'Mr F' improving further - First Ride After 2 Months

Need to write it down so I don't forget all the details:

Today was the first time for over 2 months that I and 'Mr F' went out riding again - a moment I have been waiting for all too eagerly.

As instructed by Annette and the Barefoot lady (although for different reasons), riding should be for no longer than 30 minutes at a time, 2 - 3 times a week.

Only walking, no trotting,  so that 'Mr F' can slowly get used to his freed up back.

3 further major changes since his treatment:

Tacking up:

Before: on the last two outings - albeit over 2 months ago, due to initial lameness and mud-fever issues -  'Mr F' would make it very clear that he was NOT happy with putting on the girth or going out riding. I now know that he was telling me is that he was not at all comfortable with the saddle but most of all that his shoulders hurt.

After:

Today: I was able to borrow for a few days a different saddle, a Barry Swain Semi-flex. I presented it to 'Mr F' who was rather weary and not too keen. Yet he stood still and didn't walk off. I prefer to not tether him when I tack him up IF we are alone in the yard. This way he can respond to what I am asking from him at free will. We have been doing this for ages now and it makes our communication more honest and clear.
'Mr F' willingly stood still as I put the saddle slowly on his back. All the while I watched his face and body language. He seemed pretty OK with it, especially as he realises that this saddle feels different, more comfortable for him.  

He readily lowered his head for me to put on the bridle. This to me is a good sign, beacuse he knows what's coming yet doesn't resist it. ,

Riding:

Before:

He hated to go downhill and generally his walk was slow moving, almost like treacle! And he had the tendency to jog most of times. Now I understand why: he wanted to get the ride over and done with as soon as possible!

After / Today:

He was walking very eagerly and felt relaxed albeit a bit unsteady on his back legs to start with. He strode out nicely and there was no attempt to jog or any other restlessness.

Urinating:

Before:

In earlier blog posts I pointed out that I was worried that he may have signs of bladder stone due to 'Mr F' looking very uncomfortable when urinating. He would not stand like the others but instead make strange movements as though he had to squeeze it out.

After:

Today after riding I spent some time with him in the field and I happened to be able to observe him urinating. And what a change! It was a long, constant and full stream of urine, rather than a interrupted trickle as it was before. And he showed no signs of discomfort.

So, I remain entirely grateful to Annette for her treatment. I look forward to seeing 'Mr F' develop further.

Strutt your stuff! (We have movement at last!)

Quick update:

Great news:
Yesterday Annette from APG equine came to 'Buttercup Farm'. Annette is a Chiropractor and has been introduced to us by 'Lilian' some time ago.

As mentioned in earlier posts, I have always been concerned about 'Mr F's hind legs as he was not moving right and doing tight turns was nigh on impossible.

Last June or July, before I began riding 'Mr F', I had a local equine Chiropractor come and see him. He pointed out the exact same issues as Annette and his treatment did help a little but I was still not happy.

Despite massages, exercising and feed adjustments, is behind remained stiff and movements were everything but smooth look at.

Talking to Annette, she too (just like the very first Chiropractor) said that  'Mr F's back was 'dead' ... there was no 'contact' between front and back, resulting in him compensating by using some muscles too much and others too little. Which would explain why he is sore on his shoulders as he is 'dragging' himself along rather than pushing from behind. I guess he was front wheel drive when he should be rear wheel drive ...

After Annette did her work, we walked him up and down the lane, and what a change it was! All off a sudden 'Mr F' was strutting his stuff!

He rear was now loosely swinging with each step and his tail was swaying happily along with the rythm. It was a joy to watch and he had such a relieved expression on his face!

And he could do tight turns! No longer did he fall over his hind legs trying to turn but is actually  able to do tiny steps.

I am curious to observe whether it will be easier for him to pass urine, now that he can move his back properly.

We also discussed saddles, the one I was using is too tight, ('Lillian's dad's old English saddle) so that will be the next investment together with a set of hoof boots.

I am most grateful for the work Annette has done!


Other good news:

The mud fever / hard skin / fungal infection (possibly a combination of it all) has now 90% disappeared. I finally got hold of  some the close-contact turnout chaps which worked quite well although mud does accumulate under them and frankly, they had to be washed every day. The bandages returned much better results but at the considerable cost of time and resources. Luckily, with all the warmth and sunshine lately, most of the mud has dried out.

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Other 'Buttercup Farm' residents

I made a padded box for the 'Buttercup Farm beast' - here she is in her warm and cosy night quarters.