06/28/2024
So with the help of a rather famous equine vet/podiatrist, we know what's wrong with Orla. Three years ago, Her hoof was surgically removed due to the canker that she had when she came to us. While her hoof regrew, the frog didn't. She only has part of a frog so there's nothing to protect her and the slightest thing leads to bleeding. While I nearly panicked... ok I panicked.
Anyway, the podiatrist guided Ernie (our farrier and SFES Board Member, to literally reshape her hoof creating something like a frog to give her a better foundation. And, Ernie was able to get a shoe on her to help protect her. It took 3 rounds of sedation, but it happened. I strongly suspect Ernie is going to be achy after today but he stuck with it and got it done. I don't know what we'd do without Ernie! (and everyone else that helps here but this was above and beyond)
We're still bandaging every 2 or 3 days and we will continue that. She's a pistol and like many Belgium Drafts that came from the Amish, she won't pick her feet up. And when she does, she slams them back down. After today's wrestling match, I was asked how we're going to bandage her. Somehow someway she will pick her foot up enough for me to bandage her. (without sedation) She even lets me hold it up. It's always dicey but we get it done. And yes my spine is fused and yes that makes it way harder. I have to bend at the legs and kind of stand upside down AND be ready to scoot when she has a temper tantrum.
Why do we do this? We love her. We made a commitment when we took her just like all the others and we'll do everything that we can. With the help of kind donors and Orla's sponsor Meg, we're limping by on a penny and a prayer.
Orla gives back more than I can say. When individuals with disabilities come, it's Orla whose kind eyes draw them in. She knows pain and frustration and comforts others. Orla, or Golden Princess in Gaelic, is worth every ache and frustration.
And a smooch to Bill, my hubby, who held her head up off of the ground the whole time.
