Support for Chico

09/06/2023

EPM sucks.

Chico’s body condition is the best it has ever been thanks to the guidance and recommendations from Stephanie at Amberfield Farm. Her individualized feeding regimens have proved to be successful.

Despite how fantastic Chico has been looking, we constantly battle the lasting neurological deficits from EPM.

4 years ago Chico was considered Stage 4-5 on the neurological scale. Today, he is considered Stage 2-3. (Pic of Chico during stage 4 included)

After a lengthy conversation with Chris over at ImmuBiome who provided me with facts and encouragement, we have a game plan in place.

Chris has MS which he refers to as the “EPM of People.”

Phase 1 - Chico will be getting Immubiome Spine and Nerve partnered with Immubiome Nerve boost. He also gets Immubiome G-Tract.

In 30 days we will evaluate any changes/improvements with Chris. If Chico responds well neurologically, we will move onto Phase 2.

Phase 2 will focus on his muscle and strength. We will add in Immubiome Lean muscle and Immubiome Super concentrate. After 60 days - we will evaluate again.

Dr. Kremberg and Ella from Grand Prix Equine were out today - we are awaiting the EPM titer. I’m interested to see this years results compared to our negative titer in 2022.

In addition to the titer, we had radiographs done on Chicos feet - he has flat feet and thin soles.

Along with all our Immubiome supplements we will also be adding the hoof supplement Crack Down from Equine Elixirs!

We are also in the market for EZ boots to wear while we work! If anyone has any personal experience using them, other options, we’d love to hear about it!

We are also going to continue “Chico’s fitness Plan 2023” - this will include mostly walking, obstacles/poles - so we’d love to hear about what everyone else is doing with their horse to improve propriocetion!

Check back in 30 days for an update ✨

16/09/2022

I’m excited for how Chico is progressing since he came home from surgery.

Being in the environment Amberfield provides allows him the opportunity to grow, heal, and flourish.

I am grateful we get to call this little slice of heaven his home.

05/09/2022

12/08/2022

Date night 💕

28/07/2022

I had hoped I’d never have to purchase Marquis again but here we are.

Thankfully Grand Prix Equine had the medication in stock and got it to us the next day.

Unfortunately, after undergoing so much over the past month Chico started showing neurological symptoms so the decision was made to treat with Marquis to help with the EPM.

In addition to the Marquis, we are starting him on the full tilt supplement from Yucc' It Up to help assist with breaking down whatever is left in his sinus and the peppermint has a ton of benefits as well!

It breaks my heart to see Chico struggling because I know he’s been battling so much for so long and just a few months ago we were celebrating his negative epm test. It feels like the celebration lasted only seconds.

But If any horse can overcome yet another setback, it’s Chico.

Fingers crossed this round of Marquis gets him feeling better.

12/07/2022

Chico is home 🥰

He was eager to hop on the trailer and head back to Amberfield where he was greeted by old and new friends!

Huge thank you to New England Equine Practice taking such great care of him during his 2.5 week stay. The entire staff was wonderful.

And to Alex Barrere for being so accommodating and getting him home safely!

We are very excited to have him back and recovering!

11/07/2022

Chico gets to come home tmrw 🥳

NEEP just called and confirmed that the tooth extraction/sinus flush went better than any of us expected! Chico was a wonderful patient (as always.)

Very excited to have him back at Amberfield

08/07/2022

CT scan finally done!
Chico was a brave boy

2 teeth were found to be fractured
Waiting for the results to come back so we can proceed with the tooth extraction

Dropped off more food this evening and gave him plenty of treats for being so good

29/06/2022

Meal Prep: Horse Edition

Thank you Stephanie Kokenos for all the hard work you’ve done even when Chico is not in physically in your care.

Chico will be spending another week at NEEP while we wait for the CT machine to be fixed and running.

 Of course he got a treat while I was there. What kind of mom would I be if I didn’t bring his favorite snacks while he’s in the hospital.

Every time he gets his favorite treats by sugary days horses, he licks the stall gate to savor the flavor. Lol

27/06/2022

Another day at New England Equine Practice means another special batch of treats made by Mina!

This time we have BANANA flavored sugar cubes that look like pineapples. Banana is Chico’s favorite flavor and Mina’s treats have really helped cheer Chico up during our visits at NEEP.

Chico’s procedure has been put on hold due to technical difficulties with the CT machine. NEEP has been very accommodating during the whole process. So until we move forward, please enjoy our NEEP photo shoots.

If you’re interested in Mina’s treats, please follow her on IG

24/06/2022

Went to visit Chico at New England Equine this morning and surprised him with his favorite treats from !

Can’t wait for you to come home bud 🥰

22/06/2022

Chico is off to New England Equine for his CT scan this morning!

Thank you to Stephanie Kokenos and Jen Novack for making this morning go so smoothly!

And special thank you to Alex Barrere for her excellent trailer skills and getting Chico there safely!

20/06/2022

Sunday was definitely for the horses this weekend.

Halle and Chico relaxed with a massage by their favorite, Jackie Metzler !

We had an abundance of licking, chewing, big yawns and stretches. Roo even took a nap on the cross ties while keeping his friends company!

Halle is getting to experience all the amenities Stephanie offers at Amberfield Farm. From CO2 treatments, getting her exercise on the treadmill, the equivibe plate, and Stephanie Kokenos meticulous care she is feeling way better already. That working girl loves having a job and we can tell she’s bored on her mini vacation, can’t wait to see her back to work with her Mom Jen Novack!

Chico is looking great and is all ready to head down to New England Equine on Wednesday!

But week ahead but grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful horses and people!

15/06/2022

Moments that make me proud to be Chico’s mom 🙄😂

Thanks Stephanie Kokenos for cleaning up after the messiest boy in the world 🤦🏼‍♀️

12/06/2022

Super excited to welcome Jen Novack and Halle to Amberfield Farm !

Halle is here to be under Stephanie Kokenos wonderful care while she is in the mend! Halle will get to experience all of the amenities Amberfield has to offer during her stay.

We are so happy to have our favorite duo here but we hope to see Jen and Halle back in the show ring soon !

05/06/2022

Chico LOVES his muffins from but today we got a very special batch.

As most of you know, Chico has a fractured tooth and a sinus infection.

We were supposed to be headed down to Cornell this week for a CT scan, evaluation and possible tooth extraction but unfortunately the trip has been postponed.

We asked Mina to make sure we had a batch of muffins for our long road trip and she surely delivered with this personalized adorable batch.

Don’t worry, Chico will devour them with or without the trip.

26/05/2022

🛁

26/05/2022

Hot mess express

16/05/2022

Today’s weather was perfect for the open house at Amberfield Farm!

It was so exciting to show everyone all the new upgrades!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by today to support and say hi to Chico!

12/05/2022

3 gorgeous views at Amberfield Farm

10/05/2022

Adorable picture caught by Stephanie Kokenos of Chico and his tiny bird friend

We have deemed him Chico’s little guardian bird

Amberfield Farm💛

08/05/2022

Soft delicious muffins from SugaryDaysHorses
And a personalized “Happy 9th Birthday” Banana for the Birthday boy 🎉

08/05/2022

Happy 9th Birthday Chico 🎉

02/05/2022

A beautiful day to start the season with Jen Novack and Tack to U - Mobile Tack Shop

Great job to all the riders today at Frazier Farm!

Chico is still fighting off the infection from his broken tooth but we sat in his paddock for awhile and I told him all about the wonderful ponies from today ❤️

29/04/2022

Here’s to 4 years with Chico ❤️

28/04/2022

Amberfield Farm will be hosting an open house on May 15, from 2-5 PM in Newtown, CT, see details in the flyer in this post.

Stephanie Kokenos at Amberfield focuses on rehabbing horses coming back from injuries, horses that need specialized care, and those retirees that need and deserve those extra special services that make them feel their best!

Highlights of the services offered include:
• HORSE GYM USA, LLC Treadmill
• BEMER Horse-Set North America vascular therapy blanket & boots
• EquiVibe Vibration Platform
• DriMee USA Solarium
• Individualized care and nutrition

To learn more about this incredible facility, click here: https://www.amberfieldfarm.com

Grand Prix Equine will be co-hosting this event and there will be raffles and giveaways where all proceeds will be donated to a Crisis Relief Fund for Ukraine.

Event details below, reach out with any questions and if you'd like an invite to the event!

26/04/2022

How our Monday night went 🥲

Chico managed to crack a tooth which lead to a pretty nasty infection in his sinus.

He was provided medication to treat the infection and we will have to plan on getting Chico over to the clinic to extract that tooth.

Huge thank you to Dr. Kremberg and her team at Grand Prix Equine

And Stephanie Kokenos for being on top of absolutely everything, making sure Chico’s okay when I can’t be there, and listening to my mini mental break down

20/04/2022

It takes a lot to make me cry but I could absolutely cry tears of joy reading this email today.

Chico’s first ever NEGATIVE EPM TITER
And OVERALL great CBC ??? 🎉

I know this is something small
But at the same time, it’s huge.
It’s huge for him
And it’s huge for me

To know that the past 4 years, thousands of dollars, sacrifices, and the endless support from so many of my friends and family are paying off is the greatest feeling.

I am so happy for this special OTTB

17/04/2022

Happy Easter 🐰🐣 💛💜

15/04/2022

Yesterday we took advantage of the 75 degrees.
Chico got a full spa day, got to graze in the sun while he dried, worked on the lunge line, and ended the day with treats made with love by Mina.

Now that Chico’s weight is getting to a good spot (thanks to Stephanie Kokenos at Amberfield Farm, Yucc' It Up, and all of the wonderful products she uses) it’s time to get back to work.

Chico did better than I expected after an entire winter off.
Only did walk, trot, halt
For the most part he remembers his cues
Did not explode into a trot
Transitions were lovely!

He was little naughty going his bad direction but willingly worked through it.

Chico gets very tense in his neck but remembered during cool down how good it feels to stretch out

Overall we ended on a good note
Licking, chewing, and stretching

We lunged with just a halter on
We will slowly introduce more and more each session to avoid becoming overwhelmed and being counter productive

Plus, who doesn’t enjoy nice weather and bonding 💕