After 16 very long weeks of box rest, I am thrilled to report that Ben has finally shown some signs of improvement. His right stifle is still slightly swollen and warm which indicates that healing is still going on, but the swelling is much reduced and he has improved from being 4/10th lame to 2/10th lame (with the odd 3/10th step) on this leg. Significantly, his right fore lameness has disappeared completely and his back is nice and loose. He is bright and happy in himself, and the vet and surgeon have agreed that very light and controlled movement can be introduced.
So the plan is as follows. For one week he can walk out in-hand for 10 minutes per day, the next week 20 minutes per day and the following week 30 minutes per day. If that goes well I can RIDE him for 30 minutes per day in walk for 3 weeks. He will then be reassessed.
Still no turnout and it is unlikely that he will be turned out until he is about to walk, trot and canter under saddle. It would only take one mad moment to completely rip the scar tissue that has been formed and after all we have been through I am not willing to take that risk. So fingers crossed that he copes with the exercise and behaves himself! He had a little buck during the trot up and I need to make sure that he keeps nice and calm during his rehab. He is generally very calm anyway but after such a long time stuck in his stable I can't blame him if he finds the outside world a little exciting. I am ultra nervous about riding him, but I will ask a friend to stick me on the lunge line and keep a tight hold - just in case!!
So the plan is as follows. For one week he can walk out in-hand for 10 minutes per day, the next week 20 minutes per day and the following week 30 minutes per day. If that goes well I can RIDE him for 30 minutes per day in walk for 3 weeks. He will then be reassessed.
Still no turnout and it is unlikely that he will be turned out until he is about to walk, trot and canter under saddle. It would only take one mad moment to completely rip the scar tissue that has been formed and after all we have been through I am not willing to take that risk. So fingers crossed that he copes with the exercise and behaves himself! He had a little buck during the trot up and I need to make sure that he keeps nice and calm during his rehab. He is generally very calm anyway but after such a long time stuck in his stable I can't blame him if he finds the outside world a little exciting. I am ultra nervous about riding him, but I will ask a friend to stick me on the lunge line and keep a tight hold - just in case!!