We have upgraded the solarium to four lamps to give ears to tail heat to warm Ace up. Today I did not even use his exercise blanket. The saddle slipped as I got on, quite badly, and he let me stand in the other stirrup to shift in back into place. He did not buck once. He did not set his back. He was quite simply happy to work. And I have never, in the nearly two years that he has been here, felt him work like it.
He is still a sharp and feisty horse, and still spooking at the barrels, but when we ignore that, his work today was simply superb. He felt pliant and elevated from head to tail. After a few large circuits to get moving, we did figures of eight in trot with a change of direction through walk, and the same in canter with a change through trot. He has never done either exercise with more bend, cadence, suspension or relaxation.
I can hardly believe it, this is simply amazing.
Woody was sound on the lunge yesterday and sound on our hack today. Another couple of hacks like this and if he does not have any more unsoundness episodes then I will be introducing schooling and canter into the mix.
Radar and I had a super hack, as it was a beautiful calm day with bright blue skies. You might have noticed that it is Saturday and we have not hunted. That's because our normal hunt is in an area which is a dreadful journey and its a no-hedge meet, so not attractive. The other hunt is a long drive away and with diesel and cap I would have spent £65 to go. Since we have had, I think, 11 in a row without a break, we decided just to have the day at home.
With the way Ace worked, and Woody sound, and Radar such a lovely hacker now, I've had a super day!
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I really enjoyed reading how much the heat lamps have helped Ace. I have to say that it totally makes sense: I have a bad back and those car seat heaters are wonderful for it.
ReplyDeleteHi Sumik, you must have been a lurrrrker :-)
DeleteThe difference is quite simply between a horse I was afraid to get on, was beginning to hate, and planned to sell in the spring, to a horse I cannot wait to ride again tomorrow.
Thank goodness we managed to find out what his problem was.
C
Wonderful news indeed. I am so excited to hear your renewed enthusiasm in Ace. I was getting worried there, as you were, that you were not going to be able to keep him.
ReplyDeleteAs I said before, now what you need is a way to treat his back right before competing.
Good news too about Woody. His promise is still to be fulfilled but you are well on your way.
As for Radar? What more can be said of the perfect hunter and an equally good hack. Must have been a lovely day indeed!
I really was beginning to hate him Jean. I am so chuffed that we have found out what his problem was.
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It does make you wonder how many horses would benefit from this treatment. You are indeed a happy camper today. And Ace is happy too.
ReplyDeleteI said the same to AT this morning ML. How many horses are being put down because of behaviour caused by physical issues?
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