Indy Carol

I'm trying a new supplement: Levelor. The Mare Magic (raspberry leaf) worked very well, but then after several months, Ruby seemed to come back to a strong cycle through the winter, and was still exhibiting signs of "craziness" - not focused, extra, extra energy, and being squirrely under saddle. She wasn't as out-of-focus as she used to be, but I could tell she wasn't comfortable. I thought perhaps a different supplement would help, so I did more research and found Levelor. It's made by Med-Vet Pharmaceuticals, and contains raspberry leaf, taurine, and magnesium to not only calm the hormones, but also the nervous system. I was very pleased that it assisted in balancing nerves, and that it didn't contain anything to "knock her out". Once we began giving it to her I noticed a difference within a few days! I've got my calm, sweet, funny little mule back, once again. Hally-loo-yah!

Valley vet carries it, as well as other online stores. I purchased mine from State Line Tack.

I have certainly considered that perhaps she isn't completely happy with the stable we board in. I've seen the problem in horses I've massaged - where I could do little for them,as they were so uncomfortable and nervous in their surroundings. They needed to be relocated before their health would improve. But Ruby doesn't seem to be upset and unhappy as those horses were, and she certainly isn't unhealthy. I think she just likes to have more freedom (as do I), and the barn we're in has a LOT of rules. She's not a show equine, and it's a show horse barn, essentially, even though the show horses are retired to the trail. Mr. G doesn't really "hang out" with his horses, nor does he try to be a partner with them, so I don't think he understands my desire to do so. He is not cruel or mean, but he does have a strong personality, and he makes Ruby nervous sometimes. I think he makes his own horses a little nervous sometimes.

We can't use the outdoor arena right now, as it was seeded for grass, we can't ride in the pastures right now for the same reason, Ruby isn't ready for riding on the road, so we're relegated to the "hallway" and the gravel track around the barn.....relatively boring! But at least we have somewhere to do a little work - and a little work is all we can do. We're sick of the round pen, to be honest, but I still use it to keep her in some semblance of shape.

We have no cavaletti, no jumps, no barrels, nothing to liven things up. This is a TWH barn, and Mr. G doesn't really have his TWH's do anything but the walking.I may try to get inventive this summer and make low jumps out of any scrap wood and buckets I can find. I can use trash cans for barrels. A bored mule is prone to pulling a few tricks on you to liven things up, so we need to stay occupied : )

My significant other (my sweetheart : ) and I plan to get a small farm together in a few years, so I'm hoping we can hold out until then. Then WE will make the rules and we will have our freedom! : ) I can't wait!!