back in the saddle after op and 8 weeks off - wwyd?

[linperrie]

My mare has just had 8 weeks off after having an op to remove a thickened bone in her head that has caused facial paralysis. The surgeon who has seen this before told me to wait for the wound to heal then treat her like normal again, just being careful to take it slow early on as her paralysis might cause some issues with the bridle. So the wound has now healed and the last 3 week I have walked her in hand and last week been lunging her with bridle on for 10mins. In all this time she has had normal turnout bar the first week after op where she was just in tiny paddock. So I am now ready to get back on. I will take it slow but comments from others on yard have indicated I need to spend weeks and weeks walking? But as she has not been on box rest and has no problem with her legs I don't agree. I was thinking a few days walking starting with 10mins, bring in a little trot after a few days and increase time ridden bit by bit over coming weeks. Obviously ill assess how she is in herself with the bridle, but I control most stuff from my seat anyway so not expecting many issues. What would you guys do to bring her back into work?

 

[nix123]

i would just see how she goes. I mean your not going to be taking her competing untill you've had the all clear from the vet. So i'd start with an aim of 20 mins in school, see how she is after 10 mins. If she was fit before hand i shouldnt imagine she'd be puffing but just keep an eye on her. If your allowed to hack i'd take her hacking, she doesnt have to work as hard but you'll be getting her fit in a fun way. As for other people just tell them you have it sorted. Otherwise you could always give your vet a quick ring and ask his advice for how long to school for.

 

[linperrie]

Hi yes, thanks. My thoughts exactly. I will be taking it easy and can hack out, shoes permitting as she only has fronts on at the mo. She was pretty fit before, just needs building up again and easy to tell when tired so I won't overdo it by accident. I just thought weeks and weeks of walking seemed a bit daft if I feel she can do more? Thanks

 

[paulineh]

If she was fairly fit before hand she will not have lost any fitness. My Endurance horses often get a couple of weeks off and compete. One of mine did a 80k two weeks ago and then did another 80k last weekend. Completing both very well.

I would say do a couple of weeks walking ,keeping the horse on the bit. After that introduce some trotting for a week then back to full work. It was nothing wrong that would have affected any fitness so she can get back to work quickly.

 

[Costypop]

I think you sound sensible and is pretty much what I would do. Just a thought if you do have issues with the bridle you could use one of those micklem ones or get one made to measure, maybe adding in some extra padding if its an area that can't be avoided. Good luck!