I Go to College

Hi, Fans,
Today I went to the prestigious Daniel M. Galbreath Equine Research Center at Ohio State University. Dave Balz, from the Wyandot County Equine Rescue facility was kind enough to drive me down to Columbus in his trailer. It was a very smooth trip. Mom and Mister Albino rode up front with Dave while I ate hay in the back. As we were approaching the Galbreath Equine Center I could see the Ohio State football stadium out my trailer window. Too bad there wasn't a game today.



After we parked, Mom went inside to find out where she should take me. While she was doing that Mister Albino climbed into the trailer to keep me company and reminisce about his college days. He spoke very enthusiastically about his college experience. This made me think I was in for a fun day.

Mom came back and unloaded me and led me into the beautiful equine center. I met some vets and some students studying to become vets. One of the first people I met was Mallory. She read on my web site that I like Stud Muffins and bought some for me. I was loving college already!

Then I met Dr. Williams and Dr. Yvonne Elce. While the doctors asked Mom questions about me, I ate hay and enjoyed some water. Then Mallory led me outside for some tests. Dr. Williams held one of my legs off the ground for a minute and then asked Mallory to walk me back and forth. While I was walking the doctors watched me and explained to the students what they were looking for. At the end of each trial I got a Stud Muffin. Isn't college great?! I happily repeated the test at a trot. After the flex test the students petted me and rubbed my nose.



Later on, I met Dr. Catherine Kohn, who explained to the class how to tell if I had a nerve problem. She showed them my pretty face, my pearly whites, my tongue and what she described as "doll eyes." She also pushed me around a bit, and pulled my tail. I figured out she was testing my balance and trying to see if I knew where to put my feet. Of course I know where to put them--how do you think I got into college? I must have passed the test because I got another Stud Muffin!



By now it was time for lunch. While Mom, Dave, and Mister Albino were eating, the doctors took me down for x-rays. They gave me something that made me sleepy. When I woke up, there was Mister Albino, looking at me. He told me that Mom was discussing the results of my tests with the doctors.

When Mom came back she told me that I have bilateral hind limb lameness localized to the stifles. I think that means my back legs are sore. I have been trying to tell her this ever since New Jersey! Mom said the doctors want me to rest for four to six months after I get to California. She said the prognosis is good for me to return to normal activity after the rest, and it doesn't look like I have nerve damage.

Before I left college, I got another Stud Muffin. Mom loaded me in the trailer and Dave drove Mom, Mister Albino and me back to Carey.

What a great day! I got to eat hay in the trailer, I met lots of new friends, and I earned lots of stud muffins with my PhD (pretty happy Day). I can understand why people go to college. I had a great time! Go, Buckeyes!

Thanks to the doctors and students for taking such good care of me.
Love,
Winnie