Equilibrium

Some exciting news!....
I will be reviewing and writing a running blog post on Equilibrium's massage pad and magnetic pad.
There have been a lot of questions raised as to whether these products will actually benefit our horses.
When I receive my bits in the post, I will keep a diary as to whether I can feel much difference in Adams performance and mentality.

Some people seem to think they help with girthing issues, I can update you on where we are at with that issue!

One thing I'm excited about is if they do really make him feel more comfortable. He is a very sensitive horse who likes to pretend that everything offends him, especially with people he doesn't know. If you have been reading my blog right from the very start (I like to think some of you do) then you will also know that Adam had and sometimes still does have behavioral issues. If you wanted a sensitive horse to try these products on, then he is your man!

So we shall see, and I promise to keep you all updated :)


I've spent so much time on their website!

http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/

Massage Pad -http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/equilibrium_therapy/massage_therapy_massage_pad/

• Clinically proven to promote relaxation and improve back flexibility.
• Can help to increase stride length.
• Each massage session lasts for 30 minutes; it strokes, vibrates and oscillates, stimulating the muscles.
• There are three different settings:
• Low - To cool down after exercise
• Medium - To warm muscles prior to exercise
• High - To help alleviate back problems.
• The battery lasts for at least six sessions and recharges in a few hours, using the portable charger.
• DID YOU KNOW? MAGNETIC THERAPY can help to increase the speed of healing when treating specific back conditions. Combined use of the Equilibrium Therapy Magnetic Back Pad overnight and the Massage Pad once a day can help to maintain a healthy back.

Magnetic back pad -http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/equilibrium_therapy/magnetic_therapy_magnetic_back_pad/

• Strong, circular, permanent magnetic fields of alternating pole sequences
• Alternate poles increase electric charge in cell membrane improving the cell's ability to regenerate
• 700 Gauss strength to penetrate tissue
• Flat, slim and flexible to avoid pressure sores
• Protected inside waterproof pillow packs for easy washing

• Magnets stick easily to any part of the inner lining

18th - 28th February - Hacking is finally getting better!

WOOHOOO!
We have now managed a hack on our own! Trotted straight to the main road, crossed twice with passing traffic.
Rode through two fords which he didnt argue about AT ALL! To be completely honest, he was a total angel! I came down the drive beaming from ear to ear! So thats my hightlight of this week :)

We have our dressage test coming up fairly soon. We are attempting our first ever Novice test so should be interesting!

Our first hack alone (successful one) since I moved to Cornwall.

Very tired pony after hacking!

Sandy nose after a roll in the school!

Looking very cute as usual.

Also, i have ditched the devils claw for the moment. He has been bare foot behind for most of the winter as his turnout and exercise has been limited. He is having a full set put back on today now i'm managing to hack a little more, but hes not comfortable somedays on his hocks.  So we are now trialing Cortaflex. I'm sure he will also feel more comfortable hacking when he's fully shod :)

A Case of Dorsal Spinal Process Impingement in a Horse - Treatment of ki...

Standing Equine Surgery - DSP Resection ( Kissing Spines Surgery)

Something that I still find very hard to watch. Well done if you manage it!

14th - 18th February - A positive outcome!

FINALLY! the penny is dropping with our hacking.
Unfortunately for both of us, the past few months have been tough. The weather has been pants, no day light and had some family issues along the way. So in more ways than one things have gone down hill.

BUT! I am still hacking out with Jo and he fabulous stallion Colin during the weekends. We have been out 3 times now and its starting to really help him!
On Sunday the sun was shining, there was minimal wind (about ruddy time) and I had schooled him the day before.

I literally hopped on, put him into a contact and rode him forward out of the drive in front the whole way. Jo looked somewhat surprised! He then continued to walk/trot infront majority of the way. We had a few blips (usually concerning nothing)...we are currently trying a new trick with him.
If he stops and refuses to move forward, he is now span tightly until he feels as if he wants to move forward and then pushed on straight. Dare i say...it did work! sometimes took a few attempts, but it just gets him moving and not backwards or up! He did do some random leap in the in once which we both found rather amusing. Luckily I fell back into the right place!
He led the way all the way up the bridle path, I had to jump off once to get under a fallen tree (jumping it may of been a little adventurous at this point and I didn't fancy snapping my back in half underneath it!)
He stood nicely for me to get on, whilst Colin climbed up the bank and back down to get past it. He then proceeded to walk infront until we got to a little streamy area. I could call it a ford but i'd be lying!
He was infront at this point, he stopped and just refused to move. He was using Colin as an excuse so we moved Colin to the side of the stream. After a few pirouettes and alot of vocal encouragement - he jumped it! and continued to walk infront! BIG PATS FOR PONY!

To some this may seem like such little steps, but that is such a massive step for my lad. He's never found hacking the easier option, and I've never found it the most relaxing of past times. But he MUST learn to get over it and start to enjoy it. He cannot school and lunge for the rest of his life!
We even managed a bit of his hack allowing him to relax on a long rein and enjoy himself. He even randomly trotted off on a few occasions. Yet again another surprised face by Jo!

I'm dead pleased, and I'm glad that I'm persisting with the problem. I don't expect it to be a quick fix at all, and we have a long road ahead of us, but he's currently moving in the right direction!

He also even managed to get out on Sunday morning for a sunbathe in his field :)

Adam. Post kissing spine, first jump.

Adam jumping post kissing spine.

Here's the little monster jumping a few fences, finally learning where to put his feet!

2nd - 14th Febuary - Rain, rain and more rain :(

Oh and plus loads of gales!

I'm sure most of you have realised how windy and rainy it has been. I'm very fortunate to have an indoor school and lovely strong stabling for Adam. I truly feel for people who don't have a warm,dry haven for their animals at the moment.

I haven't managed to hack recently due to the weather, its been raining violently for 2 weekends running and Adams side seems to have rubbed off by my left gaiter :( So need to get it fixed and wait for it to heal. In the mean time he has been pessoaed and turned out in the school for a roll.

I don't have alot to update as nothing much as happened. Apart from getting very very wet.

We are not on the look out for our perfect little companion/riding horse for Lisa. She has been left some money by her Nan to buy a new  horse, so fingers crossed we will find something for her to enjoy.

Adam has really changed shape in the past few weeks so I have booked the saddle fitter to come and see him next friday. Ive also been mega organized and booked the dentist for June.


Wrapped up cosy and warm :)

 

His poor side, waiting for it to heal!

 

 

Enjoying some downtime in the school. Rare dry 5 mins! 

 

Having a chat with his friend 'Steve' in the mirror... 

11th Jan - 2nd of Feb - A year since his op

Since my last post, quite alot has changed.
His schooling is going well. I'm working towards a novice 27 test in March so I have a goal.
His hacking on the other hand started to get a bit silly....I didn't want to go out in company or on my own. I was too afraid to push his buttons and ask him questions that I knew he would challenge.
I've had a local lady come out with me on her big horse Colin. Firstly she came to see him in the stable and school. Addressed a few dominance issues on the floor, but was impressed with him riding in the school.
Her horse Colin is awesome. Nice big bag stallion who is slightly weary of Adam!
We have been educating his brain to move forward and go infront. Even if he's just ever so slightly in front of the other horse. He puts up a fight, and it's bloody knackering but he is getting there. She's helping me get him through the Ford and our last attempt was sort of successful with him walking through half of the Ford in front. That was a good start :-)

He's also done a bit of jumping recently. He used to refuse to jump and was terrible. He totally loves it now and gets very excitied! I'm now learning to ride him all over again in this sphere as it's like riding a different horse! Only been jumping little, but it's a good start for us :)

The help and support I have from people had been amazing over the past year.
It was a year on 21st January that he traveled to breadstone for his op, and it has honestly gone so so quickly. So for you people who have just had your horse oporated on, enjoy the extra time you are spending with your horse! Keep positive and give yourself regular chill out sessions. It's pretty hardcore!

I've added a few photos of his scar from when he first came home and then a few from the following weeks/months.

Oh also, physio has been and she's pleased with his muscle development and no spinal pain. Yipeeeeee!

                                 First time I removed his dressing myself. very sore skin :(

 

Getting really manky. Very clean but really peely! I massaged aloe-vera gel into his skin to soothe it every few days

 

 

Hair is starting to grow back but he was also malting like mad at this point and was sticking to the glue where his dressing was.  

 

Side profile. 

 

All sticking together nicely and growing some summer coat (the golden bits in the middle!)