8 month report

Jester got a trim last week, and all the old wall is now HISTORY. He has another couple months to grow out the laminitis rings from Sept-Oct, but his front hooves are so much healthier now. He spends at least 12 hrs a day booted on fores, as he is still thin soled (and I'm not cutting that sole away!!!) on the fores. Concavity slight, but he was pretty uncomfortable after the trim (now I know why I have been doing mini tweaks instead of full balances). He isn't a spring chicken anymore, likes little by little changes. He is very happy and mobile with boots, and still mobile without, but not so happy about it. I have only ridden him once since then, and he was definitely "off". He does so much better if he's had several hours in the boots before I ride. Overall health wise, he looks good, I want him to gain more weight, he's still slightly ribby. He's regained muscle most everywhere else. His eyes are doing well- only needed meds once this month. The flies irritate his lower legs- but he rubs his eyes on them so I hesitate to put chemical fly repellent there. He is a happy, friendly guy, only occasionally opinionated or pushy and he responds well to strong leadership and verbal reprimands ;)time for more pics... I know....He's still shedding his winter fur. Walk? check jog? usually. trot? usually. Lope? Eeyore says "if I have to".... and the left hind does its bouncy motion :(

About the same....

Jester is shedding... and shedding... Can't wait to see his deep golden summer coat! He continues to do full body shakes. Still most comfortable in front boots. He does best if I can keep him booted 12-18 hours a day on the fores. This requires monitoring of the heel area- he already abraded one heel slightly :( I tried riding in a plowed field without boots, it went ok. Soles are still thin, but no abscessing, no heat. Right fore and left hind have the shorter strides and left fore right hind reach farther. I'm doing stretches and percussive massage to his hindquarters. I was ill for 10 days so only got out to ride twice, about an hour each. It's fun to ride his big floaty trot in the deep footing. Sweet boy, comes up to me whenever I go out to the pasture, looking for scratches. I don't halter him or tie him for booting, hoof picking, grooming, saddling... He usually stays put... and gets a reminder when he doesn't! I don't know how long it will take to rebuild the muscle in his hindquarters... He needs it! His loins aren't sore anymore, but he raises them when asked to back. Backing up is tough. Flies are out, already had to put one does of eye meds in to ward off inflammation. I'm glad he tries to cooperate.