Do I Dare to Let Hope Flicker?

In the continuing saga of our yearling filly who needed joint surgery last December, and who didn't get a great prognosis for soundness after it was over, here's what's up with Tiffany.

She's gone from total stall rest, to being allowed out into a small run, to finally being allowed to have full turnout. Naturally, she's run, bucked, squealed, and carried on the way you'd expect a yearling to carry on after months of being confined. And naturally, I have held my breath and scrutinized her every move for signs of lameness.

And...I haven't seen any. She moves normally at all gaits. At least so far.

This, I realize, is a long way from being sound under saddle, and from having anything that resembles an athletic career. But it's way more success than I was given reason to hope for, so for now, I'll gladly take it.

Tiffany's been "my girl" ever since she fell asleep in my lap shortly after birth. I want so badly for her to have a comfortable, pain-free life. I also know that hope can sometimes be a cruel visitor, dumping you hard when its light goes back out.

For now, I guess I'll just warm myself over its little flame. And keep taking things one day at a time.