So today Carats had his front shoes put back on. His feet were starting to show signs of sand cracks returning and he was still quite sore walking on any kind of pebbly or stoney surface. I spoke to the vet and was happy to be led by him. He said that if his front feet were getting slightly sore on surfaces then he would be loading more on his rear and putting extra pressure on suspensories. Added to this is the fact I would like to get back on him soon for short hacks and do not want him struggling at all. He walked out in his new shoes today and was soooooo happy!
I also spoke to the vet about plans forward and he is really happy with what we have been doing with him. Carats has been walking out in hand at least once most days, we tend to try to vary the route but there is not much we can do at the moment in the wet weather as have to stick to concrete track. We have however been paddling most days and Carats likes to soak me which both he and my friend Louisa find very entertaining. Now his shoes are back on we can push on and start to do some longer walks up and down the tracks.
The vet has also talked about the benefit of turnout. Unfortunately we don't have anywhere to turn him out at the moment as the small wood chip paddock which he was supposed to be using is too wet to put anything in. Luckily I have a fantastic support system at my yard and my friend Jo who owns it is doing all she can to help with my rehab with C. She has put new fencing up across the riverside to make it secure for him and is ordering some more wood chip to top it up. Hopefully we think with a little dry weather and topped chip he should be able to get his daily turnout soon. I am in such a fab place for myself and C. We have a lovely agreement at the yard where we all help each other with the day to day stable slug, and I think its a very special situation. Theres no record keeping of who's done what for whom, everyone just does what they can for each other and I feel so lucky to have made new friends and for us all to be able to help each other out :)
Today I am feeling blessed, I have a happy pony and lovely friends- thanks guys, I appreciate all you do x
Friday, 28 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
As old as you feel...
Mr Carats has had a little turnout over the last few days. He has been super happy and even had some naked time in the sun!He played with me for the first time on Saturday, made me laugh out loud with his antics and even though I was cautious because of his PSD it was lovely to see him being so silly and feeling young and well.
My friend has kindly leant me an Massage Pad for Carats and I have been using it on him daily, he absolutely loves it and I am hoping it helps his back a little as it's still quite sore, we think its due to the PSD and I hope the massage pad helps, nevertheless C loves it!
Roll on Spring and the start of hacking- eeek!
Sunday, 16 February 2014
diverting from the path
So... I am hoping that I don't offend with this post. It is aimed at no one in particular but just a general post and something that is close to my heart.
It's about positive training and behavioural science in general.
Lets look back to the "Olden Days' children were seen and not heard. If they misbehaved or stepped out of line they were beaten or severely reprimanded. Did this work? Yes it did, the children may have been somewhat robotic, lived in fear of their parents and were scared of thinking for themselves but it worked. As time went on we found that there were better ways of bringing up children. Kindness, love, rewards for good behaviour and consequences for bad along with firm boundaries were the key.
Years ago, when i was fourteen years old I got my first dog, she was probably the most loyal dog I will ever own. Back then very little was known about using positive reinforcement in dog training and everything I was taught and therefore used on my lovely Jasmine was punishment based. Dog's who didn't listen were branded naughty, dominant or rude, we were even advised to have Jasmine PTS by Border Collie rescue as she was 'food aggressive' (resource guarded). Despite my horrible methods I ended up with a kind, sweet and genuine dog. Luckily she was a very confident character so despite the collar pops (yanking dogs collar if they pull), shoving her bum down if she broke her wait, scruffing her for growling etc she still was not fearful or aggressive towards me as she got older. Did the punishment methods work? Yes to an extent they did. Did I enjoy the training? Did Jasmine enjoy the training? No resolutely not. We ended up Ok in spite of what I did to her. Don't get me wrong she got treats when she did things I wanted but I still used a LOT of punishers.
Pretty much EVERY dog trainer at Crufts etc were using aversive training (punishment based methods) to get the responses they desired. If the top handlers were doing it, surely it must be right!
As the years went on dog training progressed, we learned a better way of doing things. We started to use what we knew about behavioural science to train our dogs using Positive reinforcement and Negative punishment and consistent boundaries and rules. We built better relationships with our dogs and had a true two way street. We learnt that 'dominance', pack theory, and 'rude' and 'stupid' dogs were basically a load of twaddle. It was just about finding the correct rewards and appropriate punishment. When I say punishment I do not mean hitting or hurting I mean withholding reinforcers and using time- outs effectively. Instead of labelling dogs dominant we found out what was causing the behaviour, was it fear? Pain? We then dealt with that issue using counter- conditioning and rewards. Please realise that rewards don't necessarily mean treats, it could be praise, a hug or a game of ball.
Did I look back and feel guilty at the way I treated Jasmine? Hell Yes! But I did what I knew at the
time. I was a fourteen year old girl being led by top trainers and they in turn were teaching me in the best way they knew. As soon as I found a kinder and more scientific way to train I changed route quickly and happily and have never looked back. We now view trainers who use punishment as 'old fashioned' and hope that everyone is open enough in their own mind to see a better way to train. Don't get me wrong, in my roles as a parent and as a dog owner I do use positive punishment and usually feel terrible afterwards. Shouting at Ethan or shoving the dogs of the sofa is not how I want to be... I am however only human so hey- every now and again (ok maybe a bit more than that) I slip down the positive punishment route!
So that brings me to present day and my relationship with Carats. Since being n the equine world I have been constantly amazed by the HUGE amount of positive punishment used with horses. Most trainers and owners still use positive punishment over reward based training. The same excuses are used that were used with dog training all those years ago. "But it doesn't work with this type of animal". "Treats make them nippy" etc. Horses are branded as rude, dominant, aggressive etc. We moved away from this with dogs over TEN years ago, so why oh why is the equine world so far behind. If the horse won't go through the puddle or stand still at the mounting block you should firstly be asking why BEFORE you begin any training. If they simply don't understand that they should then why punish them for moving? If they have had a scary or painful experience by the block then punishing them for moving will only make it worse. If they find standing still boring then you should look at the original training and ask yourself why they lack value for that and find a way to add it! Horses are an animal like any other, they do what is reinforcing for them and fear is even MORE relevant than it is with a predator animal like a dog- so why are we punishing fear? We KNOW that punishment doesn't help overcome fear.
Imagine the one thing you are most fearful of. Lets say its heights. Someone forces you up a two storey building and tells you to bungee jump off it. To them its not that high but to you it may as well be the empire state. They drag you up there and stand behind you with a cattle prod. You might be so fearful of heights they might even have to shock you a few times but eventually you will jump to escape the pain, will that make you any less fearful? No, you jumped but the fear has probably now been made worse. Next time they might not have to cattle prod you as you know the pain will come if you don't jump. The fear ISNT GONE it has just been masked. In fact next time they do to drag you up the building you might just run before they can catch you.
Now lets take another approach, I approach you and say I know you are sacred of heights and I accept your fear. Today I want you to stand on the mounting block and jump off. You do so and I take you out for a nice meal- you think huh- all that reward just for that- easy! The next day we move to a slightly higher step and so on. Now ok, you are probably never going to overcome your fear totally but you are probably going to feel a darn sight better about trying!
Horses are generally fearful, they are scared of the plastic bag that looks like a predator in the grass and the puddle that might drown them, is it correct and right to punish it? Would you punish your dog
for that? Your child?
So called 'bad mannered' horses. Why do they have those bad manners? The horse that nips for treats? Is that created by training with food? I very much doubt it, its probably had a history of being inadvertently rewarded for mugging and nipping and therefore continues the behaviour. I know my dogs don't get rude with food because I use food to train them, they are rude with food if they have been treated for doing nothing or been fed scraps from the table or stolen dropped food on the floor. In fact the treats for training helps them LEARN food manners. Horses learn the same as ANY other organism- they do what gets reinforced and stop doing what doesn't!
However, I am fully aware that I probably won't have the 'perfect' mannered horse, the same as my dogs aren't either, I like a bit of sass and personality. Yes my dogs can be naughty and cheeky but they are happy. Remember the Cesar Milan clips of his dogs walking behind him with their ears back, the unsure approach to food. Standing still because they are too scared of a reprimand to move. Yes the 'pet owner' they might think they are perfect. To me thats the last thing I would want from my child, dogs or horse. To live so much in fear of making the wrong choice that they just shut down. Personally I don't have the time or inclination to train out every 'bad manner' that Carats shows, as I don't with my dogs. Crack on with your naughtiness Mr C- I love the sass!
I do however believe in learning and moving forward with training, horses are still very much a learning curve for me and I speak to as many people as I can about they opinions on training, I value every opinion and idea as it helps to teach me more and understand people and their ponies. We are trying to organise for an equine behaviourist to come to the yard and teach us a little more. She seems lovely and follows the basic and scientific principles of learning and behaviour modification with common sense and experience thrown in. I am looking forward to learning from her very much and I think it can only help build on mine and Carats relationship.
It's about positive training and behavioural science in general.
Lets look back to the "Olden Days' children were seen and not heard. If they misbehaved or stepped out of line they were beaten or severely reprimanded. Did this work? Yes it did, the children may have been somewhat robotic, lived in fear of their parents and were scared of thinking for themselves but it worked. As time went on we found that there were better ways of bringing up children. Kindness, love, rewards for good behaviour and consequences for bad along with firm boundaries were the key.
Years ago, when i was fourteen years old I got my first dog, she was probably the most loyal dog I will ever own. Back then very little was known about using positive reinforcement in dog training and everything I was taught and therefore used on my lovely Jasmine was punishment based. Dog's who didn't listen were branded naughty, dominant or rude, we were even advised to have Jasmine PTS by Border Collie rescue as she was 'food aggressive' (resource guarded). Despite my horrible methods I ended up with a kind, sweet and genuine dog. Luckily she was a very confident character so despite the collar pops (yanking dogs collar if they pull), shoving her bum down if she broke her wait, scruffing her for growling etc she still was not fearful or aggressive towards me as she got older. Did the punishment methods work? Yes to an extent they did. Did I enjoy the training? Did Jasmine enjoy the training? No resolutely not. We ended up Ok in spite of what I did to her. Don't get me wrong she got treats when she did things I wanted but I still used a LOT of punishers.
Pretty much EVERY dog trainer at Crufts etc were using aversive training (punishment based methods) to get the responses they desired. If the top handlers were doing it, surely it must be right!
As the years went on dog training progressed, we learned a better way of doing things. We started to use what we knew about behavioural science to train our dogs using Positive reinforcement and Negative punishment and consistent boundaries and rules. We built better relationships with our dogs and had a true two way street. We learnt that 'dominance', pack theory, and 'rude' and 'stupid' dogs were basically a load of twaddle. It was just about finding the correct rewards and appropriate punishment. When I say punishment I do not mean hitting or hurting I mean withholding reinforcers and using time- outs effectively. Instead of labelling dogs dominant we found out what was causing the behaviour, was it fear? Pain? We then dealt with that issue using counter- conditioning and rewards. Please realise that rewards don't necessarily mean treats, it could be praise, a hug or a game of ball.
Did I look back and feel guilty at the way I treated Jasmine? Hell Yes! But I did what I knew at the
 |
| Cesar Milan- happy dog? |
So that brings me to present day and my relationship with Carats. Since being n the equine world I have been constantly amazed by the HUGE amount of positive punishment used with horses. Most trainers and owners still use positive punishment over reward based training. The same excuses are used that were used with dog training all those years ago. "But it doesn't work with this type of animal". "Treats make them nippy" etc. Horses are branded as rude, dominant, aggressive etc. We moved away from this with dogs over TEN years ago, so why oh why is the equine world so far behind. If the horse won't go through the puddle or stand still at the mounting block you should firstly be asking why BEFORE you begin any training. If they simply don't understand that they should then why punish them for moving? If they have had a scary or painful experience by the block then punishing them for moving will only make it worse. If they find standing still boring then you should look at the original training and ask yourself why they lack value for that and find a way to add it! Horses are an animal like any other, they do what is reinforcing for them and fear is even MORE relevant than it is with a predator animal like a dog- so why are we punishing fear? We KNOW that punishment doesn't help overcome fear.
Imagine the one thing you are most fearful of. Lets say its heights. Someone forces you up a two storey building and tells you to bungee jump off it. To them its not that high but to you it may as well be the empire state. They drag you up there and stand behind you with a cattle prod. You might be so fearful of heights they might even have to shock you a few times but eventually you will jump to escape the pain, will that make you any less fearful? No, you jumped but the fear has probably now been made worse. Next time they might not have to cattle prod you as you know the pain will come if you don't jump. The fear ISNT GONE it has just been masked. In fact next time they do to drag you up the building you might just run before they can catch you.
Now lets take another approach, I approach you and say I know you are sacred of heights and I accept your fear. Today I want you to stand on the mounting block and jump off. You do so and I take you out for a nice meal- you think huh- all that reward just for that- easy! The next day we move to a slightly higher step and so on. Now ok, you are probably never going to overcome your fear totally but you are probably going to feel a darn sight better about trying!
Horses are generally fearful, they are scared of the plastic bag that looks like a predator in the grass and the puddle that might drown them, is it correct and right to punish it? Would you punish your dog
 |
So called 'bad mannered' horses. Why do they have those bad manners? The horse that nips for treats? Is that created by training with food? I very much doubt it, its probably had a history of being inadvertently rewarded for mugging and nipping and therefore continues the behaviour. I know my dogs don't get rude with food because I use food to train them, they are rude with food if they have been treated for doing nothing or been fed scraps from the table or stolen dropped food on the floor. In fact the treats for training helps them LEARN food manners. Horses learn the same as ANY other organism- they do what gets reinforced and stop doing what doesn't!
However, I am fully aware that I probably won't have the 'perfect' mannered horse, the same as my dogs aren't either, I like a bit of sass and personality. Yes my dogs can be naughty and cheeky but they are happy. Remember the Cesar Milan clips of his dogs walking behind him with their ears back, the unsure approach to food. Standing still because they are too scared of a reprimand to move. Yes the 'pet owner' they might think they are perfect. To me thats the last thing I would want from my child, dogs or horse. To live so much in fear of making the wrong choice that they just shut down. Personally I don't have the time or inclination to train out every 'bad manner' that Carats shows, as I don't with my dogs. Crack on with your naughtiness Mr C- I love the sass!
I do however believe in learning and moving forward with training, horses are still very much a learning curve for me and I speak to as many people as I can about they opinions on training, I value every opinion and idea as it helps to teach me more and understand people and their ponies. We are trying to organise for an equine behaviourist to come to the yard and teach us a little more. She seems lovely and follows the basic and scientific principles of learning and behaviour modification with common sense and experience thrown in. I am looking forward to learning from her very much and I think it can only help build on mine and Carats relationship.
Friday, 14 February 2014
Grumpy Guts!
Today Carats had his second Bowen treatment, it was a fascinating experience and he went through some major physical and mental changes during it.
He switched from being grumpy to nearly falling asleep to being incredibly grumpy again and actually biting Karen- not aggressively but he left a big bruise (sorry Karen)! Anyone who knows Carats would know he just isn't like that but he had left the building a bit and was totally spaced out. Karen was sympathetic with his responses and didn't treat him for too long today as she could see he wasn't sure what the feelings were. He also got incredibly itchy, Carats just doesn't do itchy usually so that was odd!
I went up to see him again later in the afternoon and he was still a bit antsy and unsettled but given a few days I am sure he will feel so much better. I felt really bad for Karen!
Soooo school holidays now- always tricky but hopefully we will have a few good weather days for some nice walks.
Fingers crossed for a less grouchy lad tomorrow!
 |
| C in a relaxed moment! |
I went up to see him again later in the afternoon and he was still a bit antsy and unsettled but given a few days I am sure he will feel so much better. I felt really bad for Karen!
Soooo school holidays now- always tricky but hopefully we will have a few good weather days for some nice walks.
Fingers crossed for a less grouchy lad tomorrow!
Thursday, 13 February 2014
New Challenges
Carats: "Morning Mum.... Morning Mum... MUM... MUM... MUM... OK IF I KICK THE FLIPPING DOOR WILL YOU LISTEN.......... MUUUUUUM"......
Me (eventually): "Stop being rude... Morning Handsome how are you today... kiss kiss..."
Carats: "Ok stop now, can you just let me out this stable to stretch my legs for a bit"
Me: "Ok then, come and potter about while I muck out your stable"
C: "Oooooo whats this then"....
Me: "Carats STOP THAT put the pitchfork down"
C: "Pah you're no fun... Ooooo whats this? Oh my rug, I wonder what it does if I stamp on it"
Me: "CARATS leave that alone, play with your treat ball"
C: "Treatballs are for pussys... Oooo I wonder what this purple box is, I think I will pick it up and throw in on the floor... WOW thats awesome, a toy full of toys'!
Me: "CARATS leave my grooming kit alone... NO DONT STOMP ON IT".
C: "Bah, you always ruin my fun. I hate you"
Me: "Are you a little bored by chance? Lets find a new challenge today"...
Soooooo a short while later....
Me: "OK Carats welcome to long reining, let me just attach these reins to that, get you all ready and we are away... Walk On Carats... 'click click' WALK ON CARATS"
C: "WTF ARE YOU DOING WOMAN... why are you behind me... want a cuddle"?!
Me: (wriggling the reins behind his bum) "Walk On Carats"
C: "HUH?!?"
Me: "Ok follow Louisa and Rambo out the gate, Walk On Carats"
C: "Ok, the gates open, you are behind me but not on me, that funny mini horse thing is leaving the yard... Is this a trick"
Me: "Come On it is NOT that difficult... just Walk On.. forwards... just move forwards waaaaaa"
C: " Shall I just walk forwards"?
Me: "AT LAST there you go... GOOD BOY"!
C: "WHY THE HELL DIDNT YOU JUST SAY THAT... stupid humans"....
ha ha ha- brilliant day with the ginger one... ps once he got the idea he was FANTASTIC, he loved it and was super proud of himself for figuring it out! Good Boy Mr C! :)
Me (eventually): "Stop being rude... Morning Handsome how are you today... kiss kiss..."
Carats: "Ok stop now, can you just let me out this stable to stretch my legs for a bit"
Me: "Ok then, come and potter about while I muck out your stable"
C: "Oooooo whats this then"....
Me: "Carats STOP THAT put the pitchfork down"
C: "Pah you're no fun... Ooooo whats this? Oh my rug, I wonder what it does if I stamp on it"
Me: "CARATS leave that alone, play with your treat ball"
C: "Treatballs are for pussys... Oooo I wonder what this purple box is, I think I will pick it up and throw in on the floor... WOW thats awesome, a toy full of toys'!
Me: "CARATS leave my grooming kit alone... NO DONT STOMP ON IT".
C: "Bah, you always ruin my fun. I hate you"
Me: "Are you a little bored by chance? Lets find a new challenge today"...
Soooooo a short while later....
Me: "OK Carats welcome to long reining, let me just attach these reins to that, get you all ready and we are away... Walk On Carats... 'click click' WALK ON CARATS"
 |
| Just like us today... tee her |
C: "WTF ARE YOU DOING WOMAN... why are you behind me... want a cuddle"?!
Me: (wriggling the reins behind his bum) "Walk On Carats"
C: "HUH?!?"
Me: "Ok follow Louisa and Rambo out the gate, Walk On Carats"
C: "Ok, the gates open, you are behind me but not on me, that funny mini horse thing is leaving the yard... Is this a trick"
Me: "Come On it is NOT that difficult... just Walk On.. forwards... just move forwards waaaaaa"
C: " Shall I just walk forwards"?
Me: "AT LAST there you go... GOOD BOY"!
C: "WHY THE HELL DIDNT YOU JUST SAY THAT... stupid humans"....
ha ha ha- brilliant day with the ginger one... ps once he got the idea he was FANTASTIC, he loved it and was super proud of himself for figuring it out! Good Boy Mr C! :)
Wednesday, 12 February 2014
Go with the flow
Water, water everywhere...
Well, why can I say except when will the rain stop! In fairness we have been some of the lucky ones and our yard is still flood free, however the fields and footpaths are not fairing so well.
I really feel for the farmer who's crops have been sitting under water for weeks now and the horses who are having to cope with little or no turnout.
Carats hasn't been to badly affected but as Jo's horses are now grounded in the big wood chip paddock and the small wood chip paddock is too wet for any turnout he is effectively stable bound. Luckily the relaxed atmosphere and setup at our little yard allows him to wander around the stable block while I am doing morning stables and his walk out helps to. However our favourite walk of along the footpath towards the canal is now completely underwater and inaccessible. Now we don't mind a little wade but it is literally flowing and we would have to swim through it. That means that we have a route of around the barns and up the main driveway which Carats finds incredibly boring and monotonous- as do I. However we don't have much choice so for now its the same old trudge each day.
He continues to have plenty of stimulation in his stable with carrots in haynets, bread rolls hidden in places, treat ball and likit (as a special treat). He certainly doesn't seem bored and is always happy to go into his stable.
Fingers crossed for some dry weather and we can start to increase our walks soon!
Well, why can I say except when will the rain stop! In fairness we have been some of the lucky ones and our yard is still flood free, however the fields and footpaths are not fairing so well.
I really feel for the farmer who's crops have been sitting under water for weeks now and the horses who are having to cope with little or no turnout.
Carats hasn't been to badly affected but as Jo's horses are now grounded in the big wood chip paddock and the small wood chip paddock is too wet for any turnout he is effectively stable bound. Luckily the relaxed atmosphere and setup at our little yard allows him to wander around the stable block while I am doing morning stables and his walk out helps to. However our favourite walk of along the footpath towards the canal is now completely underwater and inaccessible. Now we don't mind a little wade but it is literally flowing and we would have to swim through it. That means that we have a route of around the barns and up the main driveway which Carats finds incredibly boring and monotonous- as do I. However we don't have much choice so for now its the same old trudge each day.He continues to have plenty of stimulation in his stable with carrots in haynets, bread rolls hidden in places, treat ball and likit (as a special treat). He certainly doesn't seem bored and is always happy to go into his stable.
Fingers crossed for some dry weather and we can start to increase our walks soon!
Tuesday, 11 February 2014
Chin Up
So today I am feeling a little blue about the whole thing.
I went for the most wonderful ride this afternoon in the sunshine at Greenham Common on Ghillie accompanied by the lovely Pip & Dottie. We had such a great time and I can't wait to go again, Ghill was so good and nice and forward today too, I am so, so, so, lucky to have something to ride at the new yard and appreciated it a lot.
Tonight I sat down to sort my FB profile out and came across the photos of when Carats first arrived with me, looking through the comments and shots, the excitement and hope from first arrival all came flooding back. I have stayed and will stay positive about the PSD diagnosis but feeling very blue tonight. I MISS riding my boy and am very sad that there is a good chance he might never be sound enough to really just ride through the countryside again, I love riding but I really love riding my ginger man and am missing that time with him,and feeling blue about all the hopes and plans I had.
Chin Up however and things could be so much worse, he is happy and well and I am enjoying getting to know him and his cheeky ways more every day.
I went for the most wonderful ride this afternoon in the sunshine at Greenham Common on Ghillie accompanied by the lovely Pip & Dottie. We had such a great time and I can't wait to go again, Ghill was so good and nice and forward today too, I am so, so, so, lucky to have something to ride at the new yard and appreciated it a lot.
Tonight I sat down to sort my FB profile out and came across the photos of when Carats first arrived with me, looking through the comments and shots, the excitement and hope from first arrival all came flooding back. I have stayed and will stay positive about the PSD diagnosis but feeling very blue tonight. I MISS riding my boy and am very sad that there is a good chance he might never be sound enough to really just ride through the countryside again, I love riding but I really love riding my ginger man and am missing that time with him,and feeling blue about all the hopes and plans I had.Chin Up however and things could be so much worse, he is happy and well and I am enjoying getting to know him and his cheeky ways more every day.
Friday, 7 February 2014
Action Plan
So I have been trying to make an action plan for C as it all felt a little stagnant. I have had lots of advice and we have decided on the following.
To continue with his rest period throughout all of February with his walking out daily and limited turnout when weather etc permits.
In mid March we will start to up his exercise and start working more on rehabbing with longer walks, some long reining and eeeek a little ridden work but only in walk of course.
Throughout Spring and beginning of summer we will do longer and longer walking hacks hopefully by then the ground will be good enough to hack him around the farm and though the fields.
Beginning to Mid Summer (ish) we will rescan. I think this will give a true indication of whether there has been any improvement. If there is improvement we will see whether we are able to introduce some trot work back, if not, well I am not sure on that one yet, lets wait and see.
So, this is the plan! Today he got spoiled with some Bowen Therapy from the lovely Karen. He really enjoyed it and I am hoping it will help with his sore back. Karen does a minimum of three treatments so she will be back next week to continue on with this. I will try to remember to get a photo next time!
Onwards and Upwards!
To continue with his rest period throughout all of February with his walking out daily and limited turnout when weather etc permits.
In mid March we will start to up his exercise and start working more on rehabbing with longer walks, some long reining and eeeek a little ridden work but only in walk of course.
Throughout Spring and beginning of summer we will do longer and longer walking hacks hopefully by then the ground will be good enough to hack him around the farm and though the fields.
Beginning to Mid Summer (ish) we will rescan. I think this will give a true indication of whether there has been any improvement. If there is improvement we will see whether we are able to introduce some trot work back, if not, well I am not sure on that one yet, lets wait and see.
So, this is the plan! Today he got spoiled with some Bowen Therapy from the lovely Karen. He really enjoyed it and I am hoping it will help with his sore back. Karen does a minimum of three treatments so she will be back next week to continue on with this. I will try to remember to get a photo next time!
Onwards and Upwards!
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