✦ PHASE 2: Heading in The Right Direction

Phase 2: Past & Present 

✦ Heading in The Right Direction ✦

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Reading the written information and watching the video evidence of the Loshenka’s list of issues were different than actually dealing with them. Teagan wanted to see it for himself, to see how long Shrimp could last before resorting to these behaviors.

In person, it was worse than what it looked like on paper and video. There was just something different about reading or watching it than actually “experiencing” and seeing the issues be displayed right before him.

After Shrimp had arrived from the drop off, he had been put in his quarantine stall. Though actually getting him in there was a hassle and it didn’t help that he wasn’t really that motivated by food or treats. It had been a real struggle and Ryan had to come help Teagan and Lyra out in getting the Loshenka in the stall.

Once Shrimp was in his stall, he wandered around the stall a little, sniffing and nudging things in curiosity. Though that didn’t last long. The Loshenka had been fine the first, maybe fifteen to twenty minutes, before displaying the issues that Sagebrush Sanctuary informed him that Shrimp had.

He had weaved, paced around, pawed at the ground, swishing his tail. He tried to crib as well, but it was a little more difficult as he didn’t have anything to really anchor his teeth on. Teagan had a feeling it would be a challenge to get Shrimp to stop, though he would definitely try his very best.

Teagan did feel grateful to have some friends who were also willing to help him when it came to Shrimp. He wanted to do everything he could to help the poor Loshenka. What had happened to him was terrible. 

Getting a horse, only to then leave it in his stall for years with barely any turnout time, not being ridden, no situation, or anything. He just couldn’t imagine doing something like that. Furthermore, if someone wasn’t going to take care of their horse, why wouldn’t someone give them to someone who would take care of them?

Apparently, Snappish Sea Shrimp was a show prospect, and had lots of potential. Yet was bought by a rich family to give to their daughter who had been riding for years and was in the market for a new show horse. Though, supposedly, the story goes that she worked with Shrimp for only a few months before another horse had caught her attention. It was apparently for sale and she couldn’t say no, so of course the horse was bought.

As for Shrimp? He was “tossed to the side” for lack of better words. That action had caused a domino effect, and thus, how Shrimp obtained all of these issues that he now had.

But Teagan was determined to help him.

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It had been a few days now since Shrimp had arrived at Meadowvale Manor. He was slowly settling in and was getting used to the place that was currently his home. One of the first things Teagan did with Shrimp was to minimize the amount of time Shrimp spent in his stall. Hoping that would help Shrimp get rid of the bad association he had with the stall. Though there was a chance that it wouldn’t help.

That also came with Shrimp getting anxious in large open spaces, particularly outside. Teagan couldn't exactly just turn him out outside. So Teagan did the next best thing he could think of, which was put Shrimp in the indoor arena. Though he also made sure he wouldn't be alone, so that's where Bounty Hunter came in; Teagan’s horse.

Teagan had figured that giving Shrimp a buddy that he was familiar with would help in the long run. Especially when it came time to eventually turning him out outdoors and helping with his anxiety. Thankfully, Teagan’s friends also stated that their own horses could hang out with Shrimp too. As Teagan did want to make sure Shrimp didn't become buddy sour. So having him have a few horses he could be with would be helpful.

Next, Teagan went about making sure that Shrimp had some toys in his stall that, when he was in there, would help occupy him so he’d spend less time weaving and pacing about. Along with some special treats from time to time and giving him a hay-net as well. With Shrimp being neighbors with Bounty Hunter might help too, at the very least he'd have a familiar face to see and interact with. Along with making sure he wore a cribbing collar.

When it came to actually putting Shrimp in his stall, it was difficult and still is. He was wary of all the stalls, even with the stall doors closed. Shrimp was worse if stall doors were open, so Teagan had to make sure all stall doors were closed.

Teagan had a feeling it’d be a while before any big changes would be seen. 

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Teagan was currently watching Shrimp prance around the indoor arena with Bounty not far behind. The two Loshenkas had become fast friends and it was heartwarming to see Shrimp be less anxious. Hopefully that was a sign that Teagan was going in the right direction when it came to helping Shrimp get better.

Teagan shifted, turning to the left to the sound of hooves clicking against the ground. Down the hall was Lyra, Albus, and Blaise with their horses. It looked like they were going out on a ride.

“Hey, how’s Shrimp doing?” Lyra asked, halting near Teagan. Her Loshenka, Mort’s Kitsch Couture, put her head over the top of the gate, letting out a sigh as she watched the two other Loshenka play around.

“He seems like he’s doing better.” Albus observed, gently patting his Amabilis Warmblood on the nose. MM Catch That Golden Snitch leaned into the touch, beginning to wiggle her lips back and forth.

“Yea, I think he’s finally starting to settle in.” Teagan replied, his attention turning back to Bounty and Shrimp. It was then that Bounty noticed the others and changed directions, coming over to greet them. Shrimp halted, watching for a moment before slowly making his way over. A little wary.

“Maybe you should open up one of the area doors, let him be able to see outside.” Blaise then suggested, his Loshenka, JSS First of Her Name, bobbed her head a bit and pawed at the ground once. Excited to get going.

“You know… I think I will. Thanks, Blaise.” Teagan replied. Watching as Mort’s Kitsch Couture and Bounty Hunter booped noses with each other.

After some goodbyes, the others left with their horses to go out on their ride. Leaving Teagan with Bounty and Shrimp. Teagan made his way inside the indoor arena, heading over to one of the doors and opening it, but making sure the gate was there to keep the horses inside.

Bounty came right over with Shrimp close by, yet he stopped a few yards away. Watching as Bounty looked out at the landscape outside. Shrimp simply watched for a few minutes, before slowly making his way over and peeking a little through the opening before stepping back. He continued to repeat this a few times, each time he got a little closer to looking outside. 

Maybe in the end Shrimp will be ok.