Naughty Ned! (after injury)!

[cob1]

In the summer my ned was diagnosed with a sprain of his supraspinous ligament in his back. He went to a physio's yard for 5 weeks to be treated and came back to me in October. I put him on full livery with exercise, for the yard to bring him back into work. They are doing a fabulous job.

When he first was ridden for about 3/4 weeks he was a little star, but has now started being a bit of a pain. It doesnt help he is only allowed to hack for a certain time, so cant get far up the lane and we have to turn him around. He has started napping at certain places, and did a rear yesterday.

Ive got the vet out today - he is going to check later just to make sure no pain etc.

People have said he will be going through a 'silly' phase, especially now he is fitter and (hopefully) got no pain. He is only 7 and can be handful anyway.

What does people think - do you think he is just napping out of boredom - just once we got past onto the lane he hadnt been before he was good. (Although he did nap on the way home near the yard)??

 

[Booboos]

It's always good to get the vet to check there is no pain, but I would say that it's quite normal for horses coming back into work to be a bit silly/nappy.

They usually return to normal once they have a full workload and daily turnout, but that can take a while with some injuries. If you are struggling it may be an idea to ask the vet for some ACP or chat to him about the possibility of limited turnout.

 

[cob1]

No excuses there Booboos - he has had daily turnout the whole time!

He isnt the easiest horse so i will see what the vet has to say!

What a nightmare!

 

[Booboos]

Oh dear! Hang in there! Some lively horses find it difficult to adjust to lower levels of work (can really sympathise as I went through 9 months box rest and rehab with a very lively competition horse!).

Is he still being ridden by a professional or are you coping on your own?

 

[cob1]

They ride through week - hacks or horsewalker him! They have told me how to ride him, which works completely but i like a plod rather than a constant fight, because he does do what you want once he has had his tantrum.

I hack weekends, i can cope, but its not really enjoyable! I prefer schooling anyway, which he isnt allowed to do at the mo.

I dont mind him napping as such, much prefer that than him tanking off, but still not good!

 

[Booboos]

Can't be much fun, but it sounds like you are coping. All I can say is hang in there and work him through it, he should return to his usual self once he is back into regular work.