08/15/2026
Prayers Request:
Spirit has laminitis in all four hooves.
The increased heat & digital pulse appeared in one hoof & I thought we were dealing with an abscess. Looking back, it feels like a perfect storm. We're giving him all we got the next 30 days with stall rest, pain mgmt, therapeutic hoof support to see how he stabilizes. It's been a heartbreaking week, and we are all trying to be hopeful.
Spirit has been a hardy, easy keeper in his near 5 years with me at Egret Paradise. Visitors know of "Spirit's Tree" & "Spirit's pasture" & that he lives amongst a senior herd that took him in and helped him heal. Colonel Mac means a great deal to him and it's always been a tie that binds us.
He went from being the horse whose health I took for granted to needing intensive care overnight. This has been a humbling experience. There are moments when I sink into how I've failed him and every what if. But Spirit needs me here with him today & to embrace what he is showing...stay present, receive the care around us, & take it one moment at a time.
We're grateful to the Egret Paradise village that has been there for us this week, & very special thanks to Terri, Jennifer, Jazmynn, my parents & Nathan. Thank you to our farrier Andrew and Dr. Laura for helping us navigate his care.
Please keep our golden boy in your heart & prayers. Here he is getting a stall check-in from his buddy Jackson. Tomorrow Emma & Courtney visit π
-Lauren