Hoodlam

I was thinking today that it was time to report to you about Hoodlam’s progress and I was noting in my mind the things to tell you, like his improved brightness, and his standing up to his friend’s bullying better. We have had 5 inches of rain just recently and I have been worried about his front feet… (shod), but they have remained sound, but the culmination of things to report to you happened this evening, I heard galloping feet, at first I thought it was Mum’s big fat cat on the cement right near where I was but I realized (yep you guessed it) it was Hoodlam coming flat strap up the paddock leading his mare friend (the bully) a merry dance! It’s the first time he’s galloped (that I’ve seen anyway) in a year! He really does seem happier too. I’m so pleased for him.

4.02.2013
Since July, Hoodlam has remained sound in his front feet and hasn’t had a foot abscess. His feet look healthier, he is shod Queensland style (in the front only!). I was able to ride him over Christmas and he was fresh and excited to go out, tired the next day but sound. It’s too hot to gallop around much these days but if he needs to trot he does so without any pain. He is in fine spirits with a bright friendly demeanor. Before the rain it was drought conditions and I had to put the mare and foal in with Hoodlam and Flo. Hoodlam loves the foal and Mum trusts him with her. Flo is a bit touchy with her and Hoodlam protects the foal from Flo! At 26 he retains his 2nd in the pecking order, only to Suzi the mother of the foal (Cosmic). He looks like a much younger horse. His coat is in full summer bloom with dapples and his condition is good. I have he and Flo on 1 scoop each, which I increased to 1½ during the mud fever. Flo is back on one, and Hoodlam will stay on 1½ until the mud fever is cleared up.

Flo’s leg swelled during the rain but is back down very quickly, in a matter of days, due, I’m sure to Rose-Hip Vital’s anti-inflammatory properties.