Friday 8 June 2012

Horse diaries

Titch: So you've finally decided to visit me, have you?
Me: I've been away. I told you. I came as soon as I could.
Titch: With me so ill?
Me: I kept in touch, and was told you were doing well.
Titch: Did they tell you about my septic tendon?
Me: Of course.
Titch: And I had to have a general anaesthetic. Bet they didn't tell you that.
Me: Of course they did. I signed the consent form!
Titch: And did they tell you that there's a one in 500 chance of a horse dying under the anaesthetic?
Me: Yes, they did. They also phoned at 11.30pm to tell me you were back up on your feet.

Long silence. Carrots provided and consumed.

Titch: Of course, they gave me a private room.
Me: Don't I know it. I paid for it (actually the insurance company will pay for it, but I let that pass).
Titch: That'll be because of my grandfather. He was -
Me: Yes yes. We all know about your grandfather, and it had nothing to do with him. All horses get a private room.
Titch: Hmmph. (Pause.) I hope you told them I'm a vegetarian.
Me: All horses are vegetarian.

Another long silence. More carrots, and much noisy munching. Titch's neigh(bour), who has been snoring loudly, wakes up and sticks his nose over the partition. He too is partial to carrots. I give him one.

Titch (bridle - ing): Those aren't for him!
Me: There's a whole big bag. You can spare him one.
Titch: I didn't rate those grapes you sent. Nasty squishy things.
Me: Well, it's the thought that counts.
Titch: I've ever understood that, myself.
Me: No. Neither have I.

So, having reached a broad measure of agreement, I decided to quit while I was ahead (or at least, not facing defeat). While I was there, Titch's stitches were removed, and he was very brave (credit where credit's due). He'll be confined to his box for a while yet, but best not to tell him that. I don't want to push my luck.

As for the insurance, the bill has already exceeded Titch's value, but I thought it would be tactless to mention it. After all, he has been ill. And I do love him.

23 comments:

  1. I'm so glad Titch is recovering. Extra carrots all round!

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  2. I bet it was a huge relief when you got that late night call. You must have been so worried, Frances.
    And how very kind of him to share his carrots - I am so pleased that he's getting better :-) x

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    1. Yes. It as all terribly sudden, and the timing was awful. But the vets were superb, and he's doing really well.

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  3. Happy you are back and have found Titch in his usual testiness.

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    1. Thanks, Jill. Not so much testy as demanding!

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  4. Glad he's recovery.

    I'm not sure a cheque, however large, could exceed Titch's value. I know he'd agree with me and I suspect you do too.

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    1. Hi, Patsy. You're right. But thank heavens for insurance!

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  5. Glad Titch is on the road to recovery. Hope you enjoyed the hols!

    Anna :o]

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    1. Thanks, Anna. The holiday was wonderful with lots of sun. Remember sun? That big warm thing that's supposed to appear in the summer...

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  6. I'm really glad you're back Frances and so happy to know Titch is recovering well and in great form as usual.

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    1. Thanks, Joanna. He's looking incredibly well.

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  7. Hope you had a good holiday and are now enjoying Titch's recovery. Don't eat too many carrots, Titch!

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    1. I'm afraid rather a lot of carrots were eaten yesterday, but it was the first time I'd seen him. And he' s been very good. The people at the hospital said he quickly became a favourite!

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  8. Glad you're improving, Titch! Hope you enjoyed your holiday...

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  9. When my daughter had a horse(now sadly departed) I remember many sleepless nights. I think I worried more than she did!

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    1. Yes. It's odd the way horses get to you, isn't it. But there's just something about them. That velvety bit above the nostril which is so kissable...(" oh, geddaway! " says Titch). But boy, are they expensive!

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  10. Just catching up with news after ages away from blogging. Poor old Titch! So glad he is on the mend and feeling better. And hope you, too, are feeling better after your holiday!

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  11. Been away and am just now catching up on blogs, so this is the first time I hear about Titch's health trouble / accident / illness; wishing you and him all the best!

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    1. Titch says he's much obliged, and thank you!

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  12. I'm very pleased that things are going well but, as usual, your post achieved the near impossible and made me think. It had never occurred to me that a horse and insurance might be compared with a car rather more closely than with a human. It made me wonder whether my insurance company will one day look at me and make a similar comparison. I hope not: I know what my stents and chem shots cost!

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  13. Ah, but like Titch, I suspect you're beyond price, GB!

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