A break

Well this past week I had taken a “break” and headed down south for Thanksgiving. Luckily I had my trainer who was still pushing forward with Forrest’s rehab. Forrest was starting his first with weight on his back. Well from many reports Forrest flew through the week with gold stars. The swelling in his leg continued to go down and he was getting stronger and stronger every day.

Today was my first day back after my mini vacation and he still had one more day with a lightweight rider on him. Luckily, my fellow boarder and her daughter came to ride with me and luckily were able to help out.

We first rode the other horses: Miles, Indy and Halo. Indy was a good boy for her daughter and they even practice some jumps. Then we played musical horses and everyone swapped. It was a great time and everyone enjoyed the other rides! On top of working with the horses one of the other barns on the property were expecting their first boarders today.

The timing couldn't have been more perfect as we were finishing up with Miles, Indy and Halo the two little ponies had arrived. Now during this time Forrest was being tacked up and I had originally started to hand walk him, but the commotion of the new horses had ADD boy’s attention elsewhere. As the ponies came off the trailer (one 12 hands and the other just over 13 hands) Forrest puffed himself up and couldn't help but stare at them. He was completely dumbfounded at what they were. Now the larger pony he wasn't as concerned about. He does live with Tazzar; however the little 12 hand pony named Patches that was a whole different ballpark. He full heartedly believed it was an alien! As the ponies were walked around the farm, Forrest HAD to be facing them at all times, you never know when a pony will attack you from behind. He was such a goofball. As the ponies were led to their field he soon settled and we were able to start back to “work.”

The original plan was to actually hand walk for 25 minutes and do a couple stretches of trot to equate to a light rider, but with my friends daughter there I figured what a better idea! So with a lead shank on the bridle, we walked together side by side for 9 minutes around the “rehab ring.” Forrest was very good and he was able to be the first “big horse” she had ever sat on.

I was also happy to see that his leg looked amazing. Unfortunately Forrest had some cuts, scratches and at tick bite all on the same leg so we had to use furicin this past week because DMSO would be too strong. But I was very impressed with how it looked!