Marching On

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