Daphnelia
Well-Known Member
My pony was retired 2 months ago with what was thought to be chronic lameness, after being seen by two different vets. This lameness was thought to be the cause of his cold back, it wasnt investigated any further due to frankly a lack of funds and the fact that he was a bit of an emotional wreck of a horse anyway. His cold back had been treated by an osteopath over several months you see, and it kept returning. I have only had him since december. As he is only 9 we decided after much thought to give him the summer in a lovely field with lots of friends and then have him put to sleep. I had become resigned to this and accepted it.
However!
Today, unbeleivably, he has been trotted up totally sound, we have done two flexion tests on him and he is still sound as a bell. Its absolutely crazy, and right now I dont know what to think. He is also showing absolutely no reaction to pressure along his back, whereas 2 months ago he would dip his back dramatically when I ran my fingers along either side of the spine.
This of course isnt all an overnight change - I wanted to give him plenty of rest and lack of stress to see if there was a chance of improvement, so this is the first 'test' of soundness he has had since the vet saw him two months ago.
Now, my predicament. Of course I cannot and will not put a sound horse down. But his behaviour when ridden before he retired frightened me out of my wits
I know it was because he was in pain, but the thought of sitting on him again terrifies me. vertical rearing, fly bucking and broncing. I love this pony with all my heart, and want to do the best for him. I have a friend who would take him on to start working him and, if he stayed sound, to then sell him and give me a cut of what she sold him for. If he does not stay sound then obviously we know the answer and original plan will be put in place. How does all this sound? I am simply knocked for six that the pony i was preparing to say goodbye to may actually be ok. I would love, LOVE, to be able to ride him again, but the thought of getting on him again terrifies me.
Any thoughts, opinions, etc all appreciated.
However!
Today, unbeleivably, he has been trotted up totally sound, we have done two flexion tests on him and he is still sound as a bell. Its absolutely crazy, and right now I dont know what to think. He is also showing absolutely no reaction to pressure along his back, whereas 2 months ago he would dip his back dramatically when I ran my fingers along either side of the spine.
This of course isnt all an overnight change - I wanted to give him plenty of rest and lack of stress to see if there was a chance of improvement, so this is the first 'test' of soundness he has had since the vet saw him two months ago.
Now, my predicament. Of course I cannot and will not put a sound horse down. But his behaviour when ridden before he retired frightened me out of my wits
Any thoughts, opinions, etc all appreciated.
