I've been reluctant to blog about Basse for a few weeks now since he's been going through a bit of a phase where we've had to take so many steps back and it's never fun to acknowledge that you're not progressing with your horse...
But anyway, if you've been following our Facebook page or my Instagram, you'll know that nearly a month ago we had the chiropractor come do the horses and Basse was the worst that he's been since starting his rehab last year... ☹️ The muscles on the right side behind the saddle and around the pelvis were really sore. He'd been feeling fantastic, so I had no idea that he was so sore bless him. I feel terrible looking back now but I still can't think of a single ride where he would have given me any signs that he wasn't happy!
After that, he's had nearly 2 weeks off just being turned out and going for short hacks after which I've slowly brought him back into work and he's feeling really good. But when our equine sports massage therapist came to check him out last week, she said that although he was feeling quite good he still hasn't entirely recovered and needed more time.
Which means that I'm going to be carrying on with hacking out, lunging and riding without a saddle (as much as possible) for the next few weeks and then hope that this gives him the chance to fully heal. It's very weird though that even though he's such a sensitive horse, he's not been giving me any signs that he's been in pain. But like I've always said, this horse owes me nothing so he can have as much time off from training as his body needs. And I'm more than happy to be hacking out with him especially now that the worst of the horse flies and bugs have gone away.
The riding without a saddle has also given me a great chance to learn how to properly ride his sitting trot and how I need to use my seat more to turn for voltes and circles. See these negative things can always be turned into more positive outcomes! I'm okay with having to change plans, to take a few steps back every now and then because it has taught me to bounce back and try again. Horses have given me such good lesson about persistence and resilience, about re-focusing and trying again 👊🏻
It's so true that "where there is no struggle, there is no strength". Moments like these teach us to keep going, despite the struggles we face sometimes! Have you had to take any steps back recently?
After that, he's had nearly 2 weeks off just being turned out and going for short hacks after which I've slowly brought him back into work and he's feeling really good. But when our equine sports massage therapist came to check him out last week, she said that although he was feeling quite good he still hasn't entirely recovered and needed more time.
The riding without a saddle has also given me a great chance to learn how to properly ride his sitting trot and how I need to use my seat more to turn for voltes and circles. See these negative things can always be turned into more positive outcomes! I'm okay with having to change plans, to take a few steps back every now and then because it has taught me to bounce back and try again. Horses have given me such good lesson about persistence and resilience, about re-focusing and trying again 👊🏻
 |
| Look ma no saddle! |
aw poor Basse - hopefully he starts feeling 100% soon! tho all that hacking out honestly sounds pretty wonderful too ;) i feel fortunate that i haven't had to take any real meaningful steps back for my horse at this point, but we've had a few times where i haven't been able to keep pushing forward when i would have liked to due to other circumstances or limitations. it's always something!
ReplyDeleteHe feels 100% happy, I just wish his body would catch up! And yes there is always something isn't there 🙄
DeleteSometimes these setbacks can be a positive thing.The no saddle riding sounds great! And your hacking photo is lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes they can be! Just need to learn to look at them in that way! And thank you
DeletePoor boy! Hope he's back to 100% soon!
ReplyDeleteI love riding bareback for schooling. Helps me refine aids a bit more, I've found.
I hadn't realised how much of a different it made! Actually really pleased I was forced to do this!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that he's that sore. Some horses are much more stoic than others, an instinctual need to hide pain. Which is why I recommend regular massage sessions for my clients, so we can prevent issues and treat others before they get too bad. Don't look at it as taking a step back, but about changing things up and doing something different!
ReplyDeleteThe thing is this horse is SO sensitive. We've called the vet out several times for a gas colic attack over the years because he's been acting like he's dying when all he's needed to do was a big poo or fart!! Which is why I think it's really bizarre that his body is saying no but his behaviour and attitude is saying that he is happy. He also has regular equine massage and chiropractor to keep him happy and supple and I always do a short massage myself before riding (which I know is not as effective but I like to try!) so he shouldn't get 'too bad'. But yes, he's getting lots of days off and less work in the arena so hopefully he'll get better soon.
DeleteOh no! I hope Basse will be back at 100% as soon as possible, I will be crossing my fingers!
ReplyDeleteThank you! 💕
DeleteSometimes we have to take the steps back to go forward for long term gains. They aren't actually backwards, but they are progression diversions!
ReplyDelete"progression diversions" I like that! Fingers crossed! I just want his body healthy even if his mind thinks he's fine
DeleteSending some get well soon wishes, everything will be fine soon enough you'll see :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! He's starting to look better now.
DeleteUJYJUYJ
ReplyDeleteشركة مكافحة حشرات