One Step Forward, 2 Steps Back

Over the past year we have noticed new tufts of hair on Suki’s back and neck where the skin is scar tissue, and the assumption of dead hair follicles has always led us to believe that no hair would grow again. It is encouraging (and amazing!) to see this hair growth, but realistically, Suki’s back is ever going to be covered in thick hair! That’s fine. I take care of her skin as best as I can but my schedule keeps me from doing it as frequently as I should. Several months ago I started to use a new product on Suki’s skin: Aquaphor Spray Ointment. I goes on in a thin layer and keeps Suki’s skin moist for a longer period of time. I still apply Olay on her face, and regular ointment to her neck. Suki isn’t fond of the spray because it must be a bit cold as it hits her skin.

It’s a little expensive, and we use a lot, but it is by far my best option right now.
Here is some of the hair growth.

Pretty cool!

Jen has been riding Nikki and taken a couple of lessons with Karen. She really rides her well, and I am eager to get back to a regular riding schedule. Nikki is super sweet and really lovely to ride. She was a little cranky today when I did a little work in hand, but after a few minutes she became more willing and enjoyed an ear rub after!

I had planned on doing a some in hand work with Suki also, but with tack to get her back to riding. Unfortunately I was greeted by this:

The one on the left is a blood blister. Uggh!! Apparently she was doing some pretty aggressive rolling last night and even the fly sheet couldn’t protect it. That skin is delicate and gets very itchy when dry. I am going to have to make sure that I get to the barn to moisturize much more frequently. Even if it is just to spray Suki’s back and give the girls treats. I feel so terrible, because I know it is my fault. Suki, of course was not bothered by this in the least, so I cleaned it, put on a bandage and worked her in hand for a bit. I tried to remove as much of the old moisturizer as possible so the bandage would stick. While I’m not super optimistic, I am hoping that the fly sheet will help old it in place when she goes out tonight.

So a bit of a set back and something else for me to worry about, but otherwise the girls are wonderful and keep me going!

10 Years!!

Ten years. How is it possible?? I remember it like it was yesterday.....midnight and the call from Bobbi telling me that the barn where we boarded was on fire and our horses were missing. My husband out of town and 3 year old Isaiah asleep, I was left helpless while others searched for my horse. Waiting for the call seemed endless, but finally at 3 AM the call comes in: Suki had been found but was gravely injured. Bobbi and her husband transported Suki to New Bolton after leaving Bobbi’s injured horse at another farm. Her horse had minorish injuries, but after such an event you never know how that will progress....I am forever grateful for that act of kindness.

As most know by now Suki was burned over 70% of her body and her survival was questionable. But that first day in the hospital when she nickered in response to my voice I knew she was ready for the fight. It was a long process but my diva rallied. My concern was that she was not suffering and the staff managed her pain beyond anything that I thought possible. She actually gained a few pounds during her stay! Horses won’t eat if they are in pain. I visited Suki 3 days a week during her 7 week stay in ICU. I would have gone more but it is 1 1/2 hours from my house. I had a running conversation with my doctors, who were AMAZING!

The comment that sticks in my mind is one that attending veterinarian, Kelly Kalf told reporters: “She lifted her head and we never looked back”. Suki continued to improve and thrive.

I have learned many things from this experience; life is fragile, people are kind (even those who you have never met, but offer the kind of moral support that keeps you going), during a tragedy you can dig deep inside yourself and find strength, it is okay to accept heal from others. The list goes on.

Suki’s courage and strength amaze me. She has inspired people around the world and given others courage and strength. Who would have thought that a big chestnut mare in Berks County Pennsylvania would have the ability to do this?! I have always considered this a silver lining.

Originally I had thought about having a bit of a celebration today. Then I realized that the big deal is that Suki survived and thrived beating odds that were stacked squarely against her.

So many people to thank, that I would surely leave someone out accidentally! It truly took a village to get her here. Thank you everyone.