Need Inspiration for Retraining TB...

[BeachBreaker]

Ok so...fictional scenario for a university assignment. A 10 yo, TB, gelding has previously raced but his career ended when he had a fall. He then had two years rest and has been hacking out for the past year. The owner's daughter now wants to take him eventing but since schooling him he has been deemed as 'not right' by an instructor, is unlevel of turns and just generally stiff. It is implied that his conformation is good but no info is given regarding previous injuries, the competence of the rider etc. The vet has seen him but made no clinical diagnosis and has not referred him for any further treatment. I have to devise a rehabilitation program for him and so far have covered conformation, musculoskeletal damage potentially resulting from a fall, shoeing, tack and nutrition. I'm now moving on to therapies and rehab techniques but also how he could be worked e.g. passoa to improve his way of going. The whole thing is extremely vague and ridiculous and I ensure you that on several occasions I have pointed out the fact that no further treatment should be carried out without the approval of the vet. But...has anyone had any experience with similar horses or have any ideas of techniques that would be of use? Literally anything to get the creative juices flowing would be a great help. Thanks in advance!

 

[Holly Hocks]

Substitute the word "gelding" for "mare" and you've got my horse! Although I wouldn't give up at the vet not making a diagnosis - I made sure I got mine investigated further at hospital. If you don't know what you're trying to treat, then how can you have a rehab program?

 

[BeachBreaker]

Substitute the word "gelding" for "mare" and you've got my horse! Although I wouldn't give up at the vet not making a diagnosis - I made sure I got mine investigated further at hospital. If you don't know what you're trying to treat, then how can you have a rehab program?

Basically we just have to interpret the minimal info given to us and suggest a program! Totally ridiculous I know. Definitely the most vague assignment which I have been given and I'm in my final year, you would think they would push the boat out a bit more by now!!! Do you mind me asking if your mare was diagnosed with anything? Did you use any specific training aids or any therapies, even just the physio to help her?

 

[Holly Hocks]

Basically we just have to interpret the minimal info given to us and suggest a program! Totally ridiculous I know. Definitely the most vague assignment which I have been given and I'm in my final year, you would think they would push the boat out a bit more by now!!! Do you mind me asking if your mare was diagnosed with anything? Did you use any specific training aids or any therapies, even just the physio to help her?

She was diagnosed via scintigraphy and other stuff at Glasgow vet school with navicular, bilateral spavin, arthritis in one fetlock and PSLD in one hind limb. She was just "not right" -basically because she was lame on three legs. She had six months off work - mixture of a bit of turnout to keep her sane, and box rest. I got a physio and started long-reining her in straight lines on the roads for five weeks before getting on her two weeks ago - she will now do a mixture of long-reining on the road and ridden hacking in walk for about a further five months. It's not known what the long-term prognosis is for her, as the vets said that she would never be rideable again. The physio also found a shoulder injury - believed to be a fall in racing as she has muscle wastage on one side and did some work on her and I had stretches to do with her every day. I also took her shoes off and she does her roadwork in hoof boots on her front feet as I didn't want to use corrective shoeing on her as I have seen a few navicular horses damaged long-term when the corrective shoeing stops working. She is happy in the hoof boots.

 

[BeachBreaker]

She was diagnosed via scintigraphy and other stuff at Glasgow vet school with navicular, bilateral spavin, arthritis in one fetlock and PSLD in one hind limb. She was just "not right" -basically because she was lame on three legs. She had six months off work - mixture of a bit of turnout to keep her sane, and box rest. I got a physio and started long-reining her in straight lines on the roads for five weeks before getting on her two weeks ago - she will now do a mixture of long-reining on the road and ridden hacking in walk for about a further five months. It's not known what the long-term prognosis is for her, as the vets said that she would never be rideable again. The physio also found a shoulder injury - believed to be a fall in racing as she has muscle wastage on one side and did some work on her and I had stretches to do with her every day. I also took her shoes off and she does her roadwork in hoof boots on her front feet as I didn't want to use corrective shoeing on her as I have seen a few navicular horses damaged long-term when the corrective shoeing stops working. She is happy in the hoof boots.

Thank you...that's extremely helpful. I'm sorry to hear about your mare but it seems as though you are doing the right thing in taking your time about bringing her back. It's nice to hear a story where the horse in question isn't being rushed. I really hope she comes good for you, it's always amazing when an animal proves the vet wrong!