June 2015 - Rehab starts.

When I start to think about what I was doing with Adam this time last year, and the year before, it saddens me. He was out competing this time last year, winning championships and going the best he ever has. And the year before, I had just started having 30 minute lessons on him following his kissing spine surgery in Jan 2013. Everything was positive and exciting, where as the past 9-10 months haven't been brilliant. 

Above and on the right - Adam June 2013 - 6 months post traditional op.

Adam June 2014 - competing at a local Riding Club show. The start of last years brilliant season. 









He has now had 4 sets of x-rays which are showing a positive outcome on his feet. He has degenerative joint disease in his coffin joint, and now believed to have secondary sacro - iliac pain. 
We believed that he may be having problems walking down hills because of his hocks. These where nerve blocked and no there was no difference. Lee (vet) joined me on a hack and experienced him walking down hills for the first time... He felt the worst he has ever felt that day! 

Both taken on the same day. 

So we have a plan. finally!
After all the waiting and all the remedial farriery, he is having his coffin joint injected with sodium hyaluronate in 6 weeks time. He no longer has his remedial shoes on, and at the moment (touch wood) he feels a little more comfortable.
He is on a strict fitness plan (chubber!!) that my vet has provided me with up until he has the joint injected and then the pressure will be put on him slightly to do a bit more.
We will be doing alot of walking, alot of strapping and plenty of stretches! 

Here he is! Looking disheartened because I stopped him eating from the hedge. Mero and Lee on the left. 

One thing I really would like to mention, is the difference the Equilibrium massage pad is making. He will have the full half an hour setting on high before being ridden, and he seems much more comfortable down hills. He also thoroughly enjoys having it on! 

Although there is quite alot wrong with Adam, he really is the happiest I have ever known him. He tries his heart out for me and genuinely loves his work. If this wasn't the case, then I wouldn't be putting him through all this. I can't give up on a horse that enjoys life! He is just a darling, and if he only wants to hack for the next 8-10 years (optimistic!) then that is 100% fine with me. 

Whats so funny?

I think horses who have had any sort of back pain or surgery are little soldiers for allowing us to get back on. I feel privileged every single time I ride him now and I certainly wouldn't of said that a few years ago!