What to do with her - advice or tips needed!

[Switchthehorse]

Hi

My mare had an injury to her face last week which isnt healing too well. it is right where the cavesson/cheek straps go so I cant ride her currently as she is stitched up.

The headcollar rubs it as well so cant leave that on for long

The thing is the vet has said it will take 3/4 weeks to heal!! So no riding or lungeing during this time. She is terrified of the horse walker but out every day so getting to stretch her legs

i dont really want to just give her a month off. Obviously i can loose school her on the flat or over fences but am also concious if she is in pain its probably not a great idea to get her jumping heaps.

Any other ideas what you can do with a horse who is completely sound, and feeling fine apart from a hole in her face!!? I was thinking about some IH 'bonding' but aside from join up and reversing through poles i dont know what else to try!

thanks so much in advance!

 

[jack9]

loose schooling is what id do... only on the flat to get her exercising and to help the bond of her listening to you etc....

try natural horsemanship....

dont mention the P word on here.. think can of worms.

 

[ossy]

I think I'd be inclined to give her a bit of time off to start with and then as you say some loose schooling and ground work. Its just one of those annoying things that because its in a ackward position causes more problems it would be the same if the injury was in and around the saddle, think you might just have to be patient with this one.

 

[Maesfen]

I think I'd be inclined to give her a bit of time off to start with and then as you say some loose schooling and ground work. Its just one of those annoying things that because its in a ackward position causes more problems it would be the same if the injury was in and around the saddle, think you might just have to be patient with this one.

Couldn't agree more. Imagine how you feel working when you're sore; I know they're tougher than us but I'd have some compassion, it must be uncomfortable for her.