A visit with Martyn at the stable
Yesterday, I blogged a bit about what I did on Christmas. Today, I will post another installment. As many of you know, I am the proud owner of five Dutch Friesian geldings. These are beautiful large horses, bred by Witteveen Stables inn Paris, Ontario. Four of these big boys, Meindert, Rinze, Rutger, and Ramon spend a great deal of time outdoors. However, Martyn cannot join them as they graze and frolic in the paddocks. He has been suffering from collapsed rear fetlocks and suffers swollen joints, sore lets, and hindquarters. We are fearful that he might fall on the uneven ground outside. Instead, Martyn is free to wander around the stable under Betsy's watchful eye. On Christmas, I went to pay him a visit.
1 This is Martyn, one of my five Dutch Friesian geldings at Cantitoe Farm.
2 Martryn is very curious - always looking for a good snack - I just happened to bring some crusts of Balthazar bread to the stable - a favorite treat.
3 Such a beautiful horse!
4 Sadly, Martyn has been suffering from collapsed rear fetlocks and suffers swollen joints, sore legs, and hind quarters. He does not seem to be recovering well.
5 He regularly shifts from one leg to the other - we have kept the back legs shaved and wrapped - regular supplements and massage therapy keeps him happy but not rideable.
6 Martyn is free to walk around the stable while the exterior doors are closed.
7 I love his bright and friendly nature.
8 He always is pensive.
9 Martyn is communing with Meindert in the adjoining stall. Meindert was waiting for is massage treatment for a pulled muscle - The horses get better treatment than I do.
10 Dolma is one of two stable hands who help Betsy Perreten, my horse groom and stable manager.
11 The light was wonderful at the 'kitchen' end of the stable.
12 Purba, the other stable hand, joined us for a portrait. The dogs were cozy in their red Christmas sweaters.
13 These are the beautiful name signs for the stalls, which we just got - they need to be mounted in place.
14 I love the Dutch spelling of Martyn.
15 In the tack room, each horse's tack is marked clearly.
16 The harness decoration is nickeled brass - the tree is the symbol of the farm. All of the harnesses are made by Freedman in Canada. www.freedmanharness.com
17 The stable office has a computer that allows us to check the weather, do research, and communicate with the outside world. It is so different from the stables of old!
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Martha, I'm simply in awe of your limitless energy and how you are aware of every detail of what's going on on your vast property. Thank you for setting such a great example for all of us and may 2010 be a great year for you!
Posted by: Rita | December 30th, 2009 at 12:22 am
I do so hope that Martyn recovers fully. His eyes are so wise - he knows you are doing all you can to make him feel better.
Posted by: Donna Olson | December 30th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Gorgeous horses!
Posted by: how it grows | December 30th, 2009 at 1:31 am
I always love reading about Martha's animals and especially her horses being an avid horse person myself. I am curious how old Martyn is?
Posted by: Stacey | December 30th, 2009 at 8:02 am
There's Frannie!!!! I left a comment on your blog yesterday, that i hadn't seen Miss Frannie and today I see her with Sharkey in the stables!! I'm so glad she isn't sick or something!! Your horses are so beautiful. I love to see animals look so happy and content!! Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Shjirley Hawksby | December 30th, 2009 at 8:16 am
MY THOUGHTS ARE THAT MOST OF US CAN LEARN A LESSON HERE. Pets are wonderful and those who have the ability to care for them are fortunate. Most of us do not-it is absolutely inexcusable to acquire a live creature before making this decision. Martyn is blessed to receive this type of care.
Posted by: ann | December 30th, 2009 at 9:15 am
I'm sorry to hear about Martyn, I hope he isn't suffering too much.
Posted by: julia | December 30th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Ooh, such a beautiful animal. Is his condition treatable? It sounds so ominous - collapsed fetlocks. I hope he recovers enough to be comfortable.
Posted by: Mary Adams | December 30th, 2009 at 9:33 am
martha,
have you tried chiropractic for martyn? options for animals in kansas city trains chiropractors and veterinarians in animal chiropractic. to find a qualified practitioner you can go to http://www.animalchiro.com.
Posted by: stacey cantrell | December 30th, 2009 at 10:03 am
So soory for Martyn, I hope he recovers successfully.
(I notice your photos are so much smaller than in past posting, the larger photos were more enjoyable in my opinion. Are you gling to return to the large photos of the past?)
Posted by: diane roumeliotis | December 30th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Hi Martha,
Martyn may be suffering but he looks quite content just the same. You see to his every need and that's a good thing. Pictures #1 and #2 are so sweet - he loves his Martha and I love seeing your beautiful animals - every single one of them! I'm looking forward to more pictures of your new puppy chow too! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 30th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Absolutely beautiful horse! I jokingly tell my husband I am going to turn his boat house into a stable for a horse.
Posted by: Debra | December 30th, 2009 at 11:33 am
He is so beautiful. Many good wishes for healing.
Posted by: Robin | December 30th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Hi Martha,
Martyn is just lovely. Please give him a big hug from me.
Susie
Posted by: Susie | December 30th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Of all the many beautiful things that you share with the rest of us, it is your wonderful love and exquisite care of your animal friends that drew me to you. Martyn is such a beautiful boy as all of your Friesians are.
I'm so sorry to hear that he is still not getting better after all of the treatments and medical care you have provided him. Sadly, many other people would have given up on Martyn and had him put by now. Thank you for not giving up on him and doing everything to make his life comfortable. He and all of your animal companions are very lucky to have you, and you lucky to have them.
I hope you post some of these photos of you and Martyn in your Twitpic photos. I bet many of your followers don't know what an avid horsewoman you are. Have a safe and Happy New Year in Thailand!
Posted by: Sonya W. | December 30th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
your stable is cleaner than my house
Posted by: IowaCowgirl | December 30th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Could it be because Martyn is always standing on a hard concrete or tile surface? He might prefer a softer surface upon which to stand (hard packed dirt or the like). Animals normally don't always stand or seek concrete to stand on. Concrete is also cold whereas the earth is warm.
Posted by: Louise | December 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Martyn is soooo handsome!! Feel better...xoxo
Love,
TheFickleNickle.com
Posted by: Nicole Carpenter | December 30th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Martha, before I even viewed today's photo gallery, I could tell by the position of Martyn's ears in the very first photo that he is happy for your visit and is feeling contentment - what a beautiful photo! - mushball that I am, my eyes actually welled up!
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...God bless Martyn's heart - I didn't realize HE was your one horse that had the leg/joint ailments, plus I had figured they had mended themselves after time! It's wonderful he can roam the stable, and what's more wonderful is Betsy's and her staff's patience and compassion in providing him proper care and the helpful and soothing treatments. Aw, I pray to the Lord that it will continue to sustain him - to continue to give him quality of life. Oh, I just can't convey enough how beautiful he is!
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It was cute! - seeing Frannie-n-Sharkey 'along for the ride'! Before long, Martha, you'll be paying those beautiful little two a salary, because they are a-w-f-u-l-l-y helpful there around the farm! [giggle] Gee whiz, they help the stable hands, the grounds crew, housekeeperLaura, Uncle Carlos...I guess they've learned from the best (um, that would be YOU!) to 'carpe diem'! [giggle]
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I KNOW you're 'seizing the day' in Thailand...I can't wait 'til you're back home with us next week with new shows in store!
.
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 30th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
It is tough. I know because I have tried ever so hard to keep them alive. My one mare died in a rainstorm but she was free to go where she wanted. If made to be like us it is called caged.
Hope Martyn communicates his wants and needs.
And doudy Ms. Sharkey in her cute large rear end coat. She brings joy to most just not the chickens.
Posted by: Margie | December 30th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
looks like martyn needs to do some aqua size...there is a great place in pa for this
Posted by: debbie tarlecky | December 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Love this posting and yes the dogs are stylin’. Woo, I was sooooooo sleepy last night I didn’t leave a comment because I knew I wanted to type a lot about my mom and you and y’all hats. I must be honest and tell you I laughed my butt off looking at you in that warm hat. My mom has one similar only the cloth is royal blue and the fur is bright white - you have to see it to believe it! She’s very cold natured and exaggerates coldness, it can be 49 degrees and she’ll wear her warm hat. Well, she hasn’t been able to find it this winter THANK GOD cause some things are not meant for the public to see. She wears it with her pink coat, with her red jack, even if it does not color coordinate. So, I’m always teasing her about it and it’s a running joke between us, thus why I laughed when I saw you in one. She is well aware she can go nowhere with me with that hat on.
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You alwayzzzzzzz get comments on how beautiful you are and how lovely you look, but did you get one compliment for this posting with that hat on? It proves my point they may be warm but for sure not attractive! Go ahead and be as proud of your hat as my mother is she wears hers with great pride. I’m laughing my butt off as I type this. You are too precious and dear - this is in good fun. I was reluctant to share this because I didn’t know how it would be received. So if it is not appropriate don’t post what’s above to this point, but I had to share my first reaction. In all seriousness she can go anywhere with me with the hat on it’s just not my favorite.
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It is my prayer that Martyn has a speedy recovery. The fact that you give your horses’ better care than yourself shows the true things in your heart! It will all come back to you for sure! I just <3 how Sharkey is sitting at your feet or sitting at attention in the last photo.
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I dEcIdEd tO tYpE iN tHiS mEtHoD uPpEr aNd lOwEr cAsE lEtTer mIx bEcAuSe I’Ve fOuNd tHaT mY nIeCe aNd yOuNgEr fOLkS (13 & under) on facebook dO iT tHiS wAy, aLtHoUgH I’Ve nOt fOuNd aNY dOcUmEnTaTiOn tO kNoW wHaT iT mEaNs yEt aS I diD wiTH tExT tAlK. I’Ve bEeN tOLD tHaT tYpInG iN aLL UPPER cAsE letters sUgGeSts tHaT wRiTeR iS sCrEaMinG tHeIr mEsSaGe. Yeah, I try to keep up with the young folk a little cause they always doing it different faster better. I mean we make our smiley faces like this : ) and they make theirs like this = ) Oh the never ending trends in technology!
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Last, I also must tell you, that you have broadened my vocabulary. I’ve not followed your blog from the beginning, so I’ve been playing catch-up I’m almost complete reading them all-right now I’m around August 2009. It has taken sometime to fit it in, I’ve been hooked on your blog since Diddy’s birthday party. Oh but, some of the adjectives used throughout keeps me interested. Thank you very much!
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Laugh on into the New Year! As did Abraham and Sarah laughed and questioned God when he told them they would bear a child at 99 and 90 respectively. They didn’t believe it! What are you not believing or questioning God for? Laugh about it because God dwells in our impossibilities. OH YES! He can do above all that we ask or think. LAUGH on GIRL LAUGH on………..Genesis 17-18 (tells of this story reads real good in the CEV or Contemporary English Version)
Posted by: K L Brown | December 30th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Poor beautiful baby....Martyn will be in my animal prayers....I know you are concerned Martha and the photos clearly show his love for you and yours for him....He is a magnificent steed.
Posted by: Becky HK | December 30th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
By the way Martha,
I forgot to add, I LOVE THE HAT
Posted by: Becky HK | December 30th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Hi Martha, I love this blog about Martyn. All of your Friesians are beautiful, but Martyn is really special because of his problems. He looks really healthy in your photos and how I wish he didn't have those problems. I think about him often and you must have read my mind, because I asked about him on F&S's blog and low and behold you wrote about him the next day on your blog! God bless him and all of your animals. They have great people looking after all of them. Hope you continue to have fun in Bangkok. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 30th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
You seem to always look so happy around animals!Everything is so neat and clean!I love your hat!! We wear them them too in the UP of Michigan.Have you ever been to Keweenaw Pen.? If not..you should see it sometime!!!
Posted by: Mary Ann Owens | December 30th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
nice horse
Posted by: mike allison | December 31st, 2009 at 12:32 am
happy new year
Posted by: mike allison | December 31st, 2009 at 12:35 am
The lovely Martyn just tugs at your heart. He is such a sweet creature. I know that you have provided amazing care and lots of love to him. Others
would not be as caring as you. Happy New Year to you and yours. Four-legged friens included.
Posted by: Ann Chamberlain | December 31st, 2009 at 1:10 am
Oh, Martha. I'm sorry to hear of Martyns ailment. Have you heard of Game Ready for equines? Game Ready is an ice therapy machine. I have NO idea if this would help him BUT you may want to look into it. I became familiar with it when I worked for a large catalog retailer of horse supplies (of which you are a customer) and was lucky enuf to borrow it from the company and see it in use. Amazing. They've developed a people version too. As I said, I'm unfamiliar with his condition but if ice therapy is needed, pls give this consideration.
http://www.gamereadyequinestore.com/
Also, I'm sure you have an outstanding vet for him but if you want more names, I'm familiar with one of the best "lameness vets" in the Boston area. He is a vet for many many national shows. Would be happy for share the name and number if you'd like.
Good luck, Martha. And good luck to Martyn. He'll be in my thoughts.
Posted by: no name please | December 31st, 2009 at 10:53 pm
You look adorable in that hat. And I love the emblazoned saddles! Tres chic!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | January 1st, 2010 at 12:45 am
Martha: I am sure you have excellent veterinarians looking after Martyn. However, after caring for my beloved FEI Dutch dressage horse "Mozart" for 6 months as he struggled with DSLD I am astonished to see that you are not being advised to put Martyn to rest. This beautiful animal is NOT going to recover, and you said yourself in the opening paragraph that he is "suffering" from collapsed fetlocks. His "pensive" eyes that one astute reader noted are the eyes of a horse in pain, not the bright, playful eyes of a comfortable animal. I am not a backyard owner. My horses have earned multiple national championships in dressage and have always had the best of care. For the DSLD diagnosis and treatment I worked closely with Dr. Susan Johns of Virginia Equine Imaging and her Senior partner Dr Kent Allen who is not only a US Equestrian team vet but has conducted much of the seminal research on this hideous disease. I also consulted with the top pathologist in the country for necropsy of DSLD, two world class acupuncturists, and two other lameness experts who have seen a lot of DSLD. They ALL gave the same grim prognosis.. This is an extremely painful, debilitating, progressive disease and since Martyn's fetlocks have dropped he is already well past the discomfort stage. He is being brave for you. I urge you to visit my website and the DSLD website before you discover Martyn down in the stable and unable to get up, for that is exactly what will happen if you continue to prolong this existence. Artie's website is http://artiemarch2009.shutterfly.com and the DSLD website is http://delphiforums.com/RZECH/dsl
Best of luck to you. Please do the right thing for this beautiful horse.
Posted by: beth daniels | January 1st, 2010 at 11:28 am
Martha,
You seem to live as though it were the last day of your life. We all should.
Your Mother must have been proud of you. I am sorry of your loss two years ago. I hope to live to be 93.
It warms my heart to read about the horses, your activities on the farm, and in all that you do .
It makes me feel like everyone should go home again. That is if it is as welcoming as yours!
Thanks for sharing,
mfw
Posted by: Mary Williamson | January 1st, 2010 at 11:30 pm
I enjoyed reading about Martyn. I know life is pretty perfect at your barn and I'm sure he was meticulously groomed before the photo shoot but gosh --- your horse looks really great. Mine is so dirty all the time even with daily grooming. He's out most of the time even with his blanket but the non-blanketed parts are muddy.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Karen Clark | January 2nd, 2010 at 5:40 am
To clarify my last post, which was about my birthday, it's December 30-1959.
Posted by: Claudia | January 2nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Martyn is in your care for a reason. I sense his spirituality and connection to you. Visit him as much as you can for he has much to teach you. Have you contacted the horse healer Margrit Coates or read her book Healing for Horses? I recommend her to you. Perhaps she can assist in his complete healing. I am also a 60ish owner of 4 friesians. They are amazing animals!
Posted by: jane hutchins | January 2nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I think the Dutch spelling of "Martin" is "Maarten"
Just sayin'!
Posted by: Robin | January 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Martyn is a lovely animal and I am sure he is loved a great deal, but PLEASE, Martha or anyone in charge of his care, go to the DSLD website. I had a wonderful world class competition horse in my care last year suffering from the same thing...his eyes seemed soft and gentle and loving...but getting to know that precious boy, I soon realized that he was tring to communicate in a kind way all the pain he was experiencing. One of the most difficult responsibilities we have as horse owners is to know when it is time to say good bye and not let them degenerate any more...because this is the way the disease manifests itself. I got a lot of help from an animal communicator... I hope you will seek more help and not let that lovely horse be in any more pain.
Posted by: mary rice | January 3rd, 2010 at 3:03 pm
I am so sorry to hear about your boy, I deal with DSLD/ESPA everyday as there are many many horses affected including my own mare. There is ongoing research and one study is Dr Kellon's treatement study that is a great way to manage the disease. Although not a cure it has kept many horses comfortable and manages the pain associated with the disease. My own mare has been on treatment for 3 1/2 years and is doing remarkably well. Both her her dam and granddam were also affected and had to be euthanized because we had no treatment years back to help manage the disease. If you are interesting in trying the treatment for your boy, please visit the linked webpage. Our DSLD list has over 800 members, this is something many of use deal with and it affects about all breeds of horses. There is continued ongoing research also at U of GA.
Posted by: Bunny Reveglia | January 3rd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Martha - it appears that your horse has DSLD - Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis. (What others have said). As a horse owner, it's up to you to educate yourself about horse care and this DEGENERATIVE condition. "Necropsy results have shown DSLD/ESPA horses are affected in the tendons and ligaments of all legs, nuchal ligament, the patella , it can also affect the eyes and aorta and some organs, skin and all the ligaments and tendons. The entire body becomes affected as the disease progresses." Taken from - http://www.dsldequine.info/
http://www.equipodiatry.com/dsld.htm
http://www.angelfire.com/bc/curlygait/dsldorgpix.htm
Martha, please do the right thing and be a responsible horse owner!
Posted by: Educated Horse Owner | January 4th, 2010 at 12:59 am
Martha and Martyn:
From many years I have dedicated myself to education about and research into the equine disease DSLD. This stands for Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis - the name by which this disease has been known for almost thirty years after being coined by veterenarian Dr. Jan Young of California. More recently, the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine has conducted research that identified the disease as a systemic disorder of connective tissue characterized by a hyperaccumulation of a certain proteoglycan in connective tissue. In light of this, the disease was renamed "Equine Systemic Proteoglycan Accumulation", or ESPA by that team. It is better known by the old name, and is frequently seen as DSLD/ESPA or D/E.
This disease is degenerative, progressive and incurable. While the breakdown of the fetlocks is the classic visible sign; the sad fact is that the animal is falling apart internally far before the weight bearing apparatus breaks down.
Please hear this, Martha: I can tell you with certainty that your beautiful Martyn presents with the CLASSIC symptoms of an advanced case of DSLD. I would be astonished if he were not affected.
I have lost a fine horse to this disease! And, in my years of activism about it, I have have seen many other wonderful horses lost. It's a terrible disease. A dedicated group of horse lovers have been working for more than a decade to fund and assist research to find the answer - a DNA marker. We've learned so much, but we have a long way to go.
There is a diagnostic protocol based on ultrasound that can be administered by any vet with a good ultrasound machine. Dr. Jay Mero, the developer of the protocol, is happy to give second readings of the ultrasound images for possible affected horses.
There is an abundance of information on Yahoo group "DSLD-equine" at http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/DSLD-equine/
and the associated web page "http://dsldequine.info". There is a well-regarded equine veterinarian who consults with the Yahoo group list. She has helped to develop an experimental treatment protocol that has helped many affected horses. It is NOT a cure, but can help ease symptoms considerably. You can get the information about the treatment program on the Yahoo group site, or through me.
I would be pleased to put you in touch with experts and researchers who can give you the very latest information and, should you wish to try it, the experimental treatment protocol. And, I strongly urge you to do so. At the very least, please look at the website http://www.dsldequine.info and the archives at the Yahoo group:
Posted by: Terry Barrall | January 4th, 2010 at 1:04 am
That poor horse very clearly has DSLD, which is always a progressive disease. By the time the hind fetlocks have collapsed, the horse is generally in a lot of pain. Horses have existed for thousands of years by hiding pain from predators, so you have to look hard to see the signs.
Eventually Martyn will get to a point where he will be unable to get up from lying down. Many times they stop lying down because it's difficult to get back up, so they become sleep deprived.
Please consult a vet who has a lot of experience with DSLD. Martyn could already be in a lot of pain and just not be showing it in a way that is obvious, even for those who know him.
Posted by: emily | January 4th, 2010 at 1:28 am
My Oscar also has DLSD/ESPA.
Please check DSLDinfo.equine for the information that Mary Rice mentioned. The regime is easy to follow and gives Good Results. Unfortunately, there is no cure- yet.
Best of luck with Martyn.
Posted by: Susan | January 4th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Lovely stable!
Posted by: Rachael Rossman | January 4th, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Dear Martha,
I , too, have a friesian gelding that suffers from DSLD.Sterling was diagnosed 4 years ago at UC Davis, and they gave him a "pasture ornament" prognosis. However, my friesian has actually done much better with light exercise, joint supplements as well as those recommended on the dsld website, and a drug approved in Europe called Tildren administered by IV by my vet once per year. Formerly a dressage, and then saddleseat horse, Sterling was undefeated in open western pleasure classes last year! DSLD really is not a death sentence, necessarily, for a friesian, and i am happy to share with you what we have done, that has been so successful in delaying the uncomfortable symptoms, on our friesian diagnosed with DSLD. You can see photos of Black Sterling on our website, http://www.blacksterlingfriesians.com
Kind Regards,
janna goldman
Posted by: janna goldman | January 4th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I have an old mare that has a very similar problem. My blacksmith suggested putting shoes with extended heels on the rear hooves to give her support and she is able to now walk, trot and even canter once in a while. She was unable to get around before we did this for her. What a difference. She just turned 26 and this happened 5 years ago. She doesnt look older than 15 or 16.
Posted by: Janice Loose | January 5th, 2010 at 12:18 pm
.
Dear Horsewoman,
.
You will know when it's time to let him go. It tends to be a natural instinct with animal lovers. I've attended many a euthanasia with animal owners and something just tells you when all of the healing time has come to releasing time.
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I'm here in spirit and support if this time comes for you and Martyn.
.
A and W's
Animal Support Line -- 774-219-5537
.
Posted by: National Cancer Society for Animals | January 5th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
.
Tufts has a gigantic hospital for large animals on luxurious cornfields amid corrals and high hills.
.
I've spent much time witnessing tremendous events and miracles within this medical farm in North Grafton, Massachusetts. It's just off of my travel route to Maine, probably yours too.
.
There is a grand myriad of treatments for all that ails us. I hope you locate the BEST for your royal gentleman.
.
Andrea
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Posted by: National Cancer Society for Animals | January 5th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I, too, have a mare with D/E, and the supplement AAKG/J that Dr. Kellon devised is quite a wonder. While it will not cure the disease, it does, for most, make it bareable. My Peruvian Paso mare was so lame I thought it was time to put her down, even made the calls for it, when I found the DSLD list at yahoo groups that was previously mentioned and got Bella on the supplement, and the difference is night and day! She even runs around and kicks & bucks in her pen fairly often, and her bad days are few... unless the supplement doesn't get to her properly.
PLEASE get your caregiver to research this disease & try the supplement! It could add years to Martyn's life, not to mention the decrease in his pain!
Posted by: Terri Statti | January 6th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Hello Martha and Happy New Year, I share your love of the Friesians...and enjoyed reading your blog, Martyn is very handsome and I hope he can improve with some of the suggestions of your readers!
Trot-On!!!
Dianne Dakowicz
Posted by: Dianne Dakowicz | January 6th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Nice to see a blog entry about the horses. I live in Wilton, CT and also love and own Friesians. I also have a passion for the Friesians of Color. It is a cross between a pure bred Friesian and a Dutchwarmblood, the result is an amazing Friesian looking horse but with black and white pinto markings. They have been being bred for years in the Netherlands but they are still very rare here in the US. I am expecting a foal in April. You are welcome to come have a peek at the foal after its born if you like.
Sending good wishes to Martyn.....and love hearing about the Friesians.
Posted by: Brooke Brown | January 6th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Your precious Fresian has DSLD / ESPA! There is a wonderful treatment for this now and you should look into it immediately. Go to DSLD-equine@yahoogroups.com for more information. You will learn all about Dr. Kellon (editing publisher of the Horse Journal where DSLD / ESPA is addressed as well). PLEASE look into this immediately as your horse will be very greatful. Mine has been on this treatment for well over a year now and runs around the paddock like he is young again. He is retired but this treatment works and keeps him out of pain!
Posted by: Sara | January 6th, 2010 at 10:00 am
First of all I am certain Martha has some of the best Vets in her area to manage her horses- if there is a known, suitable treatment for what this horse has, I'm sure it's being done.
Further, not all dropped fetlocks are DSLD/ESPA .
And Louise, you may note that the stalls of Marthas wonderful barn have rubber mats in them, so obviously the horse is not standing 24/7 on concrete.
Martha, best of luck with this lovely creature!
Posted by: Ang | January 6th, 2010 at 11:37 am
Happy New Year Martha,
All the best to you and yours,
I would like to thank you for sharing Martyn's story with us all. I would agree with others that it looks as though Martyn has DSLD. My own pampered, beloved horse Zanzibar was diagnosed with this about 1 1/2 years ago. He responded almost miraculously with the herbal treatment protocol proposed by Dr. Kellon. He was lying down 70% of the time and now he is up and about. He just turned 26 yesterday and is enjoying his retirement! Best of luck with your Martyn. If you have any questions, please check out the yahoo dsld group previously posted, or email me
Catherine
Posted by: Catherine Hamlin | January 6th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Have you tried accupuncture? I would have never thought to use it on a horse until I did on my Hanoverian gelding. Great results.
Posted by: jamie | January 7th, 2010 at 9:34 am
Can you share a picture of Ramon? I knew him before you got him and I want to refresh my memory. He is my ideal and as I look at matches for my own mares, I want his image fresh in my mind!
Posted by: Ginger-Kathleen Coombs | January 7th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
So sorry to here you had to put your "buddy" (as I refer to my horses) down. I have had to put down a few in my life time and it always makes me VERY sad.
I noticed that you shoe your horses every 4 weeks. I stopped doing this some time ago and now do natural trimming and my horses feet are much improved. I have raised, trained and showed horses most of my life(I grew up on a cattle ranch near the Telluride area and am 4th generation in this area - I am 64 yrs old.) I use an easy boot on one of the horses front feet if I am in rocky terrain and my 17 hand thoroughbred has never had shoes - he has wonderful feet. I don't show anymore, nor do I do much work moving cattle anymore. Only for fun - I had enough of that growing up moving the beasts in ALL kinds of weather. (I don't camp either)
Anyway... You might try the natural way. It takes time for the sole to draw up but it is definately better for the horse. Of course,I don't know if your horses have hoof problems that require special needs. I will tellyou that most farriers don't trim for the natural way. They trim for shoes, so you may have to find someone in your area that does, if you are interested in this.
I emailed your site a few months ago to get info on the natural products companys your barn manager uses. I was looking for a natural way to get rid of sarcoids an the thoroughbred's neck. I am going to have to use chemo beads after all.
Good luck with your remaining "buddies" - they have a wonderful life on your farm. Wish I could go for a ride with you. I love Fresians and had an chance to ride one years ago in Ft. Collins at Midnight Fresians Farm _ I was in Boulder at a clinic with the renounded Sally Swift. Had a great ride!
With my deepest sympathy,
Gale Bunker
Posted by: Gale Bunker | January 10th, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Martha:
I'm so sorry to hear you had to put Martyn down.
It's never easy to do because we as people are selfish and don't want to loose our loved ones but if we really care and love them we have to think of them more than our selfs evan though
it doesn't make it easier. So sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to you and my prayers are with you
Rosemary Bagot
Posted by: Rosemary Bagot | January 10th, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Just read about Martyn in the Fran Jurga Report on the Fran Jurga Report, a blog on the Equisearch site. So sad. We had to put down two old friends this past summer. One, a 26 year old quarter horse mare that kids could ride, and another appy gelding that got urinary cancer. Always tough . . . we love them so much.
Posted by: Linda Pontorero | January 19th, 2010 at 8:40 am
Ah, This is exactly what I was looking for! Clarifies
some misnomers I've heard
Posted by: Utah Chiropractor | February 15th, 2010 at 5:17 pm
DSLD varies in severity. It is not caused by standing on concrete or lack of herbs or living in a stable (with proper care, attention, exercise, horses are very, very happy in stable). When it is as severe as the horse in the pictures has, the end is inevitable. To keep the horse alive when in such pain and so disabled is cruelty. Glad to hear the Right Thing was done with this poor horse. We have responsibilities to our animals that are not always easy, but we must.
Posted by: slc2 | February 24th, 2010 at 9:04 am