OTTB - Swollen Ankle

I was debating this morning if I should ride, because I still had some weakness in my legs. My indecision was quickly resolved when I  brought Bouffe in and found the heat and swelling in his left hind ankle and suspensory. Bouffe didn't seem to be sore and stood quietly while I hosed his leg and rubbed it down with Bigeloil. I turned him back out and he went back to eating grass. Leslie is going to check on him later on. 

These kind of injuries are common place, especially with thoroughbreds, and I know from past experiences, to let nature take its course. 

Multiple Sclerosis - Symptoms Raised Their Ugly Heads

I was looking forward to riding Bouffe, but my MS changed my plans, as it has done numerous times in the last twenty-five years. When I went on disability the main reason was fatigue. It had gotten to the point I couldn't work two days in a row. Well, it was back again yesterday. I did drive to the farm, but my legs felt so weak, even though I had gotten a good night sleep, that all I was able to do was groom Bouffe and turn him back out. He seemed to be doing very well and is more active now that he has a two year old turned out with him, which is an ideal situation. Hopefully I will be able to ride on Monday. 

OTTB - Another Good Session

The fly sheet made it through forty-eight hours without being ripped or torn but it sure was dirty. When I took it off of Bouffe I noticed two things: Bouffe's coat was hot and sweaty and the sheet had rubbed a place raw on his hip. No more fly sheet...

I rode Bouffe in the unknown model Crosby and again he seemed comfortable, but was lazy. After the first trip around the ring I had to use my leg aids to keep him from doing anything but a slow walk. Surprisingly he wanted to travel in a clockwise direction on his own and felt much better under me doing the serpentines and small circles. It gives me some hope that this training method is working. We worked in both directions for twenty minutes, which was enough for both of us.

Bouffe got his bath and his carrots and happily went out in his paddock. I really hope Bouffe's performance today is a sign of things to come.

OTTB - Fitting A Saddle, Hippotherapy

I had a hippotherapy session this morning and got to ride Robin's new horse Roscoe, who is a Rocky Mountain Walking Horse. He was an excellent ride and I was able to successfully do all of my exercises. It was the best session I have had in quite awhile. 

Today, I took the Crosby Mark VI, a saddle that is supposed to fit any horse, with me. It didn't fit Bouffe. 

I didn't ride, but groomed Bouffe and fitted the fly sheet on him. He seemed to be very comfortable with it on and I left him happily eating hay.

OTTB: Bouffe's Back Is Better

I made to the farm again today, but the Crosby Mark VI saddle was not ready to use, so I rode in the Crosby saddle I had at the farm, which I thought originally was a Prix des Nations, but after riding in it I'm not sure. It has a high cantle, pencil knee rolls and thigh blocks, which makes me think it is a Prix St. George. I have to look more carefully at what is left of the Crosby stamp.

But the big news was that Bouffe's back was not sore after I rode him for twenty minutes at a walk in both directions. At first his gate was not as free going in a clockwise direction, but did loosen up towards the end of our ride. He walked freely counterclockwise, which was encouraging, since I always had to encourage him to walk in either direction before. I felt the session was successful.  

OTTB - I Finally Made It

At last, I finally made it to the farm. Bouffe seemed glad to see me and came right to the gate for me to bring him out. Surprisingly, his coat wasn't to bad and had a nice shine when I finished grooming him. 

I tried Bouffe's fly sheet on him and wasn't sure it fit; so, I brought it back home. By looking at the photos of it on Horse Lover, which I should have done in the first place, it fit him just the way it should.

I took the Crosby saddle I just got with me today. I think it might be too wide but I was going to try it on Friday until I started looking more carefully at the Crosby Mark VI that I got yesterday. First off it is a 17 1/2 which is the proper length for me and it also has a spring tree, which might be exactly what Bouffe needs, since the solid front polls of the Passier tree seemed to be what was making his back sore. The Mark VI has several good reviews on the Internet, both of them saying it is a good saddle for high withered horses, which Bouffe certainly is. I'll take the Mark VI with me on Friday and see how it fits Bouffe and me. 

Even though I didn't ride I felt it was a productive day for Bouffe and me. It was just enough for my first day back.

Multiple Sclerosis - Still Haven't Made It

I still haven't made it to the farm. I was sore again yesterday morning so I called off my visit. I know I say this each time, but I do feel better today and hope to go tomorrow. I do have another saddle to try on Bouffe plus the fly sheet. I have got to get there soon.