Still Out Of Action - OTTB

My hamstring muscle is still not healed. I have had ultra sound treatments and hippotherapy, both of which made it feel better, but as soon as I try to go on with my previous activities (walking the dog, swimming pool maintenance, etc.,) the muscle seizes up  again. I was suppose to have a lesson with Eileen this morning, but it was canceled because of my leg. Right now I am having trouble walking, so I didn't go to the farm at all. 

Now, We Have Both Stopped Training - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

Besides for the ongoing physical issues I have because of my Multiple Sclerosis I now have pulled a hamstring muscle in my left leg and cannot ride at least until Monday. I am not sure how I injured myself, (probably just overdoing since I felt so much better wearing the Tommie Copper) but my left leg has been so painful to walk on that I haven't been to the farm since the end of last week. I have been going to PT with Mike Mauro and after two session my lege does feel better. I have another session tomorrow and I am confident as always that Mike will get me back in the saddle.

Leslie has been keeping an eye on Bouffe and he is still eating good; so, I hope his mouth is healing along with my leg.

Training Stopped - OTTB

The Passier saddle I bought arrived on Tuesday and I anxiously awaited until Wednesday to try it on Bouffe. The saddle fit perfectly, like it was made for him. But that is as far as I got. When I tried to put his bridle on, Bouffe would not let me put the bit in his mouth; actually, I couldn't even get close to his head with the bridle.

I got Eileen to help me and after much struggle, she managed to get his mouth open, which revealed large ulcers on his lower gum. From her many years of experience both in England and the United States, Eileen determined that the sores were most likely caused by something Bouffe ate, like some spices of grass he munched on out on the field. There really wasn't anything to do treatment wise, except keep an eye on him for a couple of days, which we have done. Today he ate his carrots, which he couldn't do yesterday and we determined that he is on the road to recovery. But he cannot be ridden until the ulcers heal. So for the time being training has stopped again. I am very disappointed not to be able to ride, but also glad that so far, it isn't anything that I need to get a vet for.

Another Good Lesson - OTTB - Multiple Sclerosis

Bouffe and I had another lesson with Eileen this morning. She is such a good teacher and coach. I was able to get Bouffe to trot one complete circuit around the ring, which doesn't seem like a big deal, but since I couldn't get him to trot even half that far last week Eileen said it was a big improvement. I alternated between sitting and posting, which also went much better than last week. This was also my first lesson wearing the Tommie Copper clothes, which definitely made a big difference as my legs felt stronger.

This might all change when the Passier saddle I just bought arrives next week. Of course it is English and the one I owned before fit me and Bouffe perfectly and was the most comfortable saddle I had ridden in to that point. I will be interested to see if I still feel that way now that I am riding Western. 

Eileen rode Bouffe at the end of the lesson and he took it all in stride, just like everything else he has been asked to do. He is such a wonderful horse and definetly a spiritual being.

I Finally Got To Ride - OTTB

The weather forecast yesterday was for rain all day, but it held off until 10AM allowing me a chance to ride! Bouffe didn't seem to be as excited and gave me some trouble putting the bit in his mouth. But after several minutes of fighting with his swinging head I got the bit in and we walked to the outdoor ring for a lesson with Eileen.

This was my first lesson and the chance to really ride for several months and I could tell I was out of shape. Especially when Bouffe decided to be stubborn and I had to urge him on with my legs. Eileen is an excellent teacher. She pushed me some, but was very patient and said I did good for the first lesson. She had us trot quite a bit, which definitely was good for me but Bouffe wasn't so eager. I know now I will have to wear my spurs every time I ride him. I tried to ride with one hand on the reins, which for me was difficult; even though, surprisingly, Bouffe seemed to understand what I was doing.

Yesterday I rode Western, but still wore my English britches and riding boots, which are very comfortable and give me support. The Tommie Copper clothes I ordered will be here today and I am anxious to try them on and see how they feel. If all goes well I expect a big boost in my riding ability. Maybe Bouffe and I will make it to the big shows yet.