Talk to me, pony-boy

When my trainer rode my horse for me on Friday, something was not right. Kaswyn had a definate short stride with his left front leg. The nerved one. The one that's not supposed to, and should not ever again, hurt. What's this supposed to mean? Because, if you read back on all of the things that I've had x-rayed, MRIed, injected, scoped, and examined on this horse, I think I've covered it all. So why is he not sound?

AAARRRGH!

We consulted with the blacksmith, who said we should put him back in the shoeing set-up that he has had for the past 6 years. My concern is, if we do that, that we won't be supporting the tendon, which was the point of the special shoes. He says since the tendon is not involved, that we don't have to worry about it. He says he'll come out Thursday and put new shoes on him and that should solve the problem. That would be great, but what if it doesn't? Then what?

To be honest, I'm very close to saying enough is enough. Maybe it's time to retire this horse. But I'm just not sure, because he seems to love his work so much. I'd really like to find out what's going on in his head.

So I've made an appointment with a horse psychic. Yep, you heard me right. A psychic. I believe that there are some people who can "talk" to animals and all that stuff. This woman is coming highly recommended by other horse people who have used her, so I'll give it a shot. Craig is completely skeptical, and makes no secret about it. I know it sounds crazy, but, honestly, at this point I've tried everything else. Why not this? It's costing me very little money, especially compared to the hugs vet bills I've had so far.

The plan is to have the blacksmith out and reset his shoes Thursday morning. Then Thursday afternoon the psychic is coming to have a little chat with Kaswyn. Craig asked what I hoped to learn from this woman. Here is what I want to know from my horse - where does he hurt, what does he do that's uncomfortable or painful, and does he want to retire or keep working and showing? I'm not planning to tell her anything about him at all. Hopefully she's the real deal and will mention the left front and any other issues we've had. If so, then I might believe what she says. If she's totally off the mark, then... oh well. It might just make for an entertaining afternoon at the barn.