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  Discussion on Rehabbing back to the Canter
Author Message
New Member:
5691

Posted on Sunday, Sep 17, 2006 - 3:26 am:

Hello All,

Well, 17 months later and a few speedbumps along the way, I am here to report that our ultrasound in August showed that Justin's four injured LF leg structures are 95% healed. We had a wonderfully progressive summer with progressive healing and actually went on a few hour long trail rides and built up our trot time to 15 minutes in an hour ride.

We are now cleared to begin cantering and it is UGLY!!! We ask him to canter and its like he can't carry himself easily at all. He appears unbalanced, strung out and awkward. He is not being high or unmanagable, its like he is trying to relearn how to canter like we use to do, but doesn't have the stamina or rythmn

I am learning to appreciate the strength and coordination it takes to carry a rider at the canter in a controlled, collected manner. I would appreciate any suggestions from any of you as to how I might best approach building up his cantering muscle strength and balance.

I was told that cantering in a circle is difficult so we should only canter on the straight sides of the arena. I was also told that trot/ canter transitions are helpful allowing about five strides of canter at a time..

I am absolutely not to lunge this horse, so I need suggestions that involve riding. I have been trotting him on the gentle incline sections of our bridle path which is good for about a minute of trotting. Would cantering up the incline be a thought?

Thanks so much for your time. For the long story of our rehab history, click on Rehab Relapse..

Smiles,
Debra
Member:
Hwood

Posted on Sunday, Sep 17, 2006 - 9:30 am:

What a wonderful feeling, Debra . . . to see your hard work and patience rewarded with healing.

I would think that cantering uphill would do two things. First, it would be easier for Justin to balance by using his hind end more efficiently . . . the incline will force him to be more balanced in the back and will be easier on the front end. Secondly, it will build up his stamina and endurance . . . You know how we can huff and puff on hills if we aren't in shape . . . so . . . short canters on the incline would be my choice.
So happy to hear your news.
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Sunday, Sep 17, 2006 - 11:40 am:

Good for you and Justin.....keep the rehab slow, expect little and reward often (that's from a human sports medicine person)
Holly gives some great advice. I wish I had some to give but I am not as experienced as she is.
Good luck with the rehab! We are all cheering for you!
Member:
Jockyrdg

Posted on Sunday, Sep 17, 2006 - 9:11 pm:

Just curious Debra why are you going into canter before building further on the trot? The canter will come together pretty quickly if the trot is solid and balanced. The transitions spoken about are excellent. So is walk and trot to halt; being sure that the horse halts balanced and doesn't throw his weight into your hands (front end). Any exercise which builds up the hind end, such as shoulder ins and turn on the haunches, will strengthen and balance the canter. Remember the canter is a series of small jumps, so anything that strengthens the pushing off muscles will help. It's something to consider.
Member:
Frances

Posted on Monday, Sep 18, 2006 - 4:45 am:

Wonderful news Debra! So glad your incredible patience and hard work have paid off.

I agree with Beverly that working to establish the trot first is of prime importance. You've built up your trot TIME, but has Justin yet regained the muscle and balance to give you trot QUALITY?

When he does, and you feel he's soft and balanced at trot, carrying himself and really off your leg, then you may find that you can let him flow into just a few strides of canter and then straight back to trot. I would do it very occasionally at first, so as to build up his muscles gradually, and also so that he doesn't anticipate and start any hijinks.

Congratulations on all you've achieved and all the best!

Lynn
Member:
Srobert

Posted on Saturday, Sep 23, 2006 - 12:13 pm:

Hi Debra: I just got around to catching up on recent posts and found this great news! I am just delighted to hear of Justin's recovery. Now comes the real work!

When my walking horse severed an extensor tendon, it took a LONG time to bring him back to quality gaits - both at the running walk and the canter. In fact, he is just beginning to have the polish he did before the injury - which occurred almost three years ago. I did as Lynn describes and worked on transitions "flowing" back and forth between gaits. This seemed to give him the confidence he needed. And good advice in terms of only going in straight lines. Those corners can be very difficult to start off. Even after we added them to the protocol I sometimes wondered if he was going to make it or send us both flying!

More importantly, I am just SO DELIGHTED to hear of the news. FYI, Rajah, who was injured last fall and you were so supportive, is doing fabulously. No signs of any injury whatsoever. In fact, he tore up the show ring this summer winning both English and Western Classes. In fact, he won me my first trophy is oh...20 years or so in a Parent Pleasure class last week. Just before they announced the placings, the judge walked over and whispered "this is an absolutely FABULOUS arab. Any chance he is for sale?". Nope - he is priceless!

Best wishes to you and THANK YOU again for your support when we needed it. Keep us posted!
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