Qu about changing yards and kissing spine rehab

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A Musing

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Not quite sure where to post this, so opted for TR. Will try and keep this short so sorry if I miss some key info.!

Would you change yards for the sake of an indoor school (to keep up exercise programme especially over winter) and your preferred instructor being on site to help horse's rehab for kissing spines?

Horse recently diagnosed, just had steriods. On an intensive exercise programme now which I can manage ok, but - if that works :( - needs ongoing work to make sure she works properly, builds up topline etc.

Love my current yard, brilliant in so many ways, but worried I won't keep on top of rehab. If I move, I can work closely with my instructor and am more confident of success than if I stay. Off site instructors not allowed where I'm at, not likely to change any time soon, on site people are nice but don't rate them as highly for exercise/training.

Think it's better to make the move early, before I realise rehab isn't work. Otherwise, I may set back her progress and need more treatment/surgery. Feels a bit risky to just wait to see if I can't manage it, if that makes sense? But leaving my yard makes me feel really sad, and I have good friends who can help me, although not the same as having intensive rehab via an instructor.

New yard seems fine in all other ways. More like a DIY yard (I'm used to full livery) but think horse care etc will be fine, and instructor, who've I've known for years, will look after her well.
 
Difficult choice but I would be reluctant to move from a yard you are so happy & settled in without knowing you will feel the same about the new place. My mare has recently been diagnosed with arthritis and secondary back problems. KS not completely ruled out yet. I've just started working her in an EquiAmi and although its very early days I can already see improvements in the way she's working and carrying herself. Maybe something like this would help you to stay put? It's very, very gentle but effective.
 
Thank you THP ! Not sure if I'm being a wuss about the rehab and I can cope with friends to help me, versus whether I am putting myself before her just because I like the yard so much.

I have a pessoa and had a lesson from friend over the weekend on how to use it. Bit concerned about lack of indoor school and my crappy riding. Last winter we had weeks when it couldn't be used due to snow/rain, although we do have a walker. No rush but, if the indoor is important, I'd like her settled over the summer ideally. No easy answer to this one.
 
May I recommend this book about correct movement and straightness. It is amazing how some seemingly tiny adjustments to a horse's balance and straightness can have a profound effect. I am using a trainer who is very experienced in straightness and rehab for my WB who has chronic sacro illiac dysfunction and the results are extremely good.

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Correct-Movement-Horses-Klaus-Schneich/9781905693146
 
YaC - thanks, as long as it isn't gobbledegook I'd be very interested! I find some horsey teaching incomprehensible at times, so always on the look out for plain English understandable guidance :)

It seems to be unavailable and the one (same book?) entitled Straightening the Crooked Horse isn't yet on release.

I would def like some help in making sure I am working her properly on the pessoa and when I'm riding, so the inability to use the instructor I'd like to is part of why I am thinking of moving yards :o

Suppose life would be boring if things were easy...!
 
A Musing said:
YaC - thanks, as long as it isn't gobbledegook I'd be very interested! I find some horsey teaching incomprehensible at times, so always on the look out for plain English understandable guidance :)

It seems to be unavailable and the one (same book?) entitled Straightening the Crooked Horse isn't yet on release.

I would def like some help in making sure I am working her properly on the pessoa and when I'm riding, so the inability to use the instructor I'd like to is part of why I am thinking of moving yards :o

Suppose life would be boring if things were easy...!
Click to expand...

It is a good book - it makes sense. But meanwhile you may be interested in these links my trainer sent me:

Interesting stuff from Dr Kerry Ridgeway:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW1jmME7kVw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COk2ntaGzXg

Marijke de Jong: Good visuals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuu6NehUxJY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I46lNbZGRmc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0iHaPVEjhQ
 
The EquiAmi isn't the same as the Pessoa. I'm not qualified to properly explain the difference but there is a considerable difference which is available from the makers of EquiAmi in detail if you are interested. From my research the EquiAmi was the aid which I thought was the most suitable for my mare's rehab given my limited knowledge of working horses to best effect in a rehab situation and something which I could use myself relatively easily without getting it wrong. Both her physio and vet are impressed with her progress so far. They also have besides the lunge aid a riding aid which works on the same continuous loop system. The horse cannot lean on the EquiAmi.

Y&C thank you for posting the links - will be looking into them with interest.
 
I would take a close look at why you arent on that yard already

Look for the pros and cons overall

No good having an indoor school if the turnout in the winter is rubbish and your horse doesnt get all the moving around it needs because its stood in for 22 hours out of 24 for example

Sounds obvious but there must be a reason why you arent there already if you've known the instructor years and think his/her care is excellent
 
Would it be possible to ask your present yard to make an exception for the instructor you want to come and work with you for this particular condition and rehabilitation? Depending on how approachable your YO/YM are you may be pleasantly surprised and solves all the problems I think? They may not want the hassle of losing you as a livery either.
 
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