Shortly after we got India, we began supplementing her with all natural vitamins and minerals. We began feeding her a very high quality grain and free choice quality hay as well. Her supplements consisted of Apple Cider Vinegar (unpastuerized), Seaweed Meal, Dolomite, Vitamins C and E amd Cod Liver Oil. She still receives Apple Cider Vinegar and Garlic and has free choice Seaweed Meal.
She continues to be pigeon toed but we brought in a Farrier who keeps her feet trimmed every 6 weeks and for the time being is keeping her short and level until she is done growing. At that time, we will work on special trimming needs to help keep her front feet from turning in excessively.
Her knees are still quite large and our vet tells us that she will probably always have that problem. It comes from the epiphysitis that she developed as a foal. This could have been corrected shortly after birth, however, the farm neglected to address this issue. Whether it was a lack of proper nutrients while in utero or after birth, the combination of the two contributed to this problem.
Her knees do bother her still, especially when her legs are lifted for too long. She fusses a bit when her front feet are being picked or trimmed... but stands quite well when lifting her back legs.
Her front legs, specifically her cannon bones, are offset which contributes to her being pigeon toed and her back legs are still a bit cow hocked. While we'd love to see her legs completely straight, it may never be... but they are so much better than the day she arrived that we can no longer complain. The changes in her have been dramatic in so many ways... her health, her confirmation and her will and desire. She's simply gorgeous!
Our vets have told us that while she may end up being somewhat sound that she will never reach her full potential. Time will tell and until she is put under saddle, we may not know for sure.
One thing is for sure though... she moves through the pasture gracefully. She kicks up her heels and and runs with the best of them. She's simply gorgeous in her movement through the pasture and our hearts swell with pride when we see her move!
Yes, it would be nice to have a completely sound animal but she has brought so much love and joy into our lives that it no longer matters whether she'll ever be ridden or not. She's just so beautiful to watch whether she's just grazing, lying around or feeling good enough to frolic!
She is an intelligent, beautiful and loving creature and she has brought so much joy and love into our lives. Those daily conversations I had with God, so long ago, about her health and soundness have now turned to words of thanks to Him. He knew she needed us but more importantly, He knew we needed her!!
I will share some pictures of her below taken during her yearling year and will continue to keep you updated on her progress.
Well, India turned 1 year old on April 25, 2004. And she has grown into an amazingly beautiful creature.
The pictures below were taken between December 2004 and January 2005,
so she has her winter fuzzies. My how she has grown.
Coming 2 (her official birthday is April 25th), she now stands just shy of 15h and is a beauty.
Here's India... my "Honey Girl"...
