Oh, crikey, where to start.
This morning , no Kolka appeared for her breakfast. Haakon and friends denied all knowledge (useless lot). So Floss and I set off with Kolka’s bucket and found her lying down, motionless tangled up miles away in the back fence. She had been there some time and was slowly giving up.
We tried to untangle the fence, but it was no good – her hoof was stuck tightly in the wire. I told Floss to go back and get some fence-wire cutters.
It was a long wait – it’s a long way, and I stayed with Kolka telling her we would do this and she must keep going and live.
(Flossie sensibly asked OH for the right wire-cutters and brought them back to me.)
Once we had cut all the wire around and free’ed Kolka’s back hooves, Floss and I tried to get her up but she couldn’t. She had dug a hole with the fronts, was exhausted and now starting to leave us – shaking and her eyes were dull. Floss went back (and it’s a very long walk) to get some rope and OH.
While Floss was gone, I moved Kolka’s back legs to prove to her that they were free and then I had an idea – to put Kolka’s bucket in front of her for inspiration. That did it and after many, many attempts she weakly stood up. Her last bit of effort.
I held Kolka’s bucket and she ate unsteadily while the Cavalry (OH and Floss) arrived.
We let Kolka get her bearings, settle and think. She was still very unsteady but she had a determination I knew was still in there.
We walked slowly over the hill, through the back gate and into the field. The long walk actually did Kolka good and she got used to her legs working. She also did two poo’s which was encouraging.
The others came to meet her. Useless lot, I told them, again.
Once home, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, another bucket and I washed Kolka’s legs, examined them and sprayed with antibiotic spray. I also put a rug on her as she was still shaking. She spent her morning around the house, resting and eating with Haakon and Iacs for company.
Monika from Sandness Equine Services kindly visited for Jin Shin Jyutsu healing (a huge thank you).
This afternoon, I dithered, worried and decided to put the horses in the shed – it was raining sporadically. I wanted Kolka to rest as much as possible. The boys had to go too, for company.
I had been to the vet and got antibiotic injections too and more painkillers. He is very aware of the situation.
The haynets are not really being touched, but I am giving the horses fibre-block every 2 hours to keep their guts going and Kolka will get another painkiller and a probiotic tonight too. The next few days will be worrying. Kolka is stiff, sore and really feeling it. The possibility of colic is not ruled out either so thoughts and prayers for Kolka, please. Everything you’ve got.
(The nursing staff are also on-call – ready and waiting.)
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Oh, poor Kolka and all of you. Sending a round of prayers and good healing vibes from Massachusetts!
What a difficult ordeal! So very glad you freed her, got her up and moving and called in all the help you could get. Warmest vibes and healing prayers for her, and for you too. Do let us all know how she does. We all care.
Oh no Frances, what a nightmare! Thank goodness Flossie was there to help. Keeping everything crossed for you that she makes a full recovery.
My heart sank at the start of the story. ‘This is not what Frances needs’.
But like any good fairytale, with each word came hope. Fingers crossed for continued well being, for humans and animals
How absolutely horrifying for you all! So glad you were able to get her up and moving and somewhere quiet and warm. Sending love and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. xo
Very well done for managing to get Kolka bak on her feet. Everything crossed that she has a peaceful night and is still fighting tomorrow. Horrible experience for you all. xx
Hang in there, Kolka, darling!
Kolka – the Sassy Sister Cats send lots of purrs to help you heal. Virtual hugs to the humans.
Oh no, how frightening! I know it can be quite bad when a horse is down and unable to get up. It sounds like you’re doing all the right things. My pets and I are sending Kolka our best all the way from Pennsylvania!
Sending prayers that beautiful Kolka will be OK. We all love you.
Oh my gosh, Frances. I’m so glad you and Floss went looking and found Kolka. What a scary
predicament. So glad you got her up and eating and walking. I am praying she will be doing much better soon.
Keeping fingers and toes crossed for you all for a speedy recovery.
Oh Frances, what a horrible experience. Sending hope from across the pond.
Oh, my gosh! What you’ve all been through is terrifying. I haven’t been around horses much, but we have gone through enough situations with various animals that I can say that it is absolutely awful. What a devastating accident for sweet Kolka! And from everything I’ve read, horses are not only very intelligent but also very sensitive which is great except she’ll be feeling this mentally as well as physically. However, Kolka has the best family to help her through this nastiness. Of course, we’ll be thinking about Kolka & all of you (including the feathered & hairy nursing staff. Honestly, you all are amazing. You have done exactly what she needed. I do believe in prayer because it is powerful; rest assured that we will be praying for Kolka & all of you. If you have it on hand, this might be the moment for some good, aged uisge beatha. Thinking of you all! Heal, Kolka, HEAL!
Thoughts and prayers for Kolka.
Truly awful experience for you all – wishing everyone a full recovery.
Sending love, hugs and best wishes to you all. ❤️
She has all my healing light coming her way. And you too. How weary both of you must be feeling.
Stephanie
I’m in awe of you all. Prayers for Kolka and you.
Oh, dear sweet Kolka. What an awful thing to come upon, I could feel your fear and pain for her. I was so sad thinking how scared she must have been – it just breaks my heart. It sounds like you are doing all of the things necessary to give her a good chance to recover from this. I am saying prayers for Kolka’s recovery.