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 :)