Returning to work from imjury.

[153]

Hi, I've a pony that got a mild suspensory ligament strain.
Was advised by vet 3 weeks box rest, and then start hacking.
Pony is the sporty type and I'm not worried about putting my child on her after 3 week rest, as this last few days she has become a bit more reactive in the stable, just full of energy.
I'm been hand walking her and she fine around the yard but buzzy when out in a more open space. Have a small turn out arena but concerned that she needs hacked first before in sand or circle work. Plan to re-scan after a few weeks hacking.

 

[Amy May In A Manger]

Can you just walk her out in hand yourself? No jockey required then.

 

[153]

Yes, will do that prior but know that won't be enough to expell her energy. I'd have to walk miles, which is not recommended for initial come back.

 

[Amy May In A Manger]

Yes, will do that prior but know that won't be enough to expell her energy. I'd have to walk miles, which is not recommended for initial come back.

Well no, you build it up. But providing the vet gives the all clear for reintroducing turnout, that combined with building up her exercise by walking in hand will really help.

 

[Red-1]

If you can't walk the miles needed, even by starting slowly and building up, and you don't have a suitably experienced rider, I would do what in hand walking you can and then turn away for a further 4 months, until the weather warms up and the living is easy.

Alternatively, this is what a specialist rehab yard is for. A rehab yard will be prepared for long reining or in hand for road work, or will have a suitable, experienced lightweight rider, as well as small pens to allow safe time outside at liberty.

 

[KikiDee]

For a horse that needs safely walking out as part of a rehab plan I am not averse to giving a tiny amount of sedalin just to take the edge off. When I brought my old boy back from a tendon operation he had to be hacked on Sedalin for a few weeks to begin with, mostly because he was on strict box-rest and throwing any shapes when ridden could have done a lot of damage. I wouldn't do more than walk because of the risk of tripping and you certainly don't want them 'doped' but just enough to stop them bouncing. Normally only needed for the first few walks out until the novelty of it wears off for them. I would ask your vet though - mine advised the Sedalin.