amandal
27th Apr 2006, 02:35 PM
Since my last posting about my emotionally exhausting hack Ziz's arthritis flared up again. Gave her a week off with turnout which normally reduces the swelling in her hocks, along with Danilon. This didnt work so tried slow walks in hand as this had helped before - no difference. Borrowed some magnetic boots and the swelling reduced a bit, bought some shortly afterwards and she now wears them overnight in her stable.
By now I'd not ridden for 2 weeks since the hack and was feeling quite desperate to get back on, so that was good.:) Not riding wasn't helping her arthritis so I though riding might, although obviously slow and gentle would be the key.
Got on in the school last Saturday morning, she went beautifully, the surface is quite good as it's sand but not too deep and it's level. We did walk and trot after warming up for ages and she wasn't moving stiffily. She kept asking to go into canter which was either excitement or because her arthritis was hurting canter's easier for her. She sort of hop and skips in the corners when we're trotting, physio had told me it was because of her tight hamstrings but they're not tight now. Anyway I didn't let her canter :) . Actually getting on is a battle as she remembers that it used to hurt and moves away for ages, Saturday was a triumph, only took me 15 minutes to get on.
Heavy night Saturday so didn't get back on on Sunday as planned, didn't fancy trying to ride after 2 hours sleep. Monday we went for a walk in hand, exploring a route we'd not been on. Tuesday did some in hand work and a teeny bit of lunging - I run up the long side with her so she's only circling in the corners of the school. Boy she was NOT happy at having to work before her dinner but settled down quickly and just expressed her annoyance later in the stable !
Last night OH got home early and rang to let me know he was cooking dinner so just put her to bed. Getting on again tonight, don't know if I'm brave enough for a pootle around the lanes but will definitely ride somewhere, she's been in all day as the fields are being harrowed today.
Most exciting is that I HAVE A LESSON BOOKED ON TUESDAY, getting really excited about this. It's with a classical instructor and I'm highly optimistic and looking forward to it. (Also got a day off work, a whole day for me and Ziz).
By now I'd not ridden for 2 weeks since the hack and was feeling quite desperate to get back on, so that was good.:) Not riding wasn't helping her arthritis so I though riding might, although obviously slow and gentle would be the key.
Got on in the school last Saturday morning, she went beautifully, the surface is quite good as it's sand but not too deep and it's level. We did walk and trot after warming up for ages and she wasn't moving stiffily. She kept asking to go into canter which was either excitement or because her arthritis was hurting canter's easier for her. She sort of hop and skips in the corners when we're trotting, physio had told me it was because of her tight hamstrings but they're not tight now. Anyway I didn't let her canter :) . Actually getting on is a battle as she remembers that it used to hurt and moves away for ages, Saturday was a triumph, only took me 15 minutes to get on.
Heavy night Saturday so didn't get back on on Sunday as planned, didn't fancy trying to ride after 2 hours sleep. Monday we went for a walk in hand, exploring a route we'd not been on. Tuesday did some in hand work and a teeny bit of lunging - I run up the long side with her so she's only circling in the corners of the school. Boy she was NOT happy at having to work before her dinner but settled down quickly and just expressed her annoyance later in the stable !
Last night OH got home early and rang to let me know he was cooking dinner so just put her to bed. Getting on again tonight, don't know if I'm brave enough for a pootle around the lanes but will definitely ride somewhere, she's been in all day as the fields are being harrowed today.
Most exciting is that I HAVE A LESSON BOOKED ON TUESDAY, getting really excited about this. It's with a classical instructor and I'm highly optimistic and looking forward to it. (Also got a day off work, a whole day for me and Ziz).