Marchtime
Well-Known Member
Jesper is a 9yr old TB x show hunter pony. He was diagnosed with chronic wear to the medial collateral ligament and associated joint problems autumn of last year following an MRI. He had already been turned away for a period of time due to intermittent lameness, originally diagnosed as arthritis. As a result my vet advised joint injections, shock wave and a further period of rest followed by slow rehab starting in February. We did six weeks of walk work on board, building up slowly. Vet came back out, gave all clear to start trot work beginning of March.
Finally started trot work four weeks ago but he is having major behavioural issues. Everytime you begin to trot he rears, bucks, spins, bolts - not like him. Had the vet back out and nerve blocked etc, but he behaved the same when nerve blocked. Had physio, dentist and saddler out, all fine. Vet is adament the problem is psychological. I agree as if you succeed in getting him to trot he is sound.
Problem is how do I convince horsey it is not going to hurt? No lunging allowed (partly due to injury, partly due to dangerousness). I'm at my wits end. Currently we've managed some trot work with serious help from my instructor but my confidence is shot to pieces and I can't help but feel sorry for the horse.
Do I give up? He'll only ever be ok to hack (despite being a promising dressage horse) but he's clearly not safe to do so at the mo. It's clear to me poor horse remembers all the pain and is certain it will hurt. Any advise welcome.
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Finally started trot work four weeks ago but he is having major behavioural issues. Everytime you begin to trot he rears, bucks, spins, bolts - not like him. Had the vet back out and nerve blocked etc, but he behaved the same when nerve blocked. Had physio, dentist and saddler out, all fine. Vet is adament the problem is psychological. I agree as if you succeed in getting him to trot he is sound.
Problem is how do I convince horsey it is not going to hurt? No lunging allowed (partly due to injury, partly due to dangerousness). I'm at my wits end. Currently we've managed some trot work with serious help from my instructor but my confidence is shot to pieces and I can't help but feel sorry for the horse.
Do I give up? He'll only ever be ok to hack (despite being a promising dressage horse) but he's clearly not safe to do so at the mo. It's clear to me poor horse remembers all the pain and is certain it will hurt. Any advise welcome.
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