Thoroughly Vetted- 2023 Edition

Well, what do you know! I didn’t have to cancel my horses’ veterinary appointment after all. If you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about, you can get the background scoop HERE.

Using what I learned during my previous trailer loading practice with my two horses, the loading process on the big day went smoothly. Both horses traveled quietly together. We even arrived at the vet clinic with ten minutes to spare.

During their appointments, Shiloh and Piper got their annual exams, Spring vaccinations and blood draws for their Coggins tests. Fecal samples were also collected to do a worm egg count. Piper needed his teeth floated so that was performed during this visit too.

No major health concerns were noted by their veterinarian, other than the ever-present issue of weight management which is a continual thorn in my side. Easy keepers are not easy to manage.

Afterward, both horses rested in stalls while Piper’s sedation from his dental work wore off. It was a busy day at the clinic, and by the time I got ready to leave, there were three other trailers in the parking lot.

As I led Piper towards my trailer with the helpful veterinary tech leading Shiloh behind, I noticed a small audience watching us as they waited for their horses’ appointments. I also observed three horse heads peaking out from the trailer directly next to us. Everyone looked curious.

I immediately felt intimidated by having spectators. Spectators that were about to watch me attempt to trailer load. Something that I often find difficult, if not impossible. Cue my brief mental panic. I had visions of the horses having to be henceforth boarded at the vet clinic because I couldn’t get them home.

Fortunately, though, I managed to quickly refocus on my game. I worked to remain mentally present with the horses as I sought to quietly and calmly guide them into their big box on wheels.

As Piper and I approached the back of the trailer, he stepped onto the ramp. Piper briefly stopped in his still slightly sedated stupor to get his bearings but soon went right on in.

Next, I got Shiloh’s lead rope from the veterinary technician and asked Shiloh to walk forward toward the trailer. He didn’t initially move so I repositioned myself and asked him again just as the technician clucked to him. Shiloh walked right up the ramp and went straight for the hay bag like he does it every day. What a relief!

I then gave my thanks to the veterinary technician for all her help wrangling two horses during the visit. I was now ready to head home with both horses firmly in tow. As I closed up the back of the trailer, it was then that I heard someone from the crowd exclaim “Don’t you just love a good loader!”