Event horse management
I have mentioned before about how I am particularly aware of how I am managing Coolie as he ages. I am hyper aware of how he is feeling and performing day to day. He gets regular physio, saddle fitting, Pentosan, massages from me and generally gets looked after better than most humans.
Recently Andrew and I went to a seminar on lameness in performance horses. It wasn't about the obvious lameness where you can clearly see a problem. It was about the subtle lameness that you can't see but might be reflected in a loss of performance of the horse.
It was very interesting, and got me thinking about Coolie. While we have seen improvements through the year in our performance, I have had a niggle in the back of my mind about him for a while. There are a few things that are not quite right and sometimes I think our progress is held back by more than just me, and Coolie just being Coolie. Like Coolie accepting the contact... I know he thinks it's hard but it's something we REALLY struggle with. Is it just because it's hard, or does it indicate something else? It's worse on the right too. Same as our canter transitions.
Coolie is noticeably stiffer in the cold mornings than he has been in years past. I fully expect there to be some arthritic changes. I have him on pentosan to help manage this and recently decided to start him on a monthly dose. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help him.
We are jumping bigger and better than ever, and I want to keep doing so. I want to make sure we are on top of everything. Theparanoid vigilant horse mother that I am is having doubts about stepping up to 105, not just because it scares the crap out of me, but more because I am concerned about the impact it might have on Coolie long term soundness and health.
I have booked him into a vet that specialises on performance horses and lameness. She also does chiropractic and acupuncture. I'm pleased that I have taken this step but REALLY nervous we might find something. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!
I've also booked in with a new saddle fitter to address some issues I feel we have with our saddles, and to find out what jumping saddle is going to suit Henry best!
Do you do anything different to manage your horses? Have you preemptively spent all your money at the vet, changed up your routine, or done anything differenlty to manage your older performance horse?
Recently Andrew and I went to a seminar on lameness in performance horses. It wasn't about the obvious lameness where you can clearly see a problem. It was about the subtle lameness that you can't see but might be reflected in a loss of performance of the horse.
It was very interesting, and got me thinking about Coolie. While we have seen improvements through the year in our performance, I have had a niggle in the back of my mind about him for a while. There are a few things that are not quite right and sometimes I think our progress is held back by more than just me, and Coolie just being Coolie. Like Coolie accepting the contact... I know he thinks it's hard but it's something we REALLY struggle with. Is it just because it's hard, or does it indicate something else? It's worse on the right too. Same as our canter transitions.
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| UGH so hard |
Coolie is noticeably stiffer in the cold mornings than he has been in years past. I fully expect there to be some arthritic changes. I have him on pentosan to help manage this and recently decided to start him on a monthly dose. I want to make sure we are doing everything we can to help him.
We are jumping bigger and better than ever, and I want to keep doing so. I want to make sure we are on top of everything. The
I have booked him into a vet that specialises on performance horses and lameness. She also does chiropractic and acupuncture. I'm pleased that I have taken this step but REALLY nervous we might find something. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt!
I've also booked in with a new saddle fitter to address some issues I feel we have with our saddles, and to find out what jumping saddle is going to suit Henry best!
Do you do anything different to manage your horses? Have you preemptively spent all your money at the vet, changed up your routine, or done anything differenlty to manage your older performance horse?
Ugh I’m perennially paranoid about my own horse’s health. But that hasn’t translated into huge exploratory vet bills bc I basically know what’s up with him. Lots of wear and tear after four years on the track, including some bumps along the way. Like you say, management is key. Hopefully you get some good insights from the vet visit!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I think it would be hard not to be paranoid with Sir Charles-ding-alot around!
DeleteI am hoping for insights and no major dramas!