Laminitis- returning to work

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BlackVelvet

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My horse was diagnosed with laminitis & EMS in June. He had xrays (showed no rotation or sinking) and was put on full boxrest for 4 months.
Hes now been sound for two months and has his shoes back on. The farrier is more than happy with his feet, and his xrays show no rotation or sinking.
He is getting turn out for an hour a day, and going on the walker aswell after. I am allowed to start riding him again and have just been walking around the school for 20 mins a few nights a week.

Would you say this is fair? He has to start getting fit and loosing weight due to his EMS but i dont want to push him too far obviously.
 
I think you are taking it nice and slowly and steadily and certainly arent going too fast. I am in a very similar position with my pony and have started some ridden work.

With no rotation or sinking and a good diet plan (helped by the winter) and appropriate trimming to promote better hoof growth/shape, theres no reason why you should go on to have a full blown laminitic.

I do think that if at all possible there ought to be more turnout tho, esp as this is the one time of the year for the next few months that you will actually be able to turn out without so much of a lami risk (as long as you avoid the frosty grass). We are in NE Scotland and weather can restrict turnout (like 80mph winds and 4 foot snow) but the horses are turned out even in that for a lot longer than yours are getting.
 
Thank you for your advice,

Hes going really well & i have had a good weekend with him, hes been back out on the roads for the first time. Hes a sensible forward going boy anyway so was happy that he would behave enough. His main passion is exploring the country side so its nice to have him out again! Whats the best way to get him fit again? Roads or school? Surely being out and about is better?

As for the turn out, I am hoping to increase this, but he tends to get upset when out in winter (he doesnt like the cold much, and plus hes in a starvation paddock)
 
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