“Fairly optimistic “

[doodle]

This is what the vet said about Robin coming back into some work. I had emailed and asked him if it would be better for Robin if we simply made the decision to not ride again. I would be sad about that but his welfare is priority. He said there was a “good chance he’ll be able to hack and do some lower level competition stuff”.

This is good isn’t it? I feel I am clinging on to reality by my finger tips. He has been out the last 2 days and not come in crippled but I haven’t looked too closely. He trotted a few strides in field and he looked ok but I realise loose and a bit excited in the field isn’t a terribly good gauge. There is still some swelling in the top joints but I think a little reduced. But I think that points to needing top joints medicated too.

I think we will be able to tell a whole lot more when I can ride him. That will be in a weeks time. I plan to get on and go for a tiny walk on a hack rather than the school. Plan is then (if he dosnt dump me) to do short walk hacks for a week and then the vet will come back and we will take it from there.

I think I gave the vet a way out and a chance to say no he won’t be ridden and he didn’t say that.

This is positive?

 

[Roxylola]

Yes, I think that's pretty positive. Vets are generally quite circumspect in my experience and tend to try and manage expectations so I'd say that's good

 

[ycbm]

Yup, positive. Most vets err on the side of caution.

 

[Sail_away]

I think that sounds very positive. And I do think you’re doing the right thing if you do keep riding - my horse has had early hock arthritis diagnosed and medicated a couple weeks ago and both vet and physio have been emphatic that work is best. From what I understand the goal is to keep the joint supported by correct work which builds the hind end muscles.

 

[doodle]

I think that sounds very positive. And I do think you’re doing the right thing if you do keep riding - my horse has had early hock arthritis diagnosed and medicated a couple weeks ago and both vet and physio have been emphatic that work is best. From what I understand the goal is to keep the joint supported by correct work which builds the hind end muscles.

It’s not mild though. “Very significant changes” and when I asked if it was “bad” he said yes it was. The vet was not expecting the changes to be so much.

 

[oldie48]

I think that's very positive and you should remain optimistic. I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you. Good luck.

 

[MuddyMonster]

I think there's every reason to stay positive - especially as you asked them outright about retirement.

Fingers crossed for you both. X

 

[Sail_away]

It’s not mild though. “Very significant changes” and when I asked if it was “bad” he said yes it was. The vet was not expecting the changes to be so much.

I’m not equating my horse’s situation to yours - more that my vet and physio supported work for arthritic joints in general if possible

 

[doodle]

Thanks ?

 

[Winters100]

Good to hear. My vet is always very cautious, so if yours is the same I think you can be very optimistic. Good luck!

 

[planete]

It does sound very hopeful. By contrast, when I asked my vet whether I should retire my horse and buy another one she just said: "Buy another one". Good luck.

 

[SEL]

I have 3 walking vet bills so have heard it all from 'should never be ridden again' to 'usually a good outcome'.

Low level hacking is the prognosis for mine with bad hocks, suspensory and navicular (for starters..) so I think your vet is being realistic. Even my totally retired one benefits from being led out in hand a few times a week. Robin will guide you though and you'll know if it's too much