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Impact on the Horses: Nutmeg
WARNING: There are upsetting images and videos.
Each of the three horses suffered as a result of evacuation due to the wildfire. They all were starved nearly to death, and developed skin infections. Additionally, Solly's illness was exacerbated to the point he is now on daily medication, and sustained an injury to his foot. Adele was delivered home with a life-threatening injury which needed twice-daily treatments.
Nutmeg, however, never recovered fully. This is her story.
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3-10-20 The "frienemies"
Hanging out with Adele, six months pre-fire. We'd adopted Nutmeg from Harmony New Beginnings in 2017. They had scheduled to put her down because she couldn't be placed (long story). Jim took pity and said, "We're not going to let that happen!"
7-21-20 Seven weeks pre-fire
Trying to get the girls to use the newly-cleared area in back. In retrospect, this "training" may be what saved their lives, as this is the area they retreated to during the fire. If it hadn't been there, they surely would have perished and we would have found four corpses instead of one (Teton, seen in the circle, didn't survive the fire).
8-13-20 The new boyfriend
Nutmeg with Solly, our newest resident
10-4-20 Second refuge
They sure enjoyed this second evacuation location, with their new friend Ducky! Private home in Rose Lodge. Somehow our hosts got the idea that we were just bringing one horse for a few days. I don't know if our mutual friend didn't make it clear, or if they weren't paying attention.
5-2-21 Five months of neglect
At the hands of "full-care," she was left emaciated and weak.
5-27-21 Breakfast hay in the pen
Three weeks home. Still thin but it's now clear they'll survive.
8-23-21 Still very thin
We spent a lot of money on expensive dietary supplements of all types, trying to restore her to at least a healthier weight. But no matter what we tried, nothing would get her to gain much.
12-22-21 Not happy!
Nutmeg looking as disappointed as we were in our new two-walled barn. But once it was completed the next February, things were much better, for a while.
6-12-22 Our most curious horse!
Nutmeg always found herself in the most interesting places and situations. She had an adventurous spirit! Here she managed to get to the off-limits feed prep area. We were all very lucky that she didn't panic!
10-14-22 Racing up from the back pasture
Arabians are so competitive!
11-20-22 Blink cam recording
Despite struggling for a year and a half to get Nutmeg to recover, she was rapidly declining. Here we watch helplessly as she fights to get back on her feet, probably after having collapsed.
12-19-22 Blink cam capture
12-19-22 Blink cam capture
5-19-23 Blink cam capture
6-9-23 Not feeling good
She finally had a stall of her own, plenty of quality food and water. But despite putting back weight on after starvation, she peak at one point, then slowly started declining.
7-5-23 Coat should be beautiful
At this time of year, her coat should be sleek and even. But there is some sort of system failure. At this point we tried another feed and supplement system. They all loved Pasture Lick, but it wasn't helpful.
7-21-23 Self-inflicted scratches
Her skin would not heal. She caused major wounds due to severe itching. And her coat had a strange, greasy feel.
7-29-23 Showing her figure
She really enjoyed the "naughtiness" of her unfenced field!
7-25-23 Blink cam capture
She'd collapsed so often by now, the panel was bent.
8-3-23 Getting in final photos
Just imagine, before the fire, we wouldn't have been able to see the sky - only trees and brush behind her.
8-10-23 Nutmeg collapses
I just happened to be filming her when she collapsed again.
8-11-23 Nutmeg bringing up the rear
Nutmeg in back of the pack as usual, but having a lot more trouble doing so.
8-24-23 Coming in from the field
Even enjoying her field takes a lot out of her nowadays.
8-30-23 Nutmeg's final day
This was a good day for her, attended by her goat friend until the end.
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