Elvis, the If Your Horse Could Talk Show Mascot

This is a somewhat humourous look at the early years of Elvis, in his own words of course.

November 2001

I'm Elvis, a 7 month old Percheron/Paint who was meant to come into Lisa & Kenny's herd. I was shipped for 3 days from Canada to the Cottonwood, Arizona auction, immediately after being gelded. It was a long, painful ride to Arizona.

Once there, a lady named Diane purchased me on a whim because she knew I needed help and down I came to live in Apache Junction. Although I was loved, Diane didn't understand how important room to move, having other horses with me and hoof care was, especially for us babies. I developed some major hoof problems that only natural hoof care and great nutrition could fix.

About 2 1/2 months later, another change of events happened, and Lisa & Kenny came to see me. I knew right then and there, I belonged with them and they could help me become the strong, healthy boy could be. Diane even said that she was meant to buy me so I'd find my way to Lisa & Kenny.

I understand many people came together to help and I am going home on Friday, 1-25-02. Updates will be posted often that follow my progress.

Some of My Physical Challenges....

MY HOOVES: There are many things that are important to having healthy feet, epecially for baby feet that are developing; proper nutrition, room to move on hard ground, and of course, frequent trimming to keep a good hoof balance. Unfortunately, I didn't have these and developed some serious problems.

My hind feet are called "Clubbed", which means they are too upright and boxxy. This can be compared to a person who has been living in extremely high heels most of her life and without such shoes, can no longer walk normally, since the ligaments have shortened to adjust to this abnormal position. Kenny will work hard at shorteneing my heels and lateral walls and trimming the bars, slowly changing the hoof angle.

My left front hoof is called "extremely underslung". This means the hoof wall is converging rather than diverging, complete opposite of what it should be. Although it looks like my heel is short, it's actually about 3" long, but because it's positioned 1/2 way down the hoof instead of underneath the bulbs. The bars and heel are levered into my hoof, causing pinching and bruising of the corium and damage to the living tissue, which of course hurts. I also have a horrible case of Thrush.  Again, this can be fixed by proper, frequent trimming to encourage the heel to move back into proper position and using Tea Tree Oil or Oregano oil to combat the Thrush.

In addition to natural trimming, having a natural desert environment to move and play as well as getting my nutrition balanced, I'll soon be a horse of health, spirit and life, naturally.

COMING HOME-Friday, Jan 25th-

Although I was happy to see Lisa, Kenny, and Ed (a very good friend), I wasn't so sure I wanted to go into that trailer thing. Because Lisa had already played a few "games" on the ground and understood the pressure and release concept, before long I decided to just hop on in.

When we got home, I could hear and smell other horses. Finally, a herd of my own... I was placed in my own area while I got to know my herd; Rebel, the horse in charge; Smokie, the mustang, #2 horse; Riley, my 22 month old step brother #3; and BamBam #4, another 22 month old colt.

Saturday, Jan 26th-HOOF TRIM: The next day, was very exciting. A Natural Hoof Care Clinic with Mike LaGrone. Nine different horses and numerous people came to learn about hooves. I had my first trim ever.... I wasn't too sure about Mike holding my foot, but again through pressure and release, I learned quickly that it was ok. Especially after he trimmed all the excess heal, wall, frog, and toe, I couldn't believe how different it felt.

Mike also commented how vertical or too straight my legs were. I also had a muscle that runs along my rump and down to my legs that was real tight, contributing to the straightness problem. This can be corrected by keeping my feet trimmed, my diet balanced, and plenty of movement.

Sunday, Jan 27th-

Although Kenny & Lisa (my Mom & Dad) put me in my area and placed a chain on the gate, Rebel, who is a genius with gate locks took the chain off and all of a sudden I was in the herd. I have been sworn to secrecy as to what happened, but needless to say I understood I was number 5 in our herd of five.

MY DIET-

Before I came home, I was fed 4 flakes of Alfalfa a day. Now, this could range in weight from 20-30 lbs a day. That's why it's important to weight your hay!!

Not only was I getting way too much protein and calories, but my mineral balance (very important for babies) was way out of whack. This could contribute to bone and joint problems. The biggest culprit in this is the calcium to phosphorus ratio. Ideal ratio is 2:1 calcium:phosphorus. Alfalfa averages 4:1--

Now, I'm getting 5 lbs of Life Design Youth, split into two feedings along with Enreco Omega Horseshine Flaxseed, which supplies my Omega 3 fatty acids, Vim & Vigor anti-oxidant from the Natural Horse Vet, MSM, Dolomite and magnesium oxide. I also got some probiotics (good gut bacteria) for my first two days. I'm only getting a total of 2 lbs. of Alfalfa a day now along with about 9 lbs of Timothy, and free-choice Bermuda grass.

Jan 30th: LEARNING THE GROUND GAMES: I learned the first couple of Pat Parelli's Games. It was a little scary at first, but Kenny helped me feel safe. I see them play these games with the other horses and realize Lisa & Kenny are in charge.

Feb 4th: My hind legs that were straight up and down now are looking more normal. Moving around and having a good hoof balance not to mention proper nutrition has really helped. I'm getting so good on my feet I can run and buck without tripping.

Feb 8th: I've really been learning a lot by watching Lisa & Kenny interact with the rest of my herd. Today, Lisa rode Uncle Rebel around the area and I couldn't believe my eyes. Strangest thing I've ever seen but it seemed like both of them were enjoying theirselfs and I just followed them around.

I've really been enjoying this natural horsemanship stuff. They've been doing a lot at "Liberty" as they call it. No halter or lead, while grooming me, cleaning my feet out and just asking me to back up or turn away.

Feb 10th: HOOF TRIM: Got my feet trimmed today... Even though this was only my second trim, I behaved like a gentleman on a loose line. Kenny took my heels down, trimmed out some excess sole and bar and took my toe back just a bit. My underslung heel on the left front is starting to move back into proper support position and my back legs are starting to relax and get a better angle.

Feb 18th: I've finally been totally accepted by the herd, including Riley. It's been ok for the most part, but Riley gets to pushing too much and doesn't give me any release. I still get tired...Thankfully, Riley takes quite a few naps (I think it's because he's too high-energy), so I get my naps also.

Riley's new game is to just banish me into the wash area rather than continually chasing me. As soon as I cross the gate into that turnout, Riley skids to a stop and I'm home free.

Usually, I would be shut up in my own little area for the night because of Riley, but that changed tonight. When Lisa came out to give us our night snack and tuck me in, all three of us babies were laying down together. She figured we'd come to peace and I no longer get put up at night.

Ah....this is the life!!

Napping with my two older brothers.

Spring 2002.... My adventure continues.

March 3rd: BUMPS ON MY SKIN: I started to get some small bumps on my body. They were dry and not itchy at all. Although most people would "freak-out" about this, Lisa thinks it's my bodies way of detoxifying. Had some pretty heavy vaccinations and a couple chemical wormings when I was very young. What's really weird is the bumps are only on my left side and along the curve of my shoulder and a few along my neck (meridians??) I also have a weird horn-like growth in my ear. Actually Ihad two but one fell off about a month after being here.

March 23rd: MY PARTY: Had my party to thank all the great people who helped rescue me. Boy, did I get a lot of attention...Maybe we should have one EVERY year. Again picture of the group is forthcoming. Lisa had muttered something about technology being so much harder to understand than us horses.

April 1st, 2002: Got my HMA (Hair Mineral Analysis) results back from Mike Uckele from Uckele Health. Just as Lisa figured, my minerals were way out of whack. Jack Grogan gave a detailed consultation to explain what all the readings and ratios meant. Here are some of the basic things they found:

High Aluminum and Strontium: High toxic and inflammatory stress.

Low copper, high zinc/copper, high iron/copper, low selenium: High inflammatory stress and low immune reserves.

Low calcium/phosphorus, low sodium/pottasium, high sodium/magnesium: Sensitivity to stress, sensitivity to sugar, over-reactive to stress, fast basic metabolism.

Mike & Jack are mixing a custom supplement to help balance my problems. Lisa will also be talking with Jack about my results and HMA in general on her radio show If Your Horse Could Talk (we really can, you know) on sunday, April 28th. If your can't tune in, the internet webcast will be available May 5th at www.naturalhorse.com

My Hair Mineral Analysis Results:

April 14th: Many of my skin bumps have just flacked off. Almost half are gone now.

April 17th: MY WILD RUN: I felt soooo good and strong today, I decided to wildly race up and down the wash. Because my tail was held so high, Lisa called me an "Arab Wanna-be". Too be honest, I kinda felt like an airhead, I mean Arab.

April 18th: TRAILER LOADING: Lisa decided she had better work on trailer loading with me because we haven't done that since they picked me up. She put all of us in the wash and backed both the truck and trailer into our area. We then got let out and Rebel, Riley, and BamBam went running to the back to see if there was a horse visitor; they were very excited and not afraid of the trailer at all.

Lisa put my halter on and led me over toward the back. She then asked Rebel to come over and "load-up". He jumped right in, turned around and just stood there. Shouldn't he be afraid? Obviously he wasn't because there ws no halter on him and he didn't run. Now my interest in perked.

Lisa asked Rebel out and then Riley comes trotting over and jumps right in and get this...poops in there. Lisa asked him out but he wanted to stay in there and now I'm really wondering what's going on. Finally Lisa gets Riley out and here comes BamBam. He too jumps right in and poops. Now, I WANT to get in, but Lisa asked me to wait until BamBam gets out. She points in the trailer and in I jump, turning around and pooping just like my two older brothers. Wow, the smell is very familiar and I realize this isn't a bad thing, it's a fun thing.

When I was asked to come out, it got a little scary because I couldn't see the ground right. Lisa softly coaxed me and I slowly put foot down, felt the ground, and hopped right out. Lisa sent me in and out again one more time and then we were done. Can't wait to do that again.

April 19th, 2002: DENTISTRY: Today was dentistry day for all us horses. Rebel tells me Lisa Barnes is a Certified Dentist with lots of training and experience. He told me about the first time he ever met her, about five years ago. Lisa knew Rebel's teeth hurt and even though a vet had told her he was ok, she just knew in her gut he wasn't and that's when she met Lisa. Poor Rebel's teeth has so many sharp points and misalignments, his whole cheek was cut-up like hamburger as well as his tongue. Lisa did such a fantastic job and she's been our family dentist since. Sounds pretty interesting, but I think she just smelled pretty nice.

Riley and BamBam went first and both had some sharp points even though they were done about 6-7 months before. I'm told people don't realize how important dentistry is to us babies. But we've got a lot of changes going on, so it's best to have a certified equine dentist take a look at about 12 months and every 6-8 months until about 5 or so.

I'll be 11 months old the first of June and had some sharp points already. Lisa Barnes stuck a float in my mouth and it felt really weird, but she kept talking to me in that soft voice. After a couple swipes, she took it out and when I felt the smoothness, I couldn't believe it. I wanted her to get the other side so I opened my mouth, moved my lip and pushed into the float to help her the best I could. Can't wait for our hay snack to try these new choppers out.

Elvis' Thank You Party March 23, 2002

Thanks for all your generosity in helping Elvis find his way home.

Fighting the Sprinkler Booger Monster

Don't worry BamBam, I think I've got the darn thing now...

This came out of me??????

20 April: ASCARID WORM. While scooping poop this morning, Lisa couldn't believe her eyes. After first getting grossed out and then getting a bit excited to learn what it was, Lisa grabbed a plastic bag and proudly popped it in the frig. After jumping into her books, Lisa found that this was an Ascarid, aka roundworm or white worm. They are only usually found in baby horses so she knew it came out of me. She also learned that most colts develop a quick immunity by about 4-6 months old and are never bothered again, but here I was at 11 months old. I guess those two chemical dewormings I had before I came here didn't help and because my immune system was so compromised, I couldn't build up an immunity. Lisa thinks that because my body is getting stronger, it's trying to purge these gross wormy things out. In addition to building my immune system, Lisa gave me some natural wormer by Dr. Dan Moore called Worm Check along with a dry herbal worm mix and 1/2 cup of carrots and pumpkin seeds a day for five days. I guess she'll have a fecal test done in about 2-3 weeks. I also have to tell you that poor Ed, our good friend went very pale when Lisa proudly showed him her specimen.

25 April: WEINNY WASHING DAY. Today was "weinny washing day" and it was Kenny's turn. Everybody else went before me, standing very still while at liberty. Even though they were making some funny faces, they seemed OK with it. When it was my turn, I wasn't really sure at first....I mean this is a very private part, you know and I swished by tail a couple times. I could have run away since there was no halter, but I knew Kenny had good intentions and it did kinda feel pretty good.

14 May: A BABY POOL!!! Today I Iearned how much fun a baby pool can be for us colts. Fill it with water and voila, fun in the sun for at least an hour or until all the water is gone. I was a little bit confused at first, but when I saw Riley and BamBam pawing at the little fake fishies on the bottom, I knew I had to jump right in. Although, someone REALLY should make a pool bigger for us horse kids, three colts in one pool was a bit cramped, but fun anyhow. I just wanted to remind all of you who read this that horses love to play. It's soooo important to mentally keep them excited and it's very easy to give. Just in our area, we have balls, cones, natural logs, plastic barrels and occsionally something new like the baby pool.

22 May 02: FIRST ARENA VISIT: Today was really cool! Uncle Smokie and I went to the big arena and had so much fun. Kenny loaded Smokie in first and I barely could wait my turn. I jumped right in, turned around and pooped just like Riley taught me. Although this was only my 2nd trailer ride (coming home in Jan was my first),it was no big deal...especially since Smokie was so calm. Kenny & Lisa then turned us both loose and we ran and ran. Smokie even taught me a few new bucking moves, kinda with a fancy side-kick thing going on. We soon got pooped and back home we went. Can't wait til the next time.

27 May 02: PONYING ON THE TRAIL: Today I went on my first ponying experience on the trail and I had a blast. Kenny ponied me from Smokie with Lisa & Rebel giving me a push when I lagged behind. I could feel Rebel wasn't too happy about bringing up the rear so when I felt his energy I moved without an arguement. I really enjoyed being out with Smokie and Rebel, although I knew I'd have to put up with Riley's attitude when we got back.

17 June 02: My fecal test results came back today with a report of no parasites seen. I guess I'll have to donate another turd to send in in another 3 or 4 weeks just to check again.

8 July 02: It's been awhile since I've been able to slow down to write. I'm really starting to pack on the muscle. Lisa tells me I'll always be her little baby although I'm 15.2 hands plus at 13 months old. My Parelli stuff is going very well and I love playing the games. I'm quite athletic, can turn on a dime, and even can jump. I love going for rides in the trailer but my alltime favorite is going out in the desert. I guess it's called ponying, but I know I'm not no pony.

22 July 02: Well, although Lisa always had a hunch I was a PMU baby, she got confirmation today. I guess I'm one of the lucky babies who found a home rather than going to slaughter. This PMU stuff is pretty horrible, but I understand there are alternatives to Premarin for Hormone Replacement Therapy. If you want to learn more about the PMU industry, listen to audio webcast of the If Your Horse Could Talk show #42 at www.naturalhorsetalk.com

15 Sept 02: AMNESIA....at least that's what I think it's called. I remembered an incident that I must have blocked from my mind, until now that is. A couple days after I had arrived, Lisa went to Florida and Kenny was in charge of all of us. I was still in my smaller pen while getting to know the herd. Well, everybody started running and playing and I got excited too. Figured if I got a running start, I could jump over the gate (which was about four feet) and play too. Guess what?? Jumping is not as easy as Rebel makes it look. I hit the gate with my chest, flipped completely over, hit the ground and took off running. Poor Kenny was watching the whole thing and sure I would have broken my neck, at least some chiro problems. But, of course I was ok. Kenny and Lisa just noticed the hoof indents on the shade awning and from what they said it was 11 feet up and a perfect pattern of my hind feet.

20 Sept 02: I knocked my front tooth out today, but can't remember how. Us babies seem to get into a lot of trouble, which Lisa says it makes us good teachers. When Lisa came out, I did my famous "Elvis" sneer to show her what had happened. After a quick call to Wes, our Equine Dentist, Lisa felt in the socket to make sure there was no jagged edges or root, which there wasn't because I knocked it clean out.... She gave me a couple doses of Arnica and rubbed some lavender oil on a couple times during the day. From what I understand, I really shouldn't have lost that until I was around 2 1/2 years old. However, since it's gone the other big-boy tooth will start to come in early and this can cause problems later.

New Fashion?? I Think Not.
This was a huge inflated ball which was very fun to play with. But alas, Riley had to pop it within three minutes.

A Note From Lisa
Since my of this story is from Elvis's point of view, I thought I'd drop a little note in here also.

It's now close to the winter holidays and we are so happy to have Elvis in our herd.. First off, he's huge and although we haven't put a weight tape on him he's got to be closing in on 17 hands at 18 months old.

He is a joy to play with and light as a feather most of the time. He loves to go for rides in the trailer and of course being ponied on the trail by Kenny and Smokie. Quite the sight as Smokie is only about 14 hands or so...

His hooves are amazing; strong, short, compact and HUGE.

He is actually quite athletic and quite the sight to see and hear him cantering up the desert wash. He does sliding stops, and moves his front end with ease. I think having two older "brothers" in the herd helps keep you pretty agile.

We'll continue adding updates on Elvis, so stop back often.

Thanks to Everyone Who Helped Me Come Home!

Numerous people answered Lisa's call for help and without them, my homecoming would never had happened:

Robyn, Blair, Julie, Anne & Hank, Sharona, Kirt, Carol, Jennifer, Lea, Sylvia, Kathleen, Dena, Jeannie, Breck and Connie & Don.

Nutritional products donated by:

Enreco Flaxseed www.enreco.com

Dr Dan Moore, the Natural Horse Vet
www.thenaturalhorsevet.net