Lacey

This is "Lacey". She is a registered American Paint Horse, breeding stock (not enough color). Her registered name is LG Bobby's Royalty. She is eight years old. I have had her since she was 2 1/2.
In May of 2007 she gave birth to a colt, "Joey". Better known as Keno's Royalty Lil Joe. He is a great little (big) horse, but I am not here to talk about him. I want to talk about Lacey.
She is the sweetest horse ever. We have had a very special bond since the first time I saw her. Her training was very short and I haven't added a whole lot of anything to her other then hours and love.
She was diagnosed with Navicular this past year. I have to say I was devastated. With the local vet we tried, bute and isoxaprene (spelling?). No help. Then we took the four hour journey to Alamo Pintado Medical Center http://www.alamopintado.com/ to see if they come up with a different diagnosis or a better treatment. Dr. Carter Judy offered much hope and we started a new treatment. To no avail she did not improve.
I was slowly coming to the conclusion that I was going to have to make some big decisions. One, and the worst case, would be that I would have to put her down. After all, maintaining a "useless horse" was just too expensive here in Souther California. No leg, no horse. Two, she had proven as a great brood mare, maybe I could use her every year as a producer and sell the foals for a few pennies of profit. Made a little sense, but still not a great option.
So while in my valley of indecisions, I came upon some interesting information, barefoot therapy for laminitis and navicular horses, many who have been deemed unhealable and on the road to euthanasia. One of the Natural Hoofcare Specialist, Steve Karshner, happens to be in Tahchapi, just 60 miles north of here. http://www.navicular-founder-rehab.com/ After making contact with him and several phone conversations later, he made his way south to see what he could do.
Well, long story, that could be longer shortened just a shmidgen...he has been working on changing the structure of her feet and teaching her that she doesn't have to be in pain with every step. It has been just two months and there has been a huge change in her. She doesn't walk in pain all the time. She is beginning to be able to make turns with out pain. And at a trot there is no sign of pain. There should be continued improvement in the weeks and months to come. Hum, drug free too. Sounds amazing, but it's true.
We are shooting for October our first trip back to Pismo Beach since her diagnosis. I hope to post some of those shots soon after.
I write this as information and hope for all those out there who may be dealing with a similar situation. Take advantage of the web. Google search natural hoof care, read, read read...