Busy fall!
I got brave, hacked off the poor boy's mane, gussied him up and casted his forehoofs, and off to a show we went, end of Sept. Just entered the walk trot classes, which were at least 12 riders each. Wow. Horsemanship got us a 5th under one judge, Pleasure 8th under one judge, and 2nd in one trail class. I definitely need coaching to be competitive in classes that big! Jester is not an autopilot show horse! He behaved himself for the most part. He blew one class for us by jumping sideways in protest that he couldn't see his girlfriend, my friend's paint mare, who came along. They did great- placing over us in one class, at their very first show!
I learned that hoof black covers casts quite nicely, that Jester chews on reins when nervous, that he needs a good half hour of work before showing to get his mind settled, that I prefer daytime shows, and that tail extensions are harder to put in than they look. (and remember to take off the wrap and noseband :) )
I'm encouraged with the effects of casting for thin soles. Jester gained concavity, and though I don't have radiographs, I believe there is more sole thickness as well. So far, it seems the protection they provide to the sole, and the stimulation to the caudal foot (rear half) are superior to boots and pads for thin soles. One drawback is that they do come off unexpectedly. I had to apply a new one upon arriving at the show, as Jester pulled one off in the trailer. Sure glad I packed the casting kit!
He continues to serve as my primary lesson horse, and loafs around most days. He does well without boots as long as there aren't any rocks or large gravel. He hobbles over those. But not nearly as badly as just a few months ago. He still goes best to the left, and right lead lope is hard when he isn't warmed up. There's a bit of odd motion remaining in his hindquarters at the lope, more noticeable to the right. It does slow him down. His herbal anti-inflammatories and lots of stretches seem to help. He is just fine for trails, even rocky South Mtn. He is happy and content, having regained his weight and topline, loving his cinch chix full bale hay net and twice daily soaked rations. Plastic bags are losing some of their terror inducing qualities too! Leave a comment and I'll read it to him :)
Busy fall!
I got brave, hacked off the poor boy's mane, gussied him up and casted his forehoofs, and off to a show we went, end of Sept. Just entered the walk trot classes, which were at least 12 riders each. Wow. Horsemanship got us a 5th under one judge, Pleasure 8th under one judge, and 2nd in one trail class. I definitely need coaching to be competitive in classes that big! Jester is not an autopilot show horse! He behaved himself for the most part. He blew one class for us by jumping sideways in protest that he couldn't see his girlfriend, my friend's paint mare, who came along. They did great- placing over us in one class, at their very first show!
I learned that hoof black covers casts quite nicely, that Jester chews on reins when nervous, that he needs a good half hour of work before showing to get his mind settled, that I prefer daytime shows, and that tail extensions are harder to put in than they look. (and remember to take off the wrap and noseband :) )
I'm encouraged with the effects of casting for thin soles. Jester gained concavity, and though I don't have radiographs, I believe there is more sole thickness as well. So far, it seems the protection they provide to the sole, and the stimulation to the caudal foot (rear half) are superior to boots and pads for thin soles. One drawback is that they do come off unexpectedly. I had to apply a new one upon arriving at the show, as Jester pulled one off in the trailer. Sure glad I packed the casting kit!
He continues to serve as my primary lesson horse, and loafs around most days. He does well without boots as long as there aren't any rocks or large gravel. He hobbles over those. But not nearly as badly as just a few months ago. He still goes best to the left, and right lead lope is hard when he isn't warmed up. There's a bit of odd motion remaining in his hindquarters at the lope, more noticeable to the right. It does slow him down. His herbal anti-inflammatories and lots of stretches seem to help. He is just fine for trails, even rocky South Mtn. He is happy and content, having regained his weight and topline, loving his cinch chix full bale hay net and twice daily soaked rations. Plastic bags are losing some of their terror inducing qualities too! Leave a comment and I'll read it to him :)
