And The Verdict is...

It seems that I have sprained and maybe even partially torn my deep transverse metacarpal ligament. In normal words when Comrade pulled back on the reins he hyper extended the area between my pinkie and ring fingers knuckles nearest my palm.

My problem ligament

 So the doctor said it was a good news, bad news situation.

Good news: I don't need surgery. This type of injury, even a tear, does not need to be fixed.

Bad news: This injury needs time to heal.

I am almost wishing it was broke so that it would heal faster. After dealing with Barry's suspensory injury I know just how long it can take. At least I have a definitive answer now and the doctor actually manipulated my hand. I only have to keep the two fingers taped to prevent lateral movement. Now if only I could prevent bumps and bends. I am glad I ditched the splint since the wrap was more what I needed anyway. So keep your fingers crossed that when I go back in 3 weeks, things are feeling better.

Making Lemonade

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"

NQR, but too cute to pass up

We have all heard the saying before. Now I am trying to put it to practice. My hand is still hurting and I will probably have to go back to the doctor. I took off the huge splint and went back to the elasticon last week. As long as I don't bump it or bend it, I'm pain free. I do have a new tan line though.

I am constantly trying to find my limits. Can't pick up hay bales, but can manage water buckets. Can't trim hooves, but I can file them. Can hold a manure fork, but long use will hurt. Typing sucks, but  can be done "hunt and peck" method. I am pretty good driving one handed. Riding can be done, but on a loose rein.

Comrade has had a couple rides now with only loose reins. I put him on the rail and he has to stay there. If he drifts, I guide him back and drop the rein again. If he spooks, I make him do lots of turns into the fence by the spooky area. After a little of that he decides spooking is not worth it. Then I upped the speed and we did trot laps both directions. He tended to look to the outside, but stayed relaxed in his neck. His little ears kept flicking back to me like "Are you going to do something?"
Surprisingly he did well staying on the rail and maintaining his pace. That means it was time to move up to canter. I started with the right lead, since he likes to lean in that way. He found a comfortable pace and stayed on the rail, only drifting a small amount. I got one attitude buck when I told him he could not stop yet. So we did another few laps before I asked for halt. I know he was not carrying his back as well with out my help because the saddle shifted a bit. After fixing that, I asked for the left lead. Well remember that "Go" ride I had with him. Yep he took off requiring me to half halt him to let him know this was a different exercise. He actually tried to slow to a trot or buck more this direction. I think he was trying to force me to hold him up. Did not work. I just sat deep and moved him on. So my lemonade will be the pony learning to rely on himself and not use me to hold him up.
Sunday he showed that he learned his lesson on Saturday. He had the same pace both directions. No bucking and no saddle shifting. He did his job until I changed it. And the quality of his gaits was great for him.
I am determined something good will come out of this injury and Comrade is definitely helping. Now I just need to stop seeing all the fun shows happening soon. I really wanted to do derby day this year, but there is no way we could be ready for it. So it goes on next years list :)

WW My Show Souvenir

6 days after, my home care elasticon wrap

11 days after, the doctors splint

Anyone see a problem?

Winston (and Me) Update

I dreaded going to the barn today. Worries crowded my mind on the hour drive. As I turned the corner near the barn, I started counting horses. One boy by the tree, one boy in the field and yay one boy by the water trough. So he was standing. When I parked I saw him walk in that "What mack truck hit me?" kind of way. I went right out to see him and was glad to see he did not have tree trunks for legs. There was swelling around the cut on his left leg, but only a small amount of heat.
Other than his obvious muscle soreness, I could see no new damage. I finally took an easy breath. Winston got cold hosed, the cut scrubbed and dressed with antibiotic and honey. I added B-L to his food to help with pain.
Overall he is doing so well considering all that happened. I am also doing better. It is not something I am going to forget, but I know when you own horses anything can happen. Now for a few pictures.

This is the ladder he ran into. That bend is Winston's work. The steps are probably what cut him.

Hard to see but that is the hole and rake that started the blind panic

His worst injury, cut on inside left front

Front view, slight swelling in the area

After taking care of everyone, I went for some pony therapy in the form of a Comrade ride. We went for a free spirited, jumping session in the woods. Just what I needed. Comrade and I even conquered our new blue barrel jump. It was not pretty, but he went over. His trot work between jumps was awesome. Comrade wanted to get strong but he came back to me when I asked. We ended with another stag jump over the barrels, then Peggy got on to cool him out. He even had foamy butt cheeks.
I am so lucky to have a supportive family and a great network of friends to help when life goes to hell. Now onto the work week and taking it day by day with Winston. Fingers crossed he continues on the up swing.