The Influence of the Barn

My friend asked me if I was OK the other day. I thought back to the previous couple of weeks and laughed. We all deal with the ups and downs of life ... a death of a loved one, a sibling in turmoil, a child making their own way. Life can be chaotic, so when my friend asked that question it didn't take long to think back to Harry and answer that I was indeed in a very peaceful place.

Strangles, the equine equivalent of strep throat, has been making the rounds through the barn. Most of the horses have had it by now and are starting to return to normal. It manifest itself first as a fever, their glands swell up, and they may have trouble swallowing or breathing. Beylami, the young Arabian, had a very tough case of strangles. She was quite sick one day and having problems breathing. The vet was called in and he syringed off some fluid from her glands to help her. Passion was another who was quite ill .... she is FINALLY starting to feel better again, thank goodness. Keta, who was the first, and the carrier, is now almost completely over it.

Well, I thought Harry had beat the odds and would not get sick but on Saturday afternoon one of the volunteers noticed he didn't eat his dinner. That is very unusual for Harry so they took his temp and it was 105.3, very high. Normal temps for a horse are between 100 and 101. Any temp at 103 or higher and you give butt and/or banimine, an anti-inflammatory to help. I came over Sunday morning to check on Harry and he was moping around his stall, picking at his food. Harry and I have had our go-rounds but I still love that horse and think he's just beautiful. So, I stood there and watched him. I just stood there and talked softly to Harry until he finally came over to me, and when he did he nuzzled his head against my chest. It was my moment and I was gonna take advantage of every minute Harry would give me. It was quiet in the barn, not much sound from anyone or anything and so I started stroking Harry's neck and back, then his chest and mane. He stayed quite and still for a very long time. I peeked at his legs and he was in a restful stance. I noticed his head starting to drop and his eyes starting to close while his mouth was very loose. Harry was peaceful and so was I. It was for me the most wonderful moment I've had with Harry in a very long time. He was finally letting me help him. I was in a very peaceful place too. That's the Influence of the Barn.

Harry is doing better, eating some and relaxing in the rinding ring with his buddy Kenny each day. It's cooler in the riding ring, a nice breeze blows through and the boys like it. It gives both a chance to exercise their lungs and move the gunk out. Both are recovering from strangles and doing better.