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  Discussion on Which footing for trot rehab?
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Member:
9193

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 12:38 pm:

It has been almost fifteen months since our horse was diagnosed with left and right front check ligament injury, LF bowed SDFT, as well as both medial and lateral LF suspensory injuries.

Our rehab has experienced a few relapes and our newest challenge is dealing with the arthritis that was diagnosed in the LF ankle.

Our ultrasound yesterday showed that all injuries have healed to 90% with the fibers and patterns all looking very good. His feet are balanced and we are utilizing a combination of Bute and Surpass for comfort measures regarding the arthritis.

We are at 6 minutes trot, but done in two minute increments with 5 minutes of walk in between. Our rehab vet would like us to do 5 minute trot blocks to add more exercise to promote more healing of the tendon/ligaments.

I have been doing our two minute trot blocks in a pebble arena that was fine to work in when the weather was wetter, but now that the weather is getting warmer and dryer, the ground is getting pretty hard.

Last month, our huge covered arena had a brand new base and international footing with rubber and sand put in. We have been told it will take time for all this to pack down even with all the watering, fluffing and riding that is being done on it. There was six inches of sand put down and there are some places where the depth comes to the top of my horse's hooves. Some horses seem to handle the footing just fine, other horses are tiring pretty easily and a few have experienced some leg strain in the last month which has been related to the footing.

My dilemma- which footing would pose the least risk to my horse for these five minute trot blocks? I am concerned the pounding in the pebble arena will stress his ankle and cause the arthritis to flare up. I am also not sure what stress the footing will do to the LF leg structures. I am also concerned about road founder. Is five minutes of concussion enough to create that problem?

For the covered arena- How do I tell if the deeper footing is stressing my horse? With his healing at 90% and a good, firm base, does that fact reduce my risk factor for re-injury even tho the footing is deeper and softer?

My rehab vet is very understanding of my situation, but is advising me to use my best judgement. The trotting is part of his daily hour ride that we do 5 or six days a week. He is to be trotted in a hunter style, not in a collected dressage style.

Any thoughts or guidance would be most appreciated.

Smiles,
Debra
Member:
Sunny66

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 1:00 pm:

Congratulations Debra on the progress!!!

My two cents...and please take it as such... I would definitely not go with deep sand...if it was me and my boy, I'd go with the harder ground maybe even less trot until the other arena gets situated.

phtu phtu phtuing that he stays on the sound path!!
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 1:07 pm:

I agree with Aileen. Just imagine you were going for a jog. Which would be harder for you to run in. Most definatly the deep footing.
I dont think you would get road founder ,Dr O can answer that but I know I trot for longer periods on gravel with no problems.
Member:
Suzeb

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 4:25 pm:

I too will vote for the firmer footing. Is your boy wearing shoes?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jun 7, 2006 - 9:26 pm:

Congrats on the progress Debra. I think firm footing is best also and am not concerned about road founder.
DrO
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Thursday, Jun 8, 2006 - 8:22 am:

Hi Debra: I have been thinking about you and your daughter and your special boy. Glad to know he is on the road to recovery (whatever footing you choose!)

I remember you were very empathetic and supportive when our young arabian injured his front suspensory. Happily, he is completely sound and doing well in and out of the show ring.

Please keep us posted on your continued progress! You are in our thoughts and prayers. Shari and Brianna
Member:
Frances

Posted on Friday, Jun 9, 2006 - 7:50 am:

Hello Debra

So glad to hear that Justin's rehab is really bearing fruit (phtu phtu). You've made amazing progress and it's definitely a tribute to all your dedication.

I also feel that the deeper footing would be worse and, like Aileen, I wouldn't be in a hurry to increase the trot time, given the circumstances.

All the very best

Lynn
Member:
9193

Posted on Friday, Jun 9, 2006 - 1:12 pm:

Hello Good People,

Thank you all for your thoughts and reasons. I was also leaning more toward the firmer footing, but the analogy of running thru deeper sand really helped put a solid visual on it. Goodness knows that any running I would be forced to do these days needs to be on firm ground!

To answer Susan's question- Yes, Justin wears shoes with a 1 degree wedge on the right front shoe to balance him. My farrier is fabulous and I hope I can keep him forever!

Shari- YAAAAYYY for your side!!! What a wonderful feeling that must be to see your daughter and your horse performing beautifully sound after his injury. Rachael and I both thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes.

To Aileen and Lynn- I've been following your posts too. I hope any progress you are working towards is going in the right direction.

I also very much appreciate your caution regarding the trot block time..the goal that our rehab vet set for us is if we can have him trotting a 15 minute trot block by the end of July, then we can start a five minute canter block beginning August. When he can canter safely and soundly, then we can re-introduce turnout privileges after a ride, not fresh from the stall! "Proceed with caution" has been my motto for a long time, so I definitely hear you!!

Katrina- We think of you every time we slip the bitless bridle on him.. What a blessing that piece of equipment has been for us..

Dr O - Thank you for your reassurance. It is lovely to get those naggy little wonderments diminished.

Do any of you have any experience with how long it takes for new international footing to pack down? We were told it would take two months before the footing would be "good". Two more horses from our barn have been diagnosed with lameness issues this week and I just can't get the thought out of my mind that the deeper footing is contributing to the lameness injuries that are occuring.

Thank you again for your support and good thoughts. It is like seeing a good friend at the front door to log on and see the responses to my inquiry. I wish I could meet each and every one of you at some point in my life.

Smiles,
Debra
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