Suki continued to improve each day. There was some difficulty administering oral medication....Suki is like a cat. She can eat around all of her meds, leaving a pile of powder in the bottom of the feed tub! One of her favorite treats is gummy bears, so the medication was mixed with applesauce and gummy bears. Success!
The IV tubing was hung from the ceiling in her stall with swivels, allowing Suki to move around freely. She was given several bags of plasma during those first few days, which made a huge difference in her recovery.
Each day Suki's eyes were open a little more, as the swelling in her face continued to decrease. The ulcers were healing well, and we began to notice that she was able to see a little bit.
I worked my visits into my daily routine, initially driving the hour plus to Kennett square 5 days a week. With a 3 year-old, a craeer and a husband who travelled, this was not always easy, but for me, it was extremely important that I have an active role in her recovery process. Each time I arrived, Suki would nicker in response to my greeeting. I believe that she anticipated my visits and maybe even looked forward to them. Initially I would just stand in the stall with her, grooming whatever hair I could find. The charred skin began to fall away, revealing fresh, pink, sensitive skin beneath it.
The staff in ICU was amazing. They would give me a report about her condition, and behavior. The doctors would provide the medical update. After about a week, the ulcers in Suki's eyes were healed. This was certainly attributed to the determination of the staff to medicate her eyes four times a day! What amazed me (and everyone else!) was that her vision seemed fine. Without the devotion of the staff, I do not think this would have been possible.
November 8, 2011
Sorry for the short post today....it is getting late and Isaiah needs to go to bed! I had a lovely ride on Nikki today!
The bruising on Suki's skin graft area has greatly improved, and she really enjoyed her grooming today!
Longer post tomorrow!
On July 9, 2009, my beloved dressage horse Amiritta (AKA Suki) was critically burned when her barn caught fire. Suki's survival and recovery are considered miraculous. Her courage has made her an inspiration to people around the world. This is the story of our journey.....
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Restless Night
I arrived home from New Bolton and picked up Isaiah from preschool. A toddler forces you to wear a brave face and act normal. It felt wonderful to wrap my arms around him!
Michael returned home later that evening, so I was finally able to just collapse. It's funny, though. I never asked him to try to get home early, and sometimes get angry that he didn't just think to do that! Maybe I didn't act hysterical on the phone or make it seem as bad as it actually was....I still don't know.
As anyone can imagine, my sleep was not restful. I tossed and turned for a good part of the night, willing the phone not to ring. Thankfully, it never did. The first thing I did when I opened my eyes Saturday morning was cry. I was probably expecting to wake up and realize that the fire and Suki's injuries were just a terrible nightmare. But cruel reality set in. I called the hospital and spoke to Dr. Michele Harris, the resident working on the case. Suki was stable overnight, but she warned me that while this was a very good sign, we were far from certain survival.
Five minutes later I was on my way to New Bolton again. One of Suki's favorite treats is gummy bears, so I was sure to bring them along. This time when I entered reception, X immediately smiled and said "Wait until you see her! She looks so much better today!" I breathed a sigh of relief! ICU was alerted of my arrival "Suki's mom is here," said X. That is when you know that you are at a place where everyone REALLY understands how you feel about your horse!
When I entered ICU, Suki nickered and rushed to the front of her stall when she heard my voice. X was right. Suki DID look better. She was brighter, and the swelling on her face had reduced enough to see tiny slits of her eyes. Once again she hungrily accepted her treats....the gummy bears!
The team was pleased with Suki's condition over night and were able to perform an eye exam due to the reduction in swelling. As suspected, both eyes had been badly burned and were ulcerated. This would require eye ointment 4 times a day. Not an easy task on a 17.2h horse who was unable to wear a regular halter! They had fashioned a halter from rope padded with gauze and adhesive tape, but because of the extent of the burns on her head Suki could not be fully restrained. Her doctors did not like the idea of sedating her 4 times a day, but that eye ointment needed to be applied if we were going to save her vision.
Suki's appetite was good, and she happily accepted her hay and grain. A few times during the night her pain medication had been adjusted, signalled by changes in her vital signs. Overall, she was in suprisingly good spirits, banging her stall for more treats and behaving like the diva that she was. Her nickname of "super model" was well earned! Because she couldn't see, Suki would swing her head around in response to voices. That certainly quickens the reflexes!
My good friend Beth met me at New Bolton that second day. Again, the emotional support was greatly appreciated.
Those first days, most of my visit was spent just standing in Suki's stall and talking to her. In my mind, she needed to know that I was with her 100% of the way. My frequent tributes, according to veterinarians, made a tremendous impact on her recovery. I always found it difficult to leave, reassuring Suki that I would return the next day.
November 7, 2011
The bruising looks better today, so I am continuing with the extra padding. Suki's coat is a beautiful shiny copper.....she exudes good health!
Michael returned home later that evening, so I was finally able to just collapse. It's funny, though. I never asked him to try to get home early, and sometimes get angry that he didn't just think to do that! Maybe I didn't act hysterical on the phone or make it seem as bad as it actually was....I still don't know.
As anyone can imagine, my sleep was not restful. I tossed and turned for a good part of the night, willing the phone not to ring. Thankfully, it never did. The first thing I did when I opened my eyes Saturday morning was cry. I was probably expecting to wake up and realize that the fire and Suki's injuries were just a terrible nightmare. But cruel reality set in. I called the hospital and spoke to Dr. Michele Harris, the resident working on the case. Suki was stable overnight, but she warned me that while this was a very good sign, we were far from certain survival.
Five minutes later I was on my way to New Bolton again. One of Suki's favorite treats is gummy bears, so I was sure to bring them along. This time when I entered reception, X immediately smiled and said "Wait until you see her! She looks so much better today!" I breathed a sigh of relief! ICU was alerted of my arrival "Suki's mom is here," said X. That is when you know that you are at a place where everyone REALLY understands how you feel about your horse!
When I entered ICU, Suki nickered and rushed to the front of her stall when she heard my voice. X was right. Suki DID look better. She was brighter, and the swelling on her face had reduced enough to see tiny slits of her eyes. Once again she hungrily accepted her treats....the gummy bears!
The team was pleased with Suki's condition over night and were able to perform an eye exam due to the reduction in swelling. As suspected, both eyes had been badly burned and were ulcerated. This would require eye ointment 4 times a day. Not an easy task on a 17.2h horse who was unable to wear a regular halter! They had fashioned a halter from rope padded with gauze and adhesive tape, but because of the extent of the burns on her head Suki could not be fully restrained. Her doctors did not like the idea of sedating her 4 times a day, but that eye ointment needed to be applied if we were going to save her vision.
Suki's appetite was good, and she happily accepted her hay and grain. A few times during the night her pain medication had been adjusted, signalled by changes in her vital signs. Overall, she was in suprisingly good spirits, banging her stall for more treats and behaving like the diva that she was. Her nickname of "super model" was well earned! Because she couldn't see, Suki would swing her head around in response to voices. That certainly quickens the reflexes!
My good friend Beth met me at New Bolton that second day. Again, the emotional support was greatly appreciated.
Those first days, most of my visit was spent just standing in Suki's stall and talking to her. In my mind, she needed to know that I was with her 100% of the way. My frequent tributes, according to veterinarians, made a tremendous impact on her recovery. I always found it difficult to leave, reassuring Suki that I would return the next day.
November 7, 2011
The bruising looks better today, so I am continuing with the extra padding. Suki's coat is a beautiful shiny copper.....she exudes good health!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
First day in ICU
The first thing that I saw when I entered the ICU at New Bolton was my beloved girl, swollen and slathered in SSD. silver sulfadiazene. It is thick white ointment used to treat burns...in humans as well. Suki's entire face had been burned and her eyes swollen shut. Nothing prepares you for something like this. I honestly don't know if it was better or worse than what I had expected. Those who saw Suki before she went to New Bolton said that it was probably a good thing that I didn't see her until after her initial treatment. My heart ached for her. I couldn't get out of my mind how frightened she must have been. "Suki", I called. I was rewarded with a soft, low nicker. That lovely rumbly sound which horses make in recognition. My heart melted. I felt as if she was saying "FINALLY you are here!" That response convinced me that the she had not given up and was ready for the fight of her life.
Suki was surrounded by several doctors, nurses and students. I went into the stall and she sniffed me all over looking for treats. When I offered her a small piece of carrot she hungrily accepted it. Suki had not lost her appetite either!
There were several IV bags flowing into Suki's veins. Some were fluids for dehydration, others contained analgesics. She also wore a Fentanyl patch on her leg for pain. Suki's feet had bags of ice tied around her feet to prevent laminitis. But she was nuzzling and sniffing me and that gave me hope.
Dr. Kalf explained Suki's condition. In addition to the severe external burns, her nasal passages had been burned and were now swollen. It was important to keep the external airways open as well. If there was too much swelling a tracheotomy would need to be performed. Dr. Kalf warned that it could be awhile before we knew the full extent of airway damage. Suki's eyes were also badly burned and swollen. At that point it was impossible to assess how much damage there was, but it was very likely that there were ulcers on her corneas, and ultimately there could be some level of vision loss. We also discussed complications such as pneumonia, infections, etc. The first 48 hours were crucial, but even beyond that point she could develop one of the complications and deteriorate. It was vital that she eat, because every bit of nutrition would be needed to heal from such severe burns. Horses can lose a lot of weight recovering from such extensive burns because of the high rate of metabolism during healing. There was a scale outside her stall....Suki weighed 1460 lbs on her way into New Bolton. I became very aware of that scale.... standing outside of her stall meant that you were also standing on that scale!!
Suki's skin would also see many changes. More than 70% of her body was charred, and all of that dead skin needed to slough off. It was also apparent that Suki would lose the tips of her ears eventually. They were blackened and cold. The one positive was that she had been in excellent physical condition and seemed in surprisingly good spirits! I held on to the positives.
I am certain that I was in shock. When I think about it, although at some level I knew the seriousness of Suki's condition, I also just assumed that she would survive. Was it our bond? I don't know. But we weren't going down without a fight!
One thing that struck as funny was when the surgical team evaluated a small laceration on Suki.s right front leg, that she probably incurred during her romp through the Oley Valley. There were several additional veterinarians surrounding her and discussing closing the wound. Here she was charred and swollen, and they were discussing this tiny wound! Now, please don't misunderstand. This type of attention is what led to Suki's recovery, so i am thrilled that they even saw it! Just seemed somewhat ironic, I guess.
My friend Babette, who lives in Unionville, called and asked if I wanted her to come over to New Bolton. I was so grateful for her and Donna's company.
Suki would be monitored around the clock, with vital signs checked every few hours. Any changes could prompt additional medications to maintain her comfort. Several bags of plasma were also given. I knew that Suki was in the best place possible, but it was really difficult to leave her. The veterinarians assured me that they would call if her condition changed. I went home to prepare for a restless night.........
Nov 5, 2011
When I arrived at the barn Suki was still in her field. She decided to canter away in the other direction. It was a beautiful, relaxed canter. I wished that I was sitting on her....
If you look at Suki physically, it is amazing that her muscling and top line are still somewhat normal, not like a horse who has been out of work for more than 2 years!
Unfortunately my decision to leave her without a bandage was premature. While the graft did not open, her rolling caused some bruising, even with her special sheet and her mid weight sheet. The extra padding is still necessary.
Can't wait to ride Nikki on Tuesday!
Suki was surrounded by several doctors, nurses and students. I went into the stall and she sniffed me all over looking for treats. When I offered her a small piece of carrot she hungrily accepted it. Suki had not lost her appetite either!
There were several IV bags flowing into Suki's veins. Some were fluids for dehydration, others contained analgesics. She also wore a Fentanyl patch on her leg for pain. Suki's feet had bags of ice tied around her feet to prevent laminitis. But she was nuzzling and sniffing me and that gave me hope.
Dr. Kalf explained Suki's condition. In addition to the severe external burns, her nasal passages had been burned and were now swollen. It was important to keep the external airways open as well. If there was too much swelling a tracheotomy would need to be performed. Dr. Kalf warned that it could be awhile before we knew the full extent of airway damage. Suki's eyes were also badly burned and swollen. At that point it was impossible to assess how much damage there was, but it was very likely that there were ulcers on her corneas, and ultimately there could be some level of vision loss. We also discussed complications such as pneumonia, infections, etc. The first 48 hours were crucial, but even beyond that point she could develop one of the complications and deteriorate. It was vital that she eat, because every bit of nutrition would be needed to heal from such severe burns. Horses can lose a lot of weight recovering from such extensive burns because of the high rate of metabolism during healing. There was a scale outside her stall....Suki weighed 1460 lbs on her way into New Bolton. I became very aware of that scale.... standing outside of her stall meant that you were also standing on that scale!!
Suki's skin would also see many changes. More than 70% of her body was charred, and all of that dead skin needed to slough off. It was also apparent that Suki would lose the tips of her ears eventually. They were blackened and cold. The one positive was that she had been in excellent physical condition and seemed in surprisingly good spirits! I held on to the positives.
I am certain that I was in shock. When I think about it, although at some level I knew the seriousness of Suki's condition, I also just assumed that she would survive. Was it our bond? I don't know. But we weren't going down without a fight!
One thing that struck as funny was when the surgical team evaluated a small laceration on Suki.s right front leg, that she probably incurred during her romp through the Oley Valley. There were several additional veterinarians surrounding her and discussing closing the wound. Here she was charred and swollen, and they were discussing this tiny wound! Now, please don't misunderstand. This type of attention is what led to Suki's recovery, so i am thrilled that they even saw it! Just seemed somewhat ironic, I guess.
My friend Babette, who lives in Unionville, called and asked if I wanted her to come over to New Bolton. I was so grateful for her and Donna's company.
Suki would be monitored around the clock, with vital signs checked every few hours. Any changes could prompt additional medications to maintain her comfort. Several bags of plasma were also given. I knew that Suki was in the best place possible, but it was really difficult to leave her. The veterinarians assured me that they would call if her condition changed. I went home to prepare for a restless night.........
Nov 5, 2011
When I arrived at the barn Suki was still in her field. She decided to canter away in the other direction. It was a beautiful, relaxed canter. I wished that I was sitting on her....
If you look at Suki physically, it is amazing that her muscling and top line are still somewhat normal, not like a horse who has been out of work for more than 2 years!
Unfortunately my decision to leave her without a bandage was premature. While the graft did not open, her rolling caused some bruising, even with her special sheet and her mid weight sheet. The extra padding is still necessary.
Can't wait to ride Nikki on Tuesday!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Suki's Arrival
I spoke to the shippers on the final layover in Ontario. Due to the heat of summer they would travel in the late night, arriving in Unionville, PA around 11 AM the next day. Suki had travelled very well, they told me, and that I would be really pleased with her condition.
That night, I barely slept, planning my arrival at the barn for 10 AM. Michael and my friend Beth accompanied me. When I arrived at the farm, one of the boarders said "Hey Fran, have you seen your new girl?"
"Suki is here already?!" "She wasn't expected until 11?" I ran to the upper barn to see her...or "sprinted like a jack rabbit" according to Beth. I walked up to the stall and Suki nickered to me. It was love at first sight (for both of us)! When I entered her stall she nuzzled me and I hugged my VERY TALL girl. At age 3, she was already nearing 17 hands!
Because the driveway into the farm is narrow and curved, the tractor trailer was not able to drive in. Suki was unloaded at the bottom of the driveway on a quiet country road and led up the hill to the farm. They said she was looking around but was very quiet during her walk. Even when I took her out of the stall that day, she was tired but grazed quietly. And the shipper was right: her condition was amazing. Suki appeared to be in good weight, and not dehydrated. We would monitor her temperature and look for any signs of "shipping fever" for the next week. But of course, hardy girl that she is, Suki remained in perfect health.
I feel like we bonded instantly. Suki trusted me completely and didn't seem to mind when I put a sheet on her for the first time, attached her to cross ties, etc. The first time we set her out in the pasture, Suki was led around the perimeter so that she could see where the fence line was. It was a quiet walk. When she was let loose she walked and trotted a bit then quietly grazed.
Giving her some time to recover from her trip, I started to work her in the round pen to get ready for my first ride. For about 2 weeks I lunged Suki in the round pen, first without a saddle, then in full tack. She was delightful! Beautiful floaty gaits and sweet personality.
Michael helped me the first day that I sat on Suki. Now, my husband really doesn't have any horse experience other than holding horses for me at shows, carrying supplies and driving the trailer. But he is a REALY good sport. In fact, he was the first person to lay across the back of my first dressage horse, Jenny, when I started her under saddle! I brought Suki into the round pen and used the lunge line just in case.... I can remember that first trot....it was pure heaven. Light and floating! I felt like I had been waiting for that feeling my whole life!
After a few weeks in the round pen without the lunge line we went into the indoor for the first time. Sometimes horses are startled by the mirrors the first time they see them so M, one of the trainers told me to just bring her in and hand walk her. This way she could just look at everything without a rider. Suki was not fazed by the mirrors at all. In fact, she was so quiet, that M said "I think you should just get on. Follow one of the other horses around since she doesn't have any stearing yet." Once again, Suki was a star! We walked around the indoor for awhile, practiced some stearing, and rewarded Suki with pats, hugs and treats!
Tomorrow: Seeing Suki for the first time after the fire
Suki was a bit restless again yesterday. She remains obsessed by the ponies in the field across from her. Eventually she settled down and I was able to groom, exfoliate and check the skin graft area. It looks great! The right side of her neck which does not have a full thickness of hair on it seems to be getting a bit dry again, even with daily moisturizing. I will start to use the Aardora ointment to see if that helps. Otherwise we will switch to Elta again for the winter.
This morning, of course Suki was happy to see me. Everything was in order, and I am sure that by now she is outside enjoying the sunshine. She was out with Mosby yesterday....I think Chester is terrified of her!
That night, I barely slept, planning my arrival at the barn for 10 AM. Michael and my friend Beth accompanied me. When I arrived at the farm, one of the boarders said "Hey Fran, have you seen your new girl?"
"Suki is here already?!" "She wasn't expected until 11?" I ran to the upper barn to see her...or "sprinted like a jack rabbit" according to Beth. I walked up to the stall and Suki nickered to me. It was love at first sight (for both of us)! When I entered her stall she nuzzled me and I hugged my VERY TALL girl. At age 3, she was already nearing 17 hands!
Because the driveway into the farm is narrow and curved, the tractor trailer was not able to drive in. Suki was unloaded at the bottom of the driveway on a quiet country road and led up the hill to the farm. They said she was looking around but was very quiet during her walk. Even when I took her out of the stall that day, she was tired but grazed quietly. And the shipper was right: her condition was amazing. Suki appeared to be in good weight, and not dehydrated. We would monitor her temperature and look for any signs of "shipping fever" for the next week. But of course, hardy girl that she is, Suki remained in perfect health.
I feel like we bonded instantly. Suki trusted me completely and didn't seem to mind when I put a sheet on her for the first time, attached her to cross ties, etc. The first time we set her out in the pasture, Suki was led around the perimeter so that she could see where the fence line was. It was a quiet walk. When she was let loose she walked and trotted a bit then quietly grazed.
Giving her some time to recover from her trip, I started to work her in the round pen to get ready for my first ride. For about 2 weeks I lunged Suki in the round pen, first without a saddle, then in full tack. She was delightful! Beautiful floaty gaits and sweet personality.
Michael helped me the first day that I sat on Suki. Now, my husband really doesn't have any horse experience other than holding horses for me at shows, carrying supplies and driving the trailer. But he is a REALY good sport. In fact, he was the first person to lay across the back of my first dressage horse, Jenny, when I started her under saddle! I brought Suki into the round pen and used the lunge line just in case.... I can remember that first trot....it was pure heaven. Light and floating! I felt like I had been waiting for that feeling my whole life!
After a few weeks in the round pen without the lunge line we went into the indoor for the first time. Sometimes horses are startled by the mirrors the first time they see them so M, one of the trainers told me to just bring her in and hand walk her. This way she could just look at everything without a rider. Suki was not fazed by the mirrors at all. In fact, she was so quiet, that M said "I think you should just get on. Follow one of the other horses around since she doesn't have any stearing yet." Once again, Suki was a star! We walked around the indoor for awhile, practiced some stearing, and rewarded Suki with pats, hugs and treats!
Tomorrow: Seeing Suki for the first time after the fire
Suki was a bit restless again yesterday. She remains obsessed by the ponies in the field across from her. Eventually she settled down and I was able to groom, exfoliate and check the skin graft area. It looks great! The right side of her neck which does not have a full thickness of hair on it seems to be getting a bit dry again, even with daily moisturizing. I will start to use the Aardora ointment to see if that helps. Otherwise we will switch to Elta again for the winter.
This morning, of course Suki was happy to see me. Everything was in order, and I am sure that by now she is outside enjoying the sunshine. She was out with Mosby yesterday....I think Chester is terrified of her!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
I knew I loved you before I met you
I so clearly remember the first time I saw Suki. The search for a young dressage prospect is not easy. My husband and I had viewed probably close to a hundred videos of 2, 3 and 4 year old warmbloods, looking for one with potential. This was more than 8 years ago, when you tube and downloading videos were not available. So we would wait for videso to arrive in the mail. Several would descend upon our mailbox every week. We were sure that our mailman suspected we were receiving porn videos!
There were some nice horses in these videos, but none of them had what I was looking for. Since many of them had not yet been started under saddle, the videos primarily consisted of horses being chased around or, in some cases being properly "free-schooled" so that their gaits(walk, trot and canter) could be seen.
I had been ill with the flu when one batch arrived, but as I felt better, decided to watch some of them. I opened an envelope from Capriole Farm in BC, Canada. The note enclosed explained that the horse was Amiritta, a 3 year old Premium Oldenburg mare. Oldenburg is a warmblood breed typically consisting of Dutch Warmblood and Oldenburg blood lines. The horses are inspected and rated, usually at 3 months of age. Premium is the highest rating, and Amiritta (Suki) had scored the highest of all of the foals that day. This video was taken during the inspection, or Keuring, while still by her mother's side. If I liked what I saw, the owner would make a current video and send it to me.
The MOMENT that video started a squealed with delight! Amiritta, already pretty tall at age 3 months, trotted and cantered alongside her Mama. Chestnut, with 4 white socks and a blaze, with lovely floaty gaits....I was in love! I immediately emailed Kitty Storm, the farm owner and requested an updated video. When that video arrived I could barely wait for it to start! And wow, was I thrilled. From the very first trot steps of the video, I was hooked! The beautiful chestnut mare floated before my eyes up on the screen. I had found my horse!
Now, when you are working with a trainer, it is important that they see the prospect and help you decide. My trainer worked with a veterinarian whom she trusted immensely and told me to send the video to him (she was out of the country at the time). This veterinarian had extensive experience with dressage horses and visited the farm from a distant state several times a year to look at our horses. Dr. X called me as soon as he watched the video. "Buy her", he said, "Or I have several other clients who would be interested"
Because Amiritta had not been started under saddle yet, I could not give her a "test ride" before the purchase. So yes, I bought her off the video. A pre-purchase exam was performed, and the veterinarian in Canada spoke to my veterinarian. All was good, and the sale was finalized.
During this time I had been reading an Abigail Adams biography. One of her daughters' names was Susannah, with the nickname of Suki. I thought it would be a good barn name for Amiritta. While speaking to Kitty I asked if Amiritta had a barn name yet. When she said no, I requested that they start calling her "Suki", and so they did. That was in May of 2003, but Suki would not arrive until Later in the summer. In lieu of price negotiation Suki would be started lightly under saddle before coming home to me.
Arrangements were made for Suki to make the week-long trip from BC to Pennsylvania. She would travel in an air-ride tractor trailer, in a box stall, so that she could move about and raise and lower her head. I thought this would be the best way for her to travel, as she had not been on a trailer before.
The trailer would make several over night stops during its journey and the horses would be unloaded and stabled over night. I spoke to the shippers daily, checking on her as she travelled.
Tomorrow: Suki's arrival
November 2, 2011: Suki had a lovely day out in the pasture today. She was a little antsy while I was performing her "spa treatment", probably because the farrier was there and horses were being shifted around a lot.
There were some nice horses in these videos, but none of them had what I was looking for. Since many of them had not yet been started under saddle, the videos primarily consisted of horses being chased around or, in some cases being properly "free-schooled" so that their gaits(walk, trot and canter) could be seen.
I had been ill with the flu when one batch arrived, but as I felt better, decided to watch some of them. I opened an envelope from Capriole Farm in BC, Canada. The note enclosed explained that the horse was Amiritta, a 3 year old Premium Oldenburg mare. Oldenburg is a warmblood breed typically consisting of Dutch Warmblood and Oldenburg blood lines. The horses are inspected and rated, usually at 3 months of age. Premium is the highest rating, and Amiritta (Suki) had scored the highest of all of the foals that day. This video was taken during the inspection, or Keuring, while still by her mother's side. If I liked what I saw, the owner would make a current video and send it to me.
The MOMENT that video started a squealed with delight! Amiritta, already pretty tall at age 3 months, trotted and cantered alongside her Mama. Chestnut, with 4 white socks and a blaze, with lovely floaty gaits....I was in love! I immediately emailed Kitty Storm, the farm owner and requested an updated video. When that video arrived I could barely wait for it to start! And wow, was I thrilled. From the very first trot steps of the video, I was hooked! The beautiful chestnut mare floated before my eyes up on the screen. I had found my horse!
Now, when you are working with a trainer, it is important that they see the prospect and help you decide. My trainer worked with a veterinarian whom she trusted immensely and told me to send the video to him (she was out of the country at the time). This veterinarian had extensive experience with dressage horses and visited the farm from a distant state several times a year to look at our horses. Dr. X called me as soon as he watched the video. "Buy her", he said, "Or I have several other clients who would be interested"
Because Amiritta had not been started under saddle yet, I could not give her a "test ride" before the purchase. So yes, I bought her off the video. A pre-purchase exam was performed, and the veterinarian in Canada spoke to my veterinarian. All was good, and the sale was finalized.
During this time I had been reading an Abigail Adams biography. One of her daughters' names was Susannah, with the nickname of Suki. I thought it would be a good barn name for Amiritta. While speaking to Kitty I asked if Amiritta had a barn name yet. When she said no, I requested that they start calling her "Suki", and so they did. That was in May of 2003, but Suki would not arrive until Later in the summer. In lieu of price negotiation Suki would be started lightly under saddle before coming home to me.
Arrangements were made for Suki to make the week-long trip from BC to Pennsylvania. She would travel in an air-ride tractor trailer, in a box stall, so that she could move about and raise and lower her head. I thought this would be the best way for her to travel, as she had not been on a trailer before.
The trailer would make several over night stops during its journey and the horses would be unloaded and stabled over night. I spoke to the shippers daily, checking on her as she travelled.
Tomorrow: Suki's arrival
November 2, 2011: Suki had a lovely day out in the pasture today. She was a little antsy while I was performing her "spa treatment", probably because the farrier was there and horses were being shifted around a lot.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The story continues....
Throughout that night, I paced and waited. The call finally came at close to 3 AM. It was Bobbi. "They have been found", she said. "How are they?" I asked. "Oh, Fran, Suki is hurt pretty badly", replied Bobbi, and she started to cry. "Whisby, seems ok." "Does Suki need to be put down, Bobbi? Please tell me the truth!" I pleaded. "I don't know Fran. Dr. X is looking at her now."
The two horses had been found several miles from the barn, standing side by side in a field. A veterinarian examined them, and someone went to get a trailer.
I spoke to Dr. X next. "How is she?" I asked. "Does she need to be put down?". I kept asking people this for two reasons. Whatever was best for Suki, needed to be done. I did not want her to suffer. But I also wanted someone to reassure me and tell me that she would be OK. No one would commit answers to these questions. Dr. X told me that Suki was badly burned and would need to go to New Bolton Center (the large animal hospital associated with the University of Pennsylvania vet school). Stories that came back from that night included a couple who was driving and saw two horses, a chestnut and a bay run across the road...Suki was the bay. Her chestnut coat was burned so badly that she appeared bay...
Again my hands were tied. How would I get Suki to New Bolton. Fortunately my wonderful friend Bobbi and her husband offered to drive Suki to New Bolten, over an hour away. They first dropped off Whisby at another barn, then made the journey to Kennett Square. There are simply no words to describe how grateful I was. Bobbi selflessly left her own horse at a strange barn to do this for my horse.
So the waiting began again. At some point I dozed off and was awakened by my cell phone. 5AM: Dr. Kelly Kalf, the admitting veterinarian had evaluated Suki. "Please tell me....how bad is she? Does she need to be put down?" Why do we always ask questions whose answers we really do not want to know! "She is stable", Dr. Kalf told me. "Let's see how she does." She gave me a few details, but I honestly do not remember what she said during that call.
At 7:00 AM I dropped off my son at preschool. Ordinarily Isaiah only attended school for a half day on Fridays, but I asked if he could stay the entire day, not knowing if I would be home by noon to take him home.
My friend D called and offered to go with me, because she thought it would be better for me not to go alone. Thank goodness for good friends!
The drive seemed to take an eternity, yet I dreaded going into the hospital. Upon our arrival, we entered the reception area. "I am here to see my horse Suki", I said to the receptionist. "She was in a fire." Then I began to cry. The receptionist came out from behind the desk and wrapped her arms around me. It was the warmest, most genuine gesture, and I needed it desparately. X told us that Suki was in ICU and telephoned the unit to tell them that I had arrived. "Someone will be over shortly to bring you over", she said.
I could feel myself beginning to shake as we made our way to the ICU. Donning protective gowns and booties I was led in to see Suki for the first time since the fire......
To be continued.....
Suki had a lovely roll in the mud yesterday! Fortunately she was wearing a full sheet and only managed to get some mud on her neck and legs. Skin graft area totally intact. It has healed beautifully. Just need to make sure that the skin is tough enough for rolling before we eliminate the special protective garment from under her other clothing.
This morning she was a happy girl, but anxious to get out!
I am trying to find additional ways to get her involved with other human groups to offer horse/human therapy. Suki seems to really inspire everyone she meets!
The two horses had been found several miles from the barn, standing side by side in a field. A veterinarian examined them, and someone went to get a trailer.
I spoke to Dr. X next. "How is she?" I asked. "Does she need to be put down?". I kept asking people this for two reasons. Whatever was best for Suki, needed to be done. I did not want her to suffer. But I also wanted someone to reassure me and tell me that she would be OK. No one would commit answers to these questions. Dr. X told me that Suki was badly burned and would need to go to New Bolton Center (the large animal hospital associated with the University of Pennsylvania vet school). Stories that came back from that night included a couple who was driving and saw two horses, a chestnut and a bay run across the road...Suki was the bay. Her chestnut coat was burned so badly that she appeared bay...
Again my hands were tied. How would I get Suki to New Bolton. Fortunately my wonderful friend Bobbi and her husband offered to drive Suki to New Bolten, over an hour away. They first dropped off Whisby at another barn, then made the journey to Kennett Square. There are simply no words to describe how grateful I was. Bobbi selflessly left her own horse at a strange barn to do this for my horse.
So the waiting began again. At some point I dozed off and was awakened by my cell phone. 5AM: Dr. Kelly Kalf, the admitting veterinarian had evaluated Suki. "Please tell me....how bad is she? Does she need to be put down?" Why do we always ask questions whose answers we really do not want to know! "She is stable", Dr. Kalf told me. "Let's see how she does." She gave me a few details, but I honestly do not remember what she said during that call.
At 7:00 AM I dropped off my son at preschool. Ordinarily Isaiah only attended school for a half day on Fridays, but I asked if he could stay the entire day, not knowing if I would be home by noon to take him home.
My friend D called and offered to go with me, because she thought it would be better for me not to go alone. Thank goodness for good friends!
The drive seemed to take an eternity, yet I dreaded going into the hospital. Upon our arrival, we entered the reception area. "I am here to see my horse Suki", I said to the receptionist. "She was in a fire." Then I began to cry. The receptionist came out from behind the desk and wrapped her arms around me. It was the warmest, most genuine gesture, and I needed it desparately. X told us that Suki was in ICU and telephoned the unit to tell them that I had arrived. "Someone will be over shortly to bring you over", she said.
I could feel myself beginning to shake as we made our way to the ICU. Donning protective gowns and booties I was led in to see Suki for the first time since the fire......
To be continued.....
Suki had a lovely roll in the mud yesterday! Fortunately she was wearing a full sheet and only managed to get some mud on her neck and legs. Skin graft area totally intact. It has healed beautifully. Just need to make sure that the skin is tough enough for rolling before we eliminate the special protective garment from under her other clothing.
This morning she was a happy girl, but anxious to get out!
I am trying to find additional ways to get her involved with other human groups to offer horse/human therapy. Suki seems to really inspire everyone she meets!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
History
The inferno
I have decided that each day I will start the post with a little bit of history. Readers can get a bit of the back story, and it will help as I continue to organize my thoughts while writing the book. Midnight, July 9, 2009: I am awakened by the ringing of my cell phone. As we all know, rarely does a midnight call bring good news. This time was no exception. "Hi Bobbi", I answered from caller ID. "Is everything okay?" Now we all know what a stupid question that is. Your fellow boarder is calling you in the middle of the night, so obviously something is very wrong. That never stops us from asking this question though, does it? "No", she replied. "The barn is on fire and they can't find our horses!" Bobbi did not know any other details, but she and her husband were going to the barn to search for the horses. With my then 3 year-old son Isaiah asleep in the next room, and my husband away on business, my only option was to stay home and wait. Volunteers from around the area went out in the dark of night to search. I would hear many stories later....a horse was seen coming out of the barn on fire, with its eyes melted shut. Unfortunately this was not much of an exaggeration of Suki's condition. And it breaks my heart to think about it. In fact I am teary just writing it... Suki, Whisby (Bobbi's big chestnut dressage horse) and two other horses were the only horses in the barn on that summer night. The rest of the horses were on night turnout to escape the heat and bugs of the day. Suki did not like to be out for extended periods, so her turnout was early morning for a couple of hours. Ironically, she now goes out over night during the summer. More than 120 firefighters from five fire companies answered the call as the inferno lit the sky. At home I paced the house, waiting for a telephone call telling me that my horse was safe and unharmed. Deep in my heart I knew that this was not likely the case, but held on to that hope anyway. I tried repeatedly to reach my husband, who is notorious for turning off his phone....lesson learned.... the next day he asked "Did you really call me 59 times?". "Probably", I replied. I called my sister Debi a few times and she of course tried to assure me that Suki would be OK. I also sent a text to my trainer, Heather Mason, so that she would see it in the morning. Heather answered the text immediately. She was another lifeline throughout the night. Heather told me later that she always has her phone near. "The horses.", she said. "I always need to know what's going on." More tomorrow.... So Suki is a little grumpy because she has been stuck inside due to weather and now VERY muddy fields and paddocks. But she cracks me up! Her personality is hilarious. She is such a diva, and LOVES attention. Hopefully she will go out today. I go to the barn every morning to check her protective garment and now of course a sheet or blanket that is on top. Every morning I am greeted with a soft nicker, which is delightful! Baby Nikki is also developing quite the personality. My third mare and my third diva. Hmmmmm.....
I have decided that each day I will start the post with a little bit of history. Readers can get a bit of the back story, and it will help as I continue to organize my thoughts while writing the book. Midnight, July 9, 2009: I am awakened by the ringing of my cell phone. As we all know, rarely does a midnight call bring good news. This time was no exception. "Hi Bobbi", I answered from caller ID. "Is everything okay?" Now we all know what a stupid question that is. Your fellow boarder is calling you in the middle of the night, so obviously something is very wrong. That never stops us from asking this question though, does it? "No", she replied. "The barn is on fire and they can't find our horses!" Bobbi did not know any other details, but she and her husband were going to the barn to search for the horses. With my then 3 year-old son Isaiah asleep in the next room, and my husband away on business, my only option was to stay home and wait. Volunteers from around the area went out in the dark of night to search. I would hear many stories later....a horse was seen coming out of the barn on fire, with its eyes melted shut. Unfortunately this was not much of an exaggeration of Suki's condition. And it breaks my heart to think about it. In fact I am teary just writing it... Suki, Whisby (Bobbi's big chestnut dressage horse) and two other horses were the only horses in the barn on that summer night. The rest of the horses were on night turnout to escape the heat and bugs of the day. Suki did not like to be out for extended periods, so her turnout was early morning for a couple of hours. Ironically, she now goes out over night during the summer. More than 120 firefighters from five fire companies answered the call as the inferno lit the sky. At home I paced the house, waiting for a telephone call telling me that my horse was safe and unharmed. Deep in my heart I knew that this was not likely the case, but held on to that hope anyway. I tried repeatedly to reach my husband, who is notorious for turning off his phone....lesson learned.... the next day he asked "Did you really call me 59 times?". "Probably", I replied. I called my sister Debi a few times and she of course tried to assure me that Suki would be OK. I also sent a text to my trainer, Heather Mason, so that she would see it in the morning. Heather answered the text immediately. She was another lifeline throughout the night. Heather told me later that she always has her phone near. "The horses.", she said. "I always need to know what's going on." More tomorrow.... So Suki is a little grumpy because she has been stuck inside due to weather and now VERY muddy fields and paddocks. But she cracks me up! Her personality is hilarious. She is such a diva, and LOVES attention. Hopefully she will go out today. I go to the barn every morning to check her protective garment and now of course a sheet or blanket that is on top. Every morning I am greeted with a soft nicker, which is delightful! Baby Nikki is also developing quite the personality. My third mare and my third diva. Hmmmmm.....
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