Equilibrium Update

As promised - I'm writing my final post on Equilibrium's massage and magnetic pads.

Overall I'm very pleased with the outcome. His top-line has improved greatly. He's starting to really take shape and look like a horse who works correctly and you wouldn't of guessed he had kissing spine surgery 13 months ago unless I told you! He looks like a different horse.

His ridden work has improved also. He usually has it on for 30 mins before work, either ridden or lunged. If I'm fighting against day light (not easy this time of year) then I pop it on after he's worked whilst I muck out etc. Its fab because you can just leave them to it, its no extra effort to your daily routine. I have a busy lifestyle, and time with Adam is limited during the week because of commuting nearly an hour to work daily, so it really is perfect! Even if he is having the day off, he still has a 30 min massage before bedtime.

His transitions are a lot smoother. He used to hop upwards into the transitions (especially walk to trot, I almost used to dread the first few) because of the tightness over his back, but he seems to be so much more comfortable. That is the main difference I can feel. He's also had a few changes of bit and saddle flocking recently, so I think it's all making a difference.

The battery life is good. It says you should get around 6 full 30 min massages out of it - I think I'm actually managing more than that. Its really easy to charge and the battery lets you know its ready by switching the red light off.

The Magnetic Pad is also a fab product. He has it on over night whilst he is stabled - then has a break from it whilst he is out. I have the magnets placed down the front and back of the pad as that's usually where he gets a little sore. I'm very careful not to over rug him as the back pad seems to keep him really warm. The fit is perfect for him, really easy to adjust the straps and it doesn't allow you to tighten the breast strap too tight (could become tricky for him to eat off the floor with it too tight!)

For a horse who is rather sensitive in his back now, he familiarised with the sensation of the massage pad very quickly. By his 3rd massage, he was shutting his eyes and enjoying it. He was a little unsure to begin  with - but soon relaxed!
If anyone with a horse with kissing spine or rehabbing kissing spine horses is looking into buying either one of these products, I highly recommend both. They are good value for money, well manufactured and a well known brand.
The materials are fantastic, strong and durable. The surcingle clips are heavy duty, and unlikely to break unless you jump up and down on them.

I'm very impressed and glad I purchased such a fantastic product which is benefiting my boy.

March 22nd 2014. The start to our show season

Today was d-day for Adam - would he behave and cope with his first showing show post kissing spine op?

Well the answer was yes, and he returned to the show ring with a bang. 

The venue was Tall Trees Arena in Davidstow - Cornwall. They have a huge massive outdoor school, and two indoor schools. The showing classes where in the smaller of the two indoors and the show-jumping was next door. It wasn't quiet, but wasn't too busy. Perfect first party!

He travelled well with Colin and was very relaxed when we arrived. He had his Equilibrium massage pad on for 25mins whilst having a munch on his hay and he felt super when I hoped on!

His first class was Best Coloured. I used this as a warm up class - competed against piebalds and skewbalds (I look very silly on my dun but some shows allow it) and he behaved and worked beautifully. We won!

We then continued to win Best Arab/Part Bred/, and best Riding horse/Hunter and returned home with the Champion title. I've never ever felt so proud. 

I had to hold back my tears when the judge was so pleasant and lovely about him. She asked me why I was wearing a neck strap, and I explained briefly what he had been through and she congratulated me on our achievements. She actually asked me to put him in the boot of her BMW :)

She also asked me what my plans where - I was unsure at this point, as i wasn't sure how he was going to cope with a quiet show, let alone making any more plans. She encouraged me to push ourselves and show his ability as a show hack/riding horse. Thought he had real potential. So nice to hear after everything we have been through. 

So my plans now are -

• Continue working on my dressage tests and improve my marks.
• Hopefully affiliate him by the summer.
• Compete at Liskeard show.
• Qualify for a championship again.
• Looking for sponsorship to fund my fees.

Equilibriums products have made a huge difference to Adams way of going. He no longer goes a day without having his massage pad and magnetic pad on. I will be writing my full view and full review very soon. So for the people who have been following this - Its a positive outcome! 

March 20th - Preparing for our first proper showing show.

Well, the time has come. I have dug out the old show bridle and his pelham and he rode beautifully.
We have our first showing show on Sunday 23rd and I'm quite frankly shaking in my boots!
Our last 'showing' outing resulted in him rearing at the ring side and refusing the go in. He went home very promptly and I lost about 90% of my confidence (this was pre op and before he was diagnosed). Since then we have been to one away from home outing doing some dressage - had one at home outing (last weeks) and now we are really grabbing the bull by its horns!

So I am hoping we will come home with all smiles - even if we are not placed, as long as his behavior is acceptably - I am a happy mummy!

                                         

A few photos of him showing in 2011 - 

Adam dressage post kissing spine op 16/3/14

16th March - Hacking beautifully, cantering in fields and dressage.

Wow! What a weekend! I have finally sat down on the sofa for the first time... phew!

Things are going in the right direction. 

On saturday I met Jo again at the bottom of the bridle path and went for a hack with her. She took us for a good canter through a few fields which involved very narrow gates (I didn't canter through those!) and new unfamiliar fords. He didn't stick his head between his knees and fling me into space this time, just cantered happily up the hill.

Just before whizzing up the hill!

I then hacked with Baxter (our new boy) around the village today. He walked in front 99.9% of the way . We had a tractor moment going out of the drive, but nothing dramatic. 

Adam having his 30 min Equilibrium massage before his hack and dressage. 

Best wake up Adam! Work to do!

We then had our dressage test! This is our first party (although he was at home) since July 2013, and with my confidence issues it was a challenge for me. 

I rode Prelim 12 and Novice 27. I wouldn't of even dreamt of riding a Novice test 6 months ago but I do feel like we are getting somewhere. We managed 62.2% in the Prelim - finishing 3rd and 58.8 in the Novice - finishing joint 1st with Jo! 

Very pleased mother! I was nervous today, I haven't been put under pressure with him in this sort of situation for a while, so it was a good test for both of us.

Now to study my scores and comments and keep working hard!