Glad That’s Behind Us……..Until Next Year

 

Apache had her Spring Vet Visit and Vaccines last Tuesday. To save the Farm Visit Fee of $35, I decided to just trailer her to the Vet Clinic, which is only about 5 miles from our house. I must admit that I wasn’t looking forward to it at all, mostly because we hadn’t trailered Apache anywhere since last July. We had practiced trailer loading at least once each month since then, but just hadn’t driven anywhere. And I was also a little nervous because I still harbor residual trepidation and yes, even some fear, from my injuries that were caused by Apache’s kicking behavior last year.

But I pulled up my Big Girl Panties and pushed past my fears and did it anyway.

When I went up to Apache’s paddock with the halter and lead, I was surprised that she walked away and then turned her back to me. I wasn’t about to chase her down, what with her history of kicking at me, so I just turned my back to her and ignored her. I wasn’t in a hurry as I made sure to give myself and Apache enough time before her Vet appt.

She didn’t make me wait very long, though, and within about 5 minutes, she turned around to face me, licking and chewing. I was still standing with my back to her, and could just see her out of the corner of my eye. But I slowly turned and casually walked in her general direction, but not directly at her. I stopped just to the right side of her head, rubbed her neck, gave her a cookie and she lowered her head so I could place the halter on her head. And we were ready to take a stroll to the trailer where I left her some bran mash and hay.

She loaded up just fine and was busy munching her snack while we checked to make sure everything was locked up safe and secure.

(All of the photos in this post were taken by Ranchman John with his cell phone)

When we arrived at the Vet Clinic, we unloaded Apache and had to wait about 10 minutes (in the fierce gusting wind) while the Vet laid out all of his supplies on a table. Apache was very high-headed and nervous and kept stepping into me, but thankfully she quickly moved away with just a shake of the lead rope. I felt safer standing on the trailer’s ramp while waiting and the trailer helped provide a bit of a wind break, which both Apache and I appreciated.

I found it funny after we got home, that Ranchman John had taken photos of me and Apache. I had no idea that he was doing that. I did see him with his cell phone, but figured that he was just texting or reading a message. Besides I was too focused on Apache with keeping her calm and me safe.

Last Spring’s Vet Clinic visit, we had him come to our house for the first vaccines and the float, and then we hauled her to the Vet Clinic for her booster shots (we gave booster vaccines because her previous owner had never given Apache any vaccines) At that time the Vet just gave Apache her booster vaccines while she stood outside.

(Check out how tight her lips are, how drawn up her neck is, and how worried her eyes appear)

But last week it was so terribly windy and Apache was very on-edge standing outside, so the Vet suggested getting everything done inside his clinic.

It did seem to calm her down quite a bit once we went inside, although she was very concerned about the chute at first. But we just went slow and closed it on her when she was ready.

Apache was a good girl while he gave Apache the VEWT, 4 in One, Strangles, West Nile and Rabies vaccines. I found that, by gently rubbing her cheek, just above her lips, she seemed markedly calmer. She even stood still and calm while the Vet drew blood for her Coggins test. (Got the results back today and she was negative)

The Vet gave Apache a full body check up and inspected her teeth. I had planned to have her float done, too, but the Vet said that her teeth looked and felt good from last year’s float and were only just beginning to have a few points that he could feel. He recommended having her teeth rechecked later this summer and have her floated then.

When it was time to get her loaded back in the trailer, she balked for a moment at the door, but I focused on walking with purpose and didn’t pause as I led her in. Up she went and Ranchman John dumped the rest of her bran mash into the manger, and she went back to happily munching as we made sure everything was safe and secure before heading back home.

(This is what the land looks like without any rain for 7 months and only two good snowfalls all winter)

She was happy to be back home again and tried to back up a little too fast for my liking (she usually just slowly backs up) when we removed the butt chain, but I was surprised that she didn’t call out to my neighbor Val’s 4 horses or try to gallop down to them once I removed her halter. She did walk away from me and headed in their direction, but then turned around to come back to me. Silly mare.

I gave her a couple cookies, some rubs and a hug, and left her to rest from her Vet Visit.