Last Thursday, September 11th, I took James Dean and Cupcake to run in Florence. i’d left them both in the trailer while i paid fees and watched the 9/11 presentation, weather was cool, overcast with a nice breeze. Both horses stood quietly in the trailer. (I didn’t want to risk tying Cuppy up while I wasn’t at the trailer.) When I pulled them out, it was just about dusk. I looped the lead through the slip ring at the trailer in case Cuppy sat back. He did, as soon as I turned around from the tack compartment with a brush in my hand he flew backwards. I just held him and finished saddling. Valerie came over and asked if i needed help, i asked her to hold him while i put splints on. he stood quite and comfortable with her, just after the last wrap went on he got a strange look in his eye and started bucking in place. i checked the saddle and it was fine, nothing pinching, i went to walk him off and he starting running backwards. I was able to calm him down and asked Valerie to open the trailer. I loaded him and brought him home. he unloaded fine, and Peyton and I undressed him. he was back to normal. Called a friend the next morning, she suggested EPM treatment and called Trevor to help with the prescription. She suggested I stay off for 30 days and see how he does. I gave him his first dose on 9/16/25