering at me.
_________________
Date: 12-19-09
Age: 7 months
Height: A little over 12.3½hh (51½ in/4ft 3in/1.3m/130cm)
Height Gain: ½ inch
Weight: Approx 475lbs
Weight Gain: 45lbs
Progress: Chrome is doing really well. As you can see from his measurements he’s growing consistently. He’s starting to get a natural arch to his neck, probably from the Friesian blood. He’s still laid back and friendly. He still nickers at me when he’s done eating. He’s eating Nicker Maker treats, but only if there isn’t something available that he likes better, like his hay. He had no problem with the whip, even when I was swinging it hard to enough to make noise. I took him on the road again and he didn’t spook at anything. We even had a truck go by, but I got in the ditch and faced it this time, so he was fine with it. I was also really proud of Chrome when we had the barn built. He wasn’t bothered by the construction after his initial wariness. He’s still doing great with picking up all four legs. He’s even letting me stretch them out behind him and in front of him. I’m working on how long he’ll let me hold them, to get him ready for trimming when it’s needed.
Goals: Our goals are simple this month. Enjoy each other’s company, grow and don’t freeze to death. :D I’m not going to worry about doing too much training, since we have years of time to get ready for riding. I have to keep reminding myself he’s only a baby. Instead I need to work on Galaxy. She needs to learn a little respect. She’s being pushy and likes to kick (not good!). I do want to work on building Chrome’s duration with holding up his legs because he’ll eventually need a trim. Anyway I guess that’s all for now.
Age: 7 months
Height: A little over 12.3½hh (51½ in/4ft 3in/1.3m/130cm)
Height Gain: ½ inch
Weight: Approx 475lbs
Weight Gain: 45lbs
Progress: Chrome is doing really well. As you can see from his measurements he’s growing consistently. He’s starting to get a natural arch to his neck, probably from the Friesian blood. He’s still laid back and friendly. He still nickers at me when he’s done eating. He’s eating Nicker Maker treats, but only if there isn’t something available that he likes better, like his hay. He had no problem with the whip, even when I was swinging it hard to enough to make noise. I took him on the road again and he didn’t spook at anything. We even had a truck go by, but I got in the ditch and faced it this time, so he was fine with it. I was also really proud of Chrome when we had the barn built. He wasn’t bothered by the construction after his initial wariness. He’s still doing great with picking up all four legs. He’s even letting me stretch them out behind him and in front of him. I’m working on how long he’ll let me hold them, to get him ready for trimming when it’s needed.
Goals: Our goals are simple this month. Enjoy each other’s company, grow and don’t freeze to death. :D I’m not going to worry about doing too much training, since we have years of time to get ready for riding. I have to keep reminding myself he’s only a baby. Instead I need to work on Galaxy. She needs to learn a little respect. She’s being pushy and likes to kick (not good!). I do want to work on building Chrome’s duration with holding up his legs because he’ll eventually need a trim. Anyway I guess that’s all for now.
And a few more pictures.
Look at how much his mane has grown. This is from October.
And this is now. It's hard to see because of the shadow, but I'm sure you kind of get the idea. :)
Nickering at me.
Being cute.
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