Paula18
Well-Known Member
I've had my 22 year old sec d for 7 years, twice in that time its been suggested that he be pts. The first time being 5 years ago when he had a tendon injury and his arthritis was severe. he made a miraculous recovery and went on to do light showing and prelim dressage.
In June after having 3 weeks bad weeks with his arthritis in his knee he came down with lammi. The vet told me that he was seeing too many of these horses 'the wrong side of 20' and suggested that i 'put it down and get another.' Needless to say he did not continue to treat my horse.
Dont get me wrong, if it was time i would without a doubt put my boy first however the vet that did treat the lammi said that she looked at the horse as well as the xray and for that reason thought it was worth a shot as he was so well in himself.
After 2 weeks he was out in the sand paddock, in the lammi paddock after 5 with 0/10 lameness. I started working him after 9 weeks very very lightly but was so nervous about him going lame, being stiff etc.
He then got copd a couple of weeks later as a result of being in with the lammi so in all has been off for the best part of 4 months. He's bright eyed, drags me round the yard, to & from the field etc and although i considered retirement i know he's not ready. he's always loved his job.
I couldnt be happier that he's back on the mend and although he's a little stiff he's been back in work a week and danced and jogged home with his tail in the air this afternoon.
My only problem is i am getting a massive attack of nerves every time i ride him. I want nothing more than to be back in the saddle but i keep worrying that something is going to happen to him when i ride him ie trip & fall over, go lame again etc etc. I've been riding a cob i have on loan whilst he's been off so its not that i've been out of it for too long i just get mega para where he's concerned. I know i'm being totally pathetic and need to get a grip but i love my boy more than anything and dread anything else happening to him after such a tough couple of months. Has anyone else been like this or is it just me and if so how do i pull myself together??!! Please dont be too harsh on me i know i am being ridiculous but cant help it!!!
In June after having 3 weeks bad weeks with his arthritis in his knee he came down with lammi. The vet told me that he was seeing too many of these horses 'the wrong side of 20' and suggested that i 'put it down and get another.' Needless to say he did not continue to treat my horse.
Dont get me wrong, if it was time i would without a doubt put my boy first however the vet that did treat the lammi said that she looked at the horse as well as the xray and for that reason thought it was worth a shot as he was so well in himself.
After 2 weeks he was out in the sand paddock, in the lammi paddock after 5 with 0/10 lameness. I started working him after 9 weeks very very lightly but was so nervous about him going lame, being stiff etc.
He then got copd a couple of weeks later as a result of being in with the lammi so in all has been off for the best part of 4 months. He's bright eyed, drags me round the yard, to & from the field etc and although i considered retirement i know he's not ready. he's always loved his job.
I couldnt be happier that he's back on the mend and although he's a little stiff he's been back in work a week and danced and jogged home with his tail in the air this afternoon.
My only problem is i am getting a massive attack of nerves every time i ride him. I want nothing more than to be back in the saddle but i keep worrying that something is going to happen to him when i ride him ie trip & fall over, go lame again etc etc. I've been riding a cob i have on loan whilst he's been off so its not that i've been out of it for too long i just get mega para where he's concerned. I know i'm being totally pathetic and need to get a grip but i love my boy more than anything and dread anything else happening to him after such a tough couple of months. Has anyone else been like this or is it just me and if so how do i pull myself together??!! Please dont be too harsh on me i know i am being ridiculous but cant help it!!!