Highs and Lows April 21, 2008
Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse)
Digg! this story.
, trackback
Today was an interesting day with Tigger. I tacked him up, lunged him, and did all the usual stuff. No problems. I got on. Problem.
He took off again, this time I could direct him into the corner so I could have brakes without pulling on the reins, which usually makes that worse. My trainer walked up and walked around with him. He was blowing, jiggy, and a far cry from the horse I tacked up a mere 20 minutes ago.
After about 2-3 minutes of this he started to relax and my trainer sent us off. We ended up having a fantastic lesson.
We used leg-yielding ot help him fill up the outside rein at the walk and trot. We also worked on me not pulling on the inside rein so much. It takes a bit of faith to trust that the outside rein will do it’s job. Yet the inside rein calls to me…
By the end, he was soft and had a lovely powerful trot. I was thrilled.
So, what we think we have is a sore back issue. The saddle doesn’t fit the best, and I thought a thick Fleeceworks pad would help that along until I can get a new one. I did check his back before I tacked up and there was a small spasm. I should know that as sensitive as he is even a small spasm is a big deal.
My next step will be to seriously start looking for a saddle. Luckily we have a great tack store that does saddles on consignment (and usually has a fabulous selection). In addition I’m going to make him an appointment with the chiropractor. We have to have the vet out for vaccinations so I might have her take a look at him too.
In the mean time, I need to figure out a way to get his back warmed up before I get on…
Comments
The Rolex 3 Day event is going on here in Kentucky this weekend. I have never made it out to the event,but apparently it is pretty amazing…. Lexington is buzzing (for months now) about the World Equestrian Games coming in 2010. The city is making a lot of decisions trying to get ready, it will be interesting to see what the event does for the town.
I think this is the first time the Games have been in the US?
Saddle issues–man, have we all had them. My first horse was so sore due to a poorly fitting saddle–he has very prominent withers–that I could make him spasm just by brushing him. I did chiro, acupuncture, , therapy, etc to fix the problem I created. The new saddle was a blessing but he had some muscle memory problems. I did a lot of ‘horse’ stretches before riding. Here are a few I can remember—1)run your finger under his belly very strongly and make him arch his back; 2)offer him a treat and make him reach down between his front legs to retrieve it; 3)ask him with a treat to reach with his head–no feet moving allowed–up towards his hip to retrieve it; both sides –you stand by his belly for this and the next one 4) with a treat again, ask him to reach with his head over to his knees–no feet moving allowed. Also, if you have something strong for him to stand on (I used an old tractor tire filled with dirt) ask him to step up with his front legs then stretch down between his front legs with his head. These stretches feel good any time–warm up, cool down–but they do get blood to the back muscle and that long muscle that runs down their neck and attaches to the back (which is the muscle they use to lift their back along with abdominals). One more thing I did to warm up his back–I shortened my stirrups and did not allow my butt to touch the saddle. Talk about a great leg workout–I know you are strong enough for that. Don’t have to do it for long. Good luck—btw, loved your videos. You are electronically inclined!!!