#162 - short ride and getting jabbed

It's my health, not Teddy's, that's been holding us back for the last week; that and endless commitments.

Now I'm feeling a bit better, yesterday I saddled Teddy up and just took him for a walk around to see how he'd pull up after the poking, prodding and the needles. He did fine.

Today i gave him his second shot, but it was the first time I've jabbed him with a needle and he wasn't impressed! I thought I was going to cop a bite but he backed up with the needle sticking in his neck. I waited for him to come to me before finishing the job.  Two more shots to go so I hope I get better at this!

This whole experience of finding out if Teddy has a problem has cost me a small fortune! It would be ok if it wasn't for the fact that the physio, who I saw first, told me exactly the same thing as the vet and if I didn't see the vet I could have saved myself $300. The vet just said, "Good physio". But you have to see the vet to get the medication... ahh cant win.

But  on a positive note -Teddy is the winner! He'll be back in stride in no time. I hope to have a lesson this week and I'll try and take him on a few trail rides around the local area just to get him a bit fitter.

Teddy Log: #161 - Vet check and physio

Teddy Log: #161 - Vet check and physio: Teddy has had a big week with a vet check and a physio appointment! The good news is there is absolutely nothing wrong with his back. There ...

#161 - Vet check and physio

Teddy has had a big week with a vet check and a physio appointment! The good news is there is absolutely nothing wrong with his back. There is no wastage, it is strong, and he is in good order. His GP saddle has also been checked for fit and it's perfectly fine. His stock saddle was already fitted. It was picked up that he could do with some stretching as he is a bit stiff in the neck, so I will be doing stretching of his front legs before and after a ride.

An issue that was discovered is that he has arthritis in his fetlocks. The extent is still to be determined and he will be receiving a course of pentozan once a week for the next four weeks and it will be decided after that how much he has improved and how much more medication he may need. I was told by the physio, Kate Sagar, that his fetlocks are like he has run in a hundred races! He was a working stockhorse and polo horse so that pretty much explains it.

Other than that he is in great health and  is fit to ride! I'm very happy!

I think Teddy might need a little lie down now.

#161 - Back in the saddle

I took Teddy out for a lesson today. He did really well. He showed no soreness, he was tracking well, his hoof fall was correct and he was collected. Also his ears were forward the whole time showing now unhappiness about the ride. We worked on my balance, which hasn't been helped by my dizziness that may be a kind of vestibular migraine (still trying to work this one out), but I was ok on this ride so I could concentrate on working on this. If anything was wrong it was Teddy being a lazy bones and as this is new for him I really had to keep him going.

All in all, I'm happy to keep going with him, so negativity - get out of my life!

Teddy Log: #160 - Teddy is doing well

Teddy Log: #160 - Teddy is doing well: After the drama of a couple of weeks ago I have been treating Teddy's back bumps with Iodine and they are doing really well, almost clear. I...

#160 - Teddy is doing well

After the drama of a couple of weeks ago I have been treating Teddy's back bumps with Iodine and they are doing really well, almost clear. I have had another person look at him and yes he is weak in the back but, as has been said by many people, this will improve when he gets into regular work. I have decided to stick to lessons in the place I am most comfortable and supported so I will continue to do my lessons with Kim. I am not dismissing other options but I have seen results in Teddy and I do know my own horse. I think this is part of the problem, people think they know him better than I do. His head tossing is a nervous condition without a doubt, its got nothing to do with his back. In short, though I had hurt feelings, I'm over it and will do this for the reasons I started doing it in the first place - To be with horses, which I love, to learn and above all have fun! I'll be back in the saddle this week working on strengthening both of us.

Teddy and I are going to show them all!

Teddy Log: #159 - This is what the bumps look like - Any idea...

Teddy Log: #159 - This is what the bumps look like - Any idea...: I've been cleaning Teddy's bumps every day (except last night when I was a uni) and there is very little change. Improving slightly. They do...