Diary of a first time horse owner
- Thread starter JenJ
- Start date
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Bah - I did write a long update and the internet ate it 
In summary:
Saturday - had a lunge lesson (in the borrowed saddle), walk and trot only, he didn't put a foot wrong. I was really nervous, but managed to relax a bit when I realised that he wasn't necessarily planning to dump me. I then watched one of the teenage clients have a group lesson on him, w/t/c and he was absolutely fine.
Tuesday - I wasn't there, but the saddle fitter came back during the day and tried a couple more saddles. She confirmed that the original saddle did fit, as did the others she tried, yet he put his back up. She then went back to her shop and got another one to try, which he was ok in - lightweight, synthetic, and almost identical to the borrowed one. I then arrived in the evening for a lunge lesson, and he was being ridden in the group lesson - w/t/c/jump, and again didn't put a foot wrong.
I, on the other hand, had let the nerves build up. Although watching others on him helped me, I was well aware that I'm much heavier than those I've seen ride him, and that the extra weight may agitate him.
He was a bit put out when I got on, but I think that was more because all the other horses from the lesson were going in to dinner, yet he was having to do more work. He was quite relaxed though, and by the end I was much more relaxed about being on him, but refused to go off the lunge for fear of undoing the good work!
My confidence in/on him has grown a lot since last week. Now we have the saddle and back issues sorted (hopefully for good this time!) and he has started to realise that he's not in pain, things can start getting better. At first on Saturday I was scared to use my leg/seat/hands on him, as I was scared he would react. Of course that's exactly what should happen, but the last few times his reaction had been to dump me. But given how ploddy he was being (though to be honest, trotting on the lunge for 20 minutes can't be that motivating) I had to really push him on.
I'll got another private lesson tomorrow, and will venture off the lunge and just walk/trot around the school. Meanwhile he's going cubbing in the morning, which I'm convinced a) he'll be brilliant at, and b) will love. So I should have a happy horse to plod around on. As for the weekend, not sure yet, but I won't be hacking out alone for a while yet!
Thanks for the interest, and sorry I haven't been updating this as regularly as before. Work...
I'm taking things one ride at a time, but so far, it seems as though I'll soon get my 'perfect' horse back.
In summary:
Saturday - had a lunge lesson (in the borrowed saddle), walk and trot only, he didn't put a foot wrong. I was really nervous, but managed to relax a bit when I realised that he wasn't necessarily planning to dump me. I then watched one of the teenage clients have a group lesson on him, w/t/c and he was absolutely fine.
Tuesday - I wasn't there, but the saddle fitter came back during the day and tried a couple more saddles. She confirmed that the original saddle did fit, as did the others she tried, yet he put his back up. She then went back to her shop and got another one to try, which he was ok in - lightweight, synthetic, and almost identical to the borrowed one. I then arrived in the evening for a lunge lesson, and he was being ridden in the group lesson - w/t/c/jump, and again didn't put a foot wrong.
I, on the other hand, had let the nerves build up. Although watching others on him helped me, I was well aware that I'm much heavier than those I've seen ride him, and that the extra weight may agitate him.
He was a bit put out when I got on, but I think that was more because all the other horses from the lesson were going in to dinner, yet he was having to do more work. He was quite relaxed though, and by the end I was much more relaxed about being on him, but refused to go off the lunge for fear of undoing the good work!
My confidence in/on him has grown a lot since last week. Now we have the saddle and back issues sorted (hopefully for good this time!) and he has started to realise that he's not in pain, things can start getting better. At first on Saturday I was scared to use my leg/seat/hands on him, as I was scared he would react. Of course that's exactly what should happen, but the last few times his reaction had been to dump me. But given how ploddy he was being (though to be honest, trotting on the lunge for 20 minutes can't be that motivating) I had to really push him on.
I'll got another private lesson tomorrow, and will venture off the lunge and just walk/trot around the school. Meanwhile he's going cubbing in the morning, which I'm convinced a) he'll be brilliant at, and b) will love. So I should have a happy horse to plod around on. As for the weekend, not sure yet, but I won't be hacking out alone for a while yet!
Thanks for the interest, and sorry I haven't been updating this as regularly as before. Work...
I'm taking things one ride at a time, but so far, it seems as though I'll soon get my 'perfect' horse back.
Flame_
Well-Known Member
That's good news Jen. Its great to hear things are going in a positive direction and you have lots of help to carry on with him safely. I hope things keep improving and you get to have some fun with him soon. 
Letslip
Well-Known Member
Agree with Flame, it's great to hear that everything seems to be going in the right direction - look forward to hearing how he gets on cubbing and how you get on in your private lesson
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Well it's not gone entirely to plan, but it's nothing to do with him this time!
Sadly I am still in the office, so have had to cancel my lesson and won't even be able to pop to the yard to day hello, as it's a three hour round trip after work.
Haven't had a detailed report on the cubbing, but apparently he needs practice as he wouldn't stand still
Sadly I am still in the office, so have had to cancel my lesson and won't even be able to pop to the yard to day hello, as it's a three hour round trip after work.
Haven't had a detailed report on the cubbing, but apparently he needs practice as he wouldn't stand still
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
So pleased to see a positive update. Well done you for persevering. There's no rush so as you are doing take a ride at a time and let your confidence build in your own time. Its great you have such good back up and no pressure to keep him fit and amused all by yourself, the working livery bit is well worth it with your long work hours and the issues you are overcoming. Know I will be very much the same, its not easy to recover your confidence when you hadn't had chance to bond and have fun times together without a big upset early on. Sending lots of good supportive vibes to help you on your way to really being able to enjoy your lovely boy.
ticketyboo
Active Member
What a handsome devil he is!!! Hope you have many happy years together, its just great and always worth every penny!!! My little Tic is my 'luxury', its a struggle month by month, always need/want new stuff but we wouldnt have it any other way xxx
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Well, well, well. Things really seem to be looking up 
Hacked out on Tom at the weekend, with Jack being used as the escort horse. This meant that a) I could see how he behaved without worrying about dealing with it b)he'd get more familiar with the local routes, and c)he'd get to have fun and do some work!
He was fab. He apparently tensed up a few times, but just needed legging on. He backed off the leg a bit at first, but soon settled. We had a fast canter and then a long gallop on Esher Common, and M let him go and was impressed by the power he had. Just needs the fitness to match it now! Tom was great as usual, and restored some of my lost confidence (again).
Today I was having another private lesson on Jack, this time off the lunge. I was feeling fine, until I got on the train, then started getting increasingly nervous. By the time I got to the yard I was trying to keep it together, and faffed around trying to keep busy until the helpers lesson finished. Jack was being used, and was actually moving very nicely, possibly the best I've seen, which gave me confidence, but I was still very aware that I'm heavier than all the people I've seen ride him.
As they came out and I got ready to jump on, I saw F, who had escorted the day ride and 3 hr hack I'd done on Jack, and who had been very supportive and helpful. I hadn't seen her since I'd bought him, and when she asked how things had gone, I got a bit wibbly. When she helped me get on (he'd moved away from the mounting block) and was being so nice to me, I got even wibblier and started crying.
It was the first time I'd had to ride from the mounting block to the school (about 5 meters!) without being led on the lunge since he bronced with me, and I'd got myself so worked up. And once I started crying, I couldn't stop. Aware that I was doing Jack's tension no favours, I eventually managed to pull myself together, and realised that he was actually moving around the school quite relaxedly.
Gradually my confidence in him grew, and after about 10 minutes we tried a trot. Again, he was fine. Did some changes of rein, and circles, still fine. We then pushed his trot on down the long sides, and for the second time I got that feeling where we just clicked. I'd had it before on the 3hr hack, where I just felt completely safe on him, not in that he'd never do anything bad, but in that whatever happened we were in it together.
And for the first time since I bought him, I wasn't scared to use my leg on him. I felt like I was riding him again. I didn't just sit there mentally clinging on whilst someone else held the lunge line, nor was I waiting for him to dump me, I was just riding my horse.
Having started the lesson in tears, I finished with a beaming grin on my face. And more in love than ever.
Hacked out on Tom at the weekend, with Jack being used as the escort horse. This meant that a) I could see how he behaved without worrying about dealing with it b)he'd get more familiar with the local routes, and c)he'd get to have fun and do some work!
He was fab. He apparently tensed up a few times, but just needed legging on. He backed off the leg a bit at first, but soon settled. We had a fast canter and then a long gallop on Esher Common, and M let him go and was impressed by the power he had. Just needs the fitness to match it now! Tom was great as usual, and restored some of my lost confidence (again).
Today I was having another private lesson on Jack, this time off the lunge. I was feeling fine, until I got on the train, then started getting increasingly nervous. By the time I got to the yard I was trying to keep it together, and faffed around trying to keep busy until the helpers lesson finished. Jack was being used, and was actually moving very nicely, possibly the best I've seen, which gave me confidence, but I was still very aware that I'm heavier than all the people I've seen ride him.
As they came out and I got ready to jump on, I saw F, who had escorted the day ride and 3 hr hack I'd done on Jack, and who had been very supportive and helpful. I hadn't seen her since I'd bought him, and when she asked how things had gone, I got a bit wibbly. When she helped me get on (he'd moved away from the mounting block) and was being so nice to me, I got even wibblier and started crying.
It was the first time I'd had to ride from the mounting block to the school (about 5 meters!) without being led on the lunge since he bronced with me, and I'd got myself so worked up. And once I started crying, I couldn't stop. Aware that I was doing Jack's tension no favours, I eventually managed to pull myself together, and realised that he was actually moving around the school quite relaxedly.
Gradually my confidence in him grew, and after about 10 minutes we tried a trot. Again, he was fine. Did some changes of rein, and circles, still fine. We then pushed his trot on down the long sides, and for the second time I got that feeling where we just clicked. I'd had it before on the 3hr hack, where I just felt completely safe on him, not in that he'd never do anything bad, but in that whatever happened we were in it together.
And for the first time since I bought him, I wasn't scared to use my leg on him. I felt like I was riding him again. I didn't just sit there mentally clinging on whilst someone else held the lunge line, nor was I waiting for him to dump me, I was just riding my horse.
Having started the lesson in tears, I finished with a beaming grin on my face. And more in love than ever.
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Oh brilliant, well done JenJ. It is such a huge step forward to go from teary clinging on mess, to loving it in one go, you are a star!! So so pleased for you. I had my first ride since my fall on Monday, hacked out with a very dear old friend of mine on one of her totally sensible cobs and loved it. Leg muscles got a long way to go to strengthen up again so started off feeling very precarious but as I relaxed and the ride went on started to wrap legs around and lengthen and became more comfortable. So relieved nerve intact, even if a little shaky. Onwards and upwards girl!!
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Fabulous! Is your search back on again then, or are you going to wait until winter passes?
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Yes the search continue this weekend Yay! Should wait till winter passes if I had any sense but heh, whats life without a horse to tend to,rain or shine? Remind me I said that mid jan when we're snowed in again heh!!
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Today was another successful lesson. Having been told that he was fine today even with someone mounting him from the ground, yanking his saddle to the side in the process, I was barely feeling nervous. In fact all day I'd been almost looking forward to riding him - the first time in ages.
I was a little cautious about riding in the indoor, as I'd never ridden in there before but no 'proper' nerves about getting dumped. The lesson actually went really well. I was kind of directing myself, in that I was deciding when to change the rein and circle etc, and L was mainly there supervising, but I don't yet feel ready to ride alone yet - it was the 3 attempts to ride alone that went wrong. Although the reason for those has been resolved, I'm still a little unsure, so I'll stick with having lessons for a while longer yet.
Today was probably the best I've ridden him, and possibly the best I've ridden ever, at least this time around. I finally managed to spend the majority of the time sat up rather than tipped forwards, and I really felt like we clicked and I was actually riding him - it felt smooth, easy, and quite enjoyable.
He was trotting really well and we were doing various figure eights and circles without issue, and I knew L was going to suggest cantering. Although the 3 falls were from a trot, canter and standing, I was nervous about cantering again. I think it was the transition I was worried about, and the fact that the faster we were going, the harder I'd fall if he stopped and bucked.
Having said I would change the rein and canter on the left (his better side), when I got to the next corner I just went for it, and then brought him back to trot after all of about six strides! But I'd proved the point, and wanted to slow down whilst things had gone well. I was a bit more adventurous on the left rein and did almost a lap of the school
But short or otherwise, I'd cantered on him, which is something I'd thought would be a few more weeks away yet.
I didn't get that 'feeling' I got the other day, but didn't expect to - I've only had it twice on him (and not on any other horse) so far, and I know it's not going to be 'wow' every time I ride him. It felt damn good though...
I've got three more private lessons this weekend and evenings next week, then someone has kindly offered to babysit me on a quiet hack on him
Which, by then, may be a little faster than just walk and trot!
I was a little cautious about riding in the indoor, as I'd never ridden in there before but no 'proper' nerves about getting dumped. The lesson actually went really well. I was kind of directing myself, in that I was deciding when to change the rein and circle etc, and L was mainly there supervising, but I don't yet feel ready to ride alone yet - it was the 3 attempts to ride alone that went wrong. Although the reason for those has been resolved, I'm still a little unsure, so I'll stick with having lessons for a while longer yet.
Today was probably the best I've ridden him, and possibly the best I've ridden ever, at least this time around. I finally managed to spend the majority of the time sat up rather than tipped forwards, and I really felt like we clicked and I was actually riding him - it felt smooth, easy, and quite enjoyable.
He was trotting really well and we were doing various figure eights and circles without issue, and I knew L was going to suggest cantering. Although the 3 falls were from a trot, canter and standing, I was nervous about cantering again. I think it was the transition I was worried about, and the fact that the faster we were going, the harder I'd fall if he stopped and bucked.
Having said I would change the rein and canter on the left (his better side), when I got to the next corner I just went for it, and then brought him back to trot after all of about six strides! But I'd proved the point, and wanted to slow down whilst things had gone well. I was a bit more adventurous on the left rein and did almost a lap of the school
But short or otherwise, I'd cantered on him, which is something I'd thought would be a few more weeks away yet.
I didn't get that 'feeling' I got the other day, but didn't expect to - I've only had it twice on him (and not on any other horse) so far, and I know it's not going to be 'wow' every time I ride him. It felt damn good though...
I've got three more private lessons this weekend and evenings next week, then someone has kindly offered to babysit me on a quiet hack on him
Which, by then, may be a little faster than just walk and trot!
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JenJ
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I think when the share with Tom didn't happen, I said I was going to wait until Spring!
Then along came Jack...
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Jen you could be me talking but far more eloquently, I can so empathise with all you are saying and so can truly appreciate your great progress. I know I won't be riding alone for quite some time when I do find my new one. The main thing is you are winnning, not your nerves, you should be proud of yourself.
Letslip
Well-Known Member
WHY did this happen
??????? I would be furious, surely people at the yard know that you have had problems and that he has had bad back in the past. This is UNACCEPTABLE. Does this yard not have mounting blocks?? Although still no excuse. Gosh I am so angry!!However on plus side - sounds like you are really getting to grips with him now, well done you and here's to continued good lessons and progress
JenHunt
Well-Known Member
glad to hear you're getting on better well done!
well done!Maizy
Well-Known Member
I've just seen this post, great reading. Best of luck with your new best freind.
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Sunday
Had a lesson with C today, who's only taught me once before - the first time I rode Jack. I was looking forward to her teaching me, as she doesn't push me to do things I'm scared of particularly, but pushes me to feel more and get him working better. But as she kept saying (when I kept looking at her blankly) you can't teach 'feel'. A few times I got when he was doing something particular, but I've got a long way to go!
We were sticking to a quiet lesson, not only as I'm still taking things slowly, but also as I was feeling unwell. But it was a very useful lesson, and one that again built more confidence. We were working on his trot, and getting him listening to me, so I was keeping the same leg and hand pressure constant, but getting him to change his trot by the way I was rising. Even without a good sense of 'feel' even I could tell the difference, and knowing that I was using what I would call 'subtle' aids, and getting a reaction was a big boost.
Tuesday
I was off sick from work, and forbidden to go to the yard
Thursday
I went back to work, so was allowed to ride
Got an early train, so arrived before 7pm, only to find that the group lesson had been brought forward as only a couple of people were on it, and that L wasn't well, and only one other lesson was happening that evening, in the slot before mine. I was going to suggest we share, as I knew she'd only started lessons recently and had not done a group lesson before, and having a two person 'group' might ease her in a bit without overwhelming her. From my point of view, it would mean getting to ride Jack in company, not being so self-conscious as in a private lesson, and also knowing she was quite novicey, that I wouldn't worry about holding her back. In the event, I didn't need to suggest it as L did!
Jack was fabulous. Since the broncing incident, I've always been wary of getting on, as he's backed off my leg a bit each time. Also he often moves his quarters away from the mounting block me. I've thwarted this by mounting on the 'wrong' side, which has a fence a metre from the block, restricting movement. Win. But today, as I got on he went to move off. Great, but I made him wait until I asked him to move on, but for the first time since the issues I felt ok about using my leg on him to move into the school. He didn't back away at all, and moved off very nicely.
We walked to warm up for a few minutes, then started trotting. The other girl was behind me on Harvey, and we just kept things simple, trotting circles in file, and then individually trotting and cantering a circle from B or E. Yes, a proper canter. After last week's, 'ok, I can canter again, so can I stop now', I was back to just doing it. Was nervous just beforehand, but didn't have time to dwell. In all we did a few circles on each rein so had a fair bit of cantering.
Jack was wonderful throughout. Very responsive off my leg (most of the time at least) he was going forward nicely, listening to me, and behaving impeccably. The only bad bit of the lesson was the transitions into canter, which I know is my issue not his, but something I really feel I can now sort out. Usually, I 'worry' into canter. I think rising trot, get rhythm, oksittingtrotkickgo, and it all kind of becomes a confused jumble, which most of the time results in a canter, occasionally results in a nice transition, but generally isn't the right idea. C even mentioned it on my first lesson with her/Jack, that I needn't be in a hurry, just to take my time, sit, then give the aid to canter. Today I let myself off working on a 'nice' transition as I was still trying to beat the nerves, but I think I've got that sorted now, so I need to start asking properly.
I love that horse so much. Yes, we had issues, but there were proper reasons for them. Now we've got them sorted, he really is a perfect first horse.
And I'm hacking him out this weekend
Had a lesson with C today, who's only taught me once before - the first time I rode Jack. I was looking forward to her teaching me, as she doesn't push me to do things I'm scared of particularly, but pushes me to feel more and get him working better. But as she kept saying (when I kept looking at her blankly) you can't teach 'feel'. A few times I got when he was doing something particular, but I've got a long way to go!
We were sticking to a quiet lesson, not only as I'm still taking things slowly, but also as I was feeling unwell. But it was a very useful lesson, and one that again built more confidence. We were working on his trot, and getting him listening to me, so I was keeping the same leg and hand pressure constant, but getting him to change his trot by the way I was rising. Even without a good sense of 'feel' even I could tell the difference, and knowing that I was using what I would call 'subtle' aids, and getting a reaction was a big boost.
Tuesday
I was off sick from work, and forbidden to go to the yard
Thursday
I went back to work, so was allowed to ride
Got an early train, so arrived before 7pm, only to find that the group lesson had been brought forward as only a couple of people were on it, and that L wasn't well, and only one other lesson was happening that evening, in the slot before mine. I was going to suggest we share, as I knew she'd only started lessons recently and had not done a group lesson before, and having a two person 'group' might ease her in a bit without overwhelming her. From my point of view, it would mean getting to ride Jack in company, not being so self-conscious as in a private lesson, and also knowing she was quite novicey, that I wouldn't worry about holding her back. In the event, I didn't need to suggest it as L did!
Jack was fabulous. Since the broncing incident, I've always been wary of getting on, as he's backed off my leg a bit each time. Also he often moves his quarters away from the mounting block me. I've thwarted this by mounting on the 'wrong' side, which has a fence a metre from the block, restricting movement. Win. But today, as I got on he went to move off. Great, but I made him wait until I asked him to move on, but for the first time since the issues I felt ok about using my leg on him to move into the school. He didn't back away at all, and moved off very nicely.
We walked to warm up for a few minutes, then started trotting. The other girl was behind me on Harvey, and we just kept things simple, trotting circles in file, and then individually trotting and cantering a circle from B or E. Yes, a proper canter. After last week's, 'ok, I can canter again, so can I stop now', I was back to just doing it. Was nervous just beforehand, but didn't have time to dwell. In all we did a few circles on each rein so had a fair bit of cantering.
Jack was wonderful throughout. Very responsive off my leg (most of the time at least) he was going forward nicely, listening to me, and behaving impeccably. The only bad bit of the lesson was the transitions into canter, which I know is my issue not his, but something I really feel I can now sort out. Usually, I 'worry' into canter. I think rising trot, get rhythm, oksittingtrotkickgo, and it all kind of becomes a confused jumble, which most of the time results in a canter, occasionally results in a nice transition, but generally isn't the right idea. C even mentioned it on my first lesson with her/Jack, that I needn't be in a hurry, just to take my time, sit, then give the aid to canter. Today I let myself off working on a 'nice' transition as I was still trying to beat the nerves, but I think I've got that sorted now, so I need to start asking properly.
I love that horse so much. Yes, we had issues, but there were proper reasons for them. Now we've got them sorted, he really is a perfect first horse.
And I'm hacking him out this weekend
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JenJ
Well-Known Member
Well having got back on track, things were due to go wrong, and bang on schedule, Jack is currently on his way to Liphook having been kicked this afternoon.
JenHunt
Well-Known Member
oh no! I hope its not too serious!
Letslip
Well-Known Member
Oh I hope he is ok fingers crossed for you
natalia
Well-Known Member
GET WELL SOON JACK!
xo
xo
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Oh goodness Jen what a shame, so sorry to read this, do hope its nothing too serious, sending lots of good vibes, udpdate soon as you can pleaseee
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Phew, just spoken to the vet and the team from the yard that took him to Liphook.
Both back legs were kicked, but he had a nasty wound on his hock. Report as follows - (I think this is what I was told anyway) - he's burst the subcutaneous bursa, which is much better than if he'd done either of the two bursa under the tendon. Xrays are clean. They've flushed out the wound, and have dressed it for tonight and will flush again in the morning. He's on anti-biotics, and they will keep a close eye on him for the next couple of days. If the infection gets worse, they may have to give him a general anaesthetic and clean it out, but if it clears then he may be home Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.
I'm going up to see him in the morning, but apparently he's fine - as chilled as ever! So I'm much relieved and happy that it looks like it'll all be fine.
The bad news for me is that I didn't insure him, and I still haven't paid off the credit card from buying him...
Both back legs were kicked, but he had a nasty wound on his hock. Report as follows - (I think this is what I was told anyway) - he's burst the subcutaneous bursa, which is much better than if he'd done either of the two bursa under the tendon. Xrays are clean. They've flushed out the wound, and have dressed it for tonight and will flush again in the morning. He's on anti-biotics, and they will keep a close eye on him for the next couple of days. If the infection gets worse, they may have to give him a general anaesthetic and clean it out, but if it clears then he may be home Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.
I'm going up to see him in the morning, but apparently he's fine - as chilled as ever! So I'm much relieved and happy that it looks like it'll all be fine.
The bad news for me is that I didn't insure him, and I still haven't paid off the credit card from buying him...
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Oh dear, glad things seem positive for the wounds but ouch re the lack of insurance!! Fingers crossed for a very speedy recovery and less vets fees
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Well I've seen him twice over the weekend - OH dropped me off there yesterday morning, and then I got the train (2 1/2 hrs each way!) there today. He seems fine, if a little quiet, but then he's in a strange place, with strange people, and on drugs, so he's hardly going to be as perky as normal.
They're very happy with his progress, so hopefully no surgery will be needed, and he'll come home after the 5 days of anti-biotics. The wound is currently dressed, but in a couple of days they're hoping to put a sleeve cast on which should speed healing. He'll then be on box rest when he comes home, but it should be a matter of weeks rather than months.
As visiting hours are working hours, I won't see him now until he comes back to the yard, hopefully on Wednesday. Although I don't think I achieved much by being there, I got upset when I left him, and hate the thought of now not seeing him for a few days
They're very happy with his progress, so hopefully no surgery will be needed, and he'll come home after the 5 days of anti-biotics. The wound is currently dressed, but in a couple of days they're hoping to put a sleeve cast on which should speed healing. He'll then be on box rest when he comes home, but it should be a matter of weeks rather than months.
As visiting hours are working hours, I won't see him now until he comes back to the yard, hopefully on Wednesday. Although I don't think I achieved much by being there, I got upset when I left him, and hate the thought of now not seeing him for a few days
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
So glad all is looking up for him coming home soon, but so sorry this happened. On the bright side you will have lots of opportunity to strenghen your bond with him whilst he's on box rest and then when he's coming back into work and fittening again it will be like a fresh start for you both. Lots of good vibes coming your way and a hug for you, chin up! It's been a rough trot for you during what should have been a great fun time, new year around the corner now - gotta be better!
JenJ
Well-Known Member
Bah. He's not coming home soon. They put a cast on him today, as it'll help the wound heal quicker - it's right on his hock, and every time he flexes his leg, it'll re-open any healed bits, so by immobilising it hopefully it'll heal well. But as it's difficult to manage a horse with a cast on, he's staying at Liphook until it's off in 2 weeks. He'll probably have another one on after that but it won't be so difficult, so should be able to come home.
I don't even care about the cost now, I just want to be with him, and I'm only going to be able to see him at weekends for the next two weeks. Not even any time to bond, although I guess he'll be on box rest once he's home for a good while yet.
I don't even care about the cost now, I just want to be with him, and I'm only going to be able to see him at weekends for the next two weeks. Not even any time to bond, although I guess he'll be on box rest once he's home for a good while yet.
Pebbles
Well-Known Member
Oh no thats bad news, if i can help you with lifts too and from liphook am about sunday and v local if it helps at all? PM me if so
jojo5
Well-Known Member
Hi Jenj just wondering how things are going with Jack? Hope he is recovering from the kicks?