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Discussion on Back and shoulder pain - can't move forward with rider
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Member:
Jude
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Posted on Sunday, Dec 29, 2002 - 11:45 pm:
Hi Dr. O,
I thought you might be interested to hear an update on my horse. It has taken a LONG time, but I am now back in the saddle and riding a perky, happy horse on the flat. My horse is round, on the bit, engaged and moving out well. We have even negotiated a few hills but it depends on the day whether my horse is really comfortable with that or not.
I have learned a lot of things this last year, not least of which is patience. I have had to take my horse's recuperation REALLY slowly and monitor his back and body daily. Any hint of soreness and I backed off. Gradually, my horse has got stronger, built up his muscles again (long-lining and round pen work helped here), and I have been able to ride bareback for longer, and most recently, in a saddle. My horse was really wary of a saddle at first but I felt much the same way myself after months of bareback riding! I rode for just 5 minutes the first time, and constantly checked his back, and his progress against his usual bareback behavior. I also used my Accupunturist/Chiropractor as a monthly gauge to how my horse was feeling. My saddle is now fitted with air panels which my horse seems happy with, but I have kept up the occasional bareback ride for comparison sake.
As I mentioned, we have started some hill work but rainy weather and dark evenings have kept progress patchy. I am expecting to make more movement on that front come the lighter evenings. I have learned that there is no rush for this 'though. After almost a year of worry, thinking I would never be able to enjoy riding my horse again, I have got home today after a wonderful half hour of dressage work, and half hour of muddy trail. My horse is happy again, and I have a grin on my face to match!
I am not sure that my horse will ever be one that you can treat or ride casually (probably no horse should be) - I suspect he will always need close monitoring and very carefully measured work load, but that is a very small price to pay for getting my horse back!
Thanks for all your advice.
Jude
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Dec 30, 2002 - 6:54 am:
That is super Jude. Continue to give us updates if possible.
DrO
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