Cinnamon and Claire Vs. The Hornets!



Cinnamon and Claire



Vs. The Hornets

Yesterday Cinnamon and I went out for a ride in the afternoon on a small trail near the ranch that we've ridden several times before. We were walking over a hill enjoying the flowers and sunshine when all of a sudden - hornet attack!!

The stings felt like shocks of electricity, so painful I jumped off of Cinnamon in a state of panic. She was being attacked more than I, with hornets on her face, neck, legs and back. At one point I let go of her because I needed two hands to swat hornets off my arms! Lesser horses would have run home, leaving me to be eaten alive, but Cinnamon stayed close, biting and kicking at the little devils.

I quickly realized I needed to get back on her so we could get out of there. Cinnamon stopped bucking and stood still so I could get back on, then carried us to safety, despite hornets hanging on and still stinging her face, neck and back.

When we got back to the ranch she started having an allergic reaction and seemed like she was having trouble breathing. Her stings swelled up and she began stretching her neck and yawning over and over. The vet came out and gave her an emergency intravenous steroid and checked her heart, lungs and digestive system to make sure she was okay.




Distressed look in eyes and unnatural flared nostrils. Very scary.


With emergency vet treatment, some treats and sympathy, she calmed down and she's doing fine today.

Studly, Cinnamon's best friend and next door neighbor, was unmoved by the day's events.

Claire required a glass of Cabernet and a bar of dark chocolate to fully recover.



We're going to apply bug spray before going for rides and avoid that trail for a while!

Hornets: 1, Claire and Cinnamon: 0.

This story is a great example of what a wonderful horse Cinnamon is: dependable, trusting, and intelligent. She is still available for adoption. If you know of a good home for Cinnamon, please email me at cdobransky@gmail.com.

Cinnamon's Before and After Pics

Here are Cinnamon's official before and after pictures! The process of fostering her has been incredibly rewarding and a lot of fun. If you are interested in fostering a horse, click on the "Fostering a Horse" link. Thanks!

De-Worming a Horse the Easy Way!

Why didn't I think of this? I read about this method on the Internet. After trying it, I'm scratching my head as to why I've needlessly traumatized myself and horses in the past de-worming the old fashion way.

Normally, the quarterly process of de-worming a horse involves a wrestling match to deposit the de-worming paste in the back of their mouths. Not anymore! Mix the paste with OatMo or AlfaMo and the horse will happily devour the medicine!

Here's proof!

Start with the wormer, a yummy treat, and a feeding dish.

Deposit the correct amount in accordance with your horse's size.

Mix it up!

Warning: Wash your hands immediately or wear gloves.

Happy, healthy horse!

Grateful for the delicious treat!

Cinnamon's Three Month Pictures!!

After three months of training, excercise, supplements and pampering, Cinnamon is looking and feeling great! She is also ready to be adopted! Please check out the flyer and forward it to your horse friends! Thanks for visiting my blog! If you are interested in adopting Cinnamon please email me at cdobransky@gmail.com!





Good Article on Horse Skin Problems

EquiSearch

Cinnamon has some hair loss around her mouth that I think is either mites, ringworm or another fungus. It is in the form of circular patches that do not appear to itch. I'm going to try anti-fungal (since I suspect fungus) then hydrocortisone (which is supposed to treat mites and mange).

Cinnamon's Two Month Pictures!

I've now had Cinnamon for just shy of two months now and she's doing great!
Here are her two month pictures! Special thanks to my Mom for coming out to be the photographer!
We've been focusing on walking, trotting and cantering in the arena in both English and Western tack. She's been doing amazing and has been enjoying her rides a lot.
Next month will be devoted to getting her used to riding on the trail!
Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Fostering a Horse

Welcome!

This blog is about my Foster Horse, Cinnamon. I am helping Cinnamon get into adoptable shape so that she will find a loving, forever home.

If you are a horse person that has the time, resources and energy to foster a rescue horse, I encourage you to contact myself or Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue to learn more about the opportunity!

What is Horse Fostering?

Fostering a horse means that you take on responsibility for feeding, boarding, caring for and sometimes training a rescued horse. The purpose of fostering a horse is to get the horse in better shape and more accustomed to being handled and/or ridden so it is adoptable to a wider range of people.

Why Foster a Horse?

Fostering a horse is a great way to be involved with horses without taking on the long term commitment of owning a horse. Fostering helps rescued horses become adoptable to a wider range of people, which improves their chances of finding a great home. There is currently an overabundance of rescue horses looking for homes or foster care. Without sufficient space in local rescue organizations, many horses are being sent to slaughter.

Foster Care Cost

The cost is about $400 per month, which includes boarding, feed, supplements, farrier and vet care. This is heavily dependent on where you plan to keep the horse and varies by location and boarding amenities.

Time Commitment
I spend on average one hour per day with Cinnamon, five days per week. Usually, I groom and exercise her five days per week, then give her one day off completely and one day that I just check on her and hang out.
I hope that the total process with her will take about 3 months, at which point she'll be ready to be adopted.

Benefit to You!
Not only are you helping a horse, but you're donating to a worthy cause and getting the benefit of a wonderful and fulfilling hobby! It is an incredibly rewarding, soothing and fun experience that I am very grateful for.

How to Get Involved

If you are interested in this opportunity, please email me at cdobransky@gmail.com or visit  http://www.falconridgerescue.org/ to learn about the Falcon Ridge Foster Program and the horses.

Thanks!

Claire

858-200-6609