Lesson dilemma - should I go?

[sfward]

I've got the chance to have a dressage lesson with a Grade I listed dressage judge this weekend, I've been to him before with a different horse and he's really good. Only problems are that a) Missie saw the chiropractor on Tuesday and is only allowed to do light schooling for a few days, and b) she pulled a front shoe off yesterday and I can't get the blacksmith out until Tuesday

.

So my dilemma is do I go to the lesson? It would be 45 mins on a nice all-weather surface, and she is not footsore at all, I've ridden her with a shoe missing before when I couldn't get the blacksmith out and you wouldn't know any different. The chiropractor says that a lesson would be ok as long as I don't work her too hard ie lots of small circles or too much collection. In fact he thinks getting some professional advice on training and exercises to assist with the work he's been doing would be a good idea. I hacked her today and she felt absolutely normal, not sore at all as far as I can tell.

It's not the best timing I know but I could really do with a good flatwork lesson and this guy only comes up about 4 times a year.

help! what would you do??

 

[AmyMay]

Personally I wouldn't. No. 1 because she has had treatment on her back, and no 2 because she is minus a shoe.

 

[Moggy]

I would if it's on a surface and horse is happy. Just make sure you tell trainer to avoid lots of collection, etc.

 

[pottamus]

Well I have been having physio and accupuncture on my back for 3 months and know what it feels like afterwards for a few days. So I would not be going as I would not want to risk un doing the good work the chrio has done...it does not take much to tweak things again on weak areas!
If he is a Grade 1 listed judge I would think it would be a bit limiting for him giving you the lesson as well as stressful for you wondering whether you are doing too much. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

 

[browbrow]

IMO - it would be a waste of time - go the next time he is up -what about the YRC - thats near you - I have had lessons off chris bartle before and he is excellent

 

[sfward]

Yes I'm going up to YRC for a 3 day course soon actually, really looking forward to it.
I think I might go on Saturday and just work on her general way of going, all the chiro said was just not to do any small circles or collection (which we don't really do anyway at the mo lol!) I think it would still be useful to get his opinion on various issues I have with her plus my own position/riding, and we wouldn't need to do any very strenous/technical in order to do that.
I think on balance I would rather go and get what I can out of it than pass up the opportunity completely.
I might take her other front shoe off too tho so at least she's level in front...

 

[crabbymare]

Well if the horse is happy without a shoe on a surface and the chiropractor who treated her thinks its ok to go then just tell the instructor about it and they will still give you plenty to work on without doing small circles and collection.

 

[AmyMay]

I had a lesson on Sunday with a listed judge. 40 mins without stirrups! Owe, owe, owe.

 

[sfward]

oh my lord that sounds painful!!!! I've been to him before and I don't think he'll do that to me - I sincerely hope not anyway!

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
I've been to him before and I don't think he'll do that to me - I sincerely hope not anyway!

[/ QUOTE ]
I hope not too - especially if your horse has just had treatment on her back

 

[Tempi]

I wouldnt go, shes just had treatment on her back - any lesson will be hard work regardless of whether you do small circles or not.

Secondly shes without a shoe, which altho she isnt footsore at the moment tuesday is a long way to go until she can have it put back on.

 

[sfward]

Yes I know, not good idea. I'll go steady with her but i think she'll be fine. she was fresh as a daisy out hacking yesterday, doesn't appear to be in any discomfort

 

[n1ck]

Course you should! Just tell the trainer you havent got a shoe and that you've seen the back person, and he will adjust the lesson accordingly! Also Tuesday to the weekend is more than the few days that the chiropractor told you to rest her for. Also just for the record, if the chiropractor ever tells you your horses pelvis is "out", just remember, to move the pelvis with all the muscle that surrounds it you would need to hit the horse with a tractor moving at about 30mph!!

 

[sfward]

pmsl! we've got a tractor on the farm as well, could have saved myself the chiro money...

!!

 

[happihorse]

I would got for the lesson, but tell the trainer about the chiropractor before you start. It will be 4/5 days after the treatment and so long as the trainer is aware of the situation he shouldn't over work your horse.