Rubbish here, and much earlier than the last couple of years, can only put it down to the proper winter and 3 weeks of lying snow we had. Tess has been struggling with arthritic symptoms in one foreleg, we seem to have got on top of that, but she went lame on the other leg with heat and pulses in that hoof only. I presume she's been favouring it and the combination of extra load, weak hoof and spring grass has tipped her over the edge. Turnout in boots, pads and a muzzle seems to have fixed it for now.
Rio's feet are looking good but in the last week or two she's gone short on rough stuff and needs boots again. She's in all day and out overnight and there isn't a lot more I can do that's going to fix it. I can't face another summer of broken easyboot gaiters, so suspect we will be falling off the barefoot wagon again until the autumn
The boys have been out 24/7 for the past week and so far so good (touchwood)
Took Boy out on a hack today that took us 2 hours the other week with shod friend... Boy was offering canter along all the lanes & when I didn't let him he was doing a massive, ground covering extended trot. I could see his legs right out in front of me. Not bad for a 14.2 almost-cob! Am reckoning he feels pretty good on those toes right now
One legged Arab going well - coping well over broken flints although I keep her to walk on those as they are so sharp! But will bounce over everything else - for nearly 14 miles on Saturday - so my legs are a bit sore even if hers are not.
QH not doing so well. Finds tarmac no problem, gravel is ok, but chalk and flint cause some hobbling. Have put on 'spring circuit' and hope that the extra movement and very restricted grazing will help. They are eating their hay on the track. Will probably resort to boots very soon (or wiring her jaw).
Navicular TB Jake still without boots and coping quite well. Dislikes stoney tracks but to be expected as its early days for Jake and I know it will take years to build his feet. If the surface gets too much I guide him to soft bit or get off.
Hocks bending nicely in lesson on Wednesday so bone spavin not causing too much jip. the longer Jake can go without joint injection the better and I'm sure barefoot is helping him.
2 and half hours yesterday on varied terrain: mud+big stone tracks, new tarmac, grass verge in order of comfort. Seemed less keen on stoney track than previous rides. Not sure yet, could be that muddy bits harder with dry weather so less cushioing or is he getting footy. Does not mind grit too much unless its big (say 1 cm and over) AND lands in particular place under the foot - cant gauge where - then he assumes ouch position. Descending hills is his least favourite thing + he is less keen on grit so I'm thinking its heel sensitivity since heel more engaged, so I'm thinking its not footiness due to grass, just weak heels which we are working on.
Still out on long bare (ie bit of grass which does not appear to have much growth) paddock but I'll monitor closely. Have created grass free zone with hardcore and extended it to mud area covered in shredded bark which my chum gave me for free (yippee).It will save Jake wallowing in mud - have left his favourite roll patch though - boy's not happy unless he's wearing mud rug.
I'll have to check my old photos but I'm sure the central sulcus is opening up on the fronts. I need to take measurements etc. but I'm hoping we are seeing signs of improved decontraction now we've got boots off.
Descending hills is his least favourite thing + he is less keen on grit so I'm thinking its heel sensitivity since heel more engaged, so I'm thinking its not footiness due to grass, just weak heels which we are working on.
Sounds very likely Sue, and you are right, typically with these "navicular" horses its the back of the foot which you need to work on, and it can take a long time to rebuild. The only way to improve it is with work on better surfaces, so you are doing everything you can
Rebuilt my paddock paradise track the other day. LGL pone still fine but we were expecting sun and showers this week and I chickened out of her being on the whole field! So now on track around 2 acre field with hay. When clocks change next weekend I will be able to do more longreining with her in the evenings after work. My aim this summer is to build the back of her foot up as it is quite weak and try to stay boot free in the process. Hopefully I have now got her diet, trim and living conditions right we just need to work her more !!
All going great here. The fields have been rolled and now look lovely (from a distance!). 6 ponies have the run of 8 acres but not for long if the grass grows!
Lami rehab hasn't put a foot wrong since before Christmas, he's stomping over everything. He's merrily hacking around the countryside with his owner.
Max, Mr Navicular went to his first party this week, a RC lesson. For a very green 4 yr old he was great, and very sound. It bodes well for the future. He's great on all surfaces and can now do hills (up and down) and backwards and corners with the same ease.
I now believe you CAN rehab navicular horses pretty fast even without peagravel! Although his youth probably helps my cause somewhat. _________________ http://magicsownlittleworld.blogspot.com/
SueH - great to hear Jake is doing well. Just an observation from my own lad who has had spavin - I tried lots of things that didn't work for him (and came in very expensive fancy tubs).
We didn't go down the injection route, I spoke to several folks who had done the injections, and it seemed to give short term relief but thay all said it wasn't a long term solution.
In the end of the day I've found he's done really very well on the linseed meal and that seems to be giving him the resources he needs to cope. He's seldom stiff unless he has been standing around in a box for hours, and he's moving pretty well really. Gets two tea mugs a day (scientific eh? )
Cold, wet and miserable up here in Aberdeen. Ponies and owners all rugged up.
First proper 'hack' out today with lgl pone and her little chum in tow !!
And for the first time in 18 months we wore no boots !!! Wow I thought I would leave them off to see how she was and she was fine. Tarmac, gravel and and few big rocks where the winter rains have washed bits of road away. I am absolutely delighted !!! Now need to keep going to strengthen back of foot !
Today started with a dusting of snow and bitter cold wind, by 10 it was a lovely spring day and this evening bitter wind again. After the rain of the last week and the cold snap it will be interesting to see what the grass does.
All our guys OK. Hacked out with Link this morning and had a few "pheasant moments". The sheep stuck in the fence wasn't too good either! Then there was the horse gobbling gas tank.....
What's got into them all this week? Everyone in the yard is complaining that their horse is a few hazlenuts short of a jar of Nutella. Must be spring.
Big milestone today - Becky drove Bramble all the way from the farm to the shop in the village and back - about 9 miles. He got to meet some of the village kids who haven't seen him for such a long time! Little guy loves going to the shop becuase there's always someone with something nice to eat!
Didn't wear his boots, and apart from a couple of stumbles on bits of gravel he was fine. Had to take it easy because his fitness is not built up yet, but delighted that there were no problems with feet or breathing.
Interesting - he had built up a good toe callus, but has worn that right down today. We'll see how he is over the next week.
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Although his youth probably helps my cause somewhat.