I did his stretches, walking, tail pulls, backing and walking over railroad ties again today. On his stretching and walking I'm noticing he has more reach on his right hind and is stiffer on his left hind. His left is the side that locks up so that makes sense. His backing wasn't as good today as the other day, but I did it immediately after walking and we were on the flat driveway, compared to last time it was after he'd had a break (grazing) from walking and was on grass and a slight slope. So I'm not worried that he's back sliding or anything.
Just for fun I got a video showing his walk, so you can see the overstep (or lack of) and also so you can see how I'm walking him. It's easier to show, than to explain.
He doesn't like me swinging the rope at his butt, because he'd rather be lazy, but he's a good boy and does it anyway. I will definitely continue doing all of this when I start riding again. I'm so impatient for Saturday to get here so I can see if getting trimmed makes a big difference compared to the slow progress with the PT. I'm also thinking about getting the target stick back out for our walks to see if I can get him to walk with a long stride, but with his head down more. He's developing an ugly ewe neck....
Now, I have to go to bed. It's getting late. So I'll leave you with these adorable pictures of my sweet boy.
Nice conformation shot, it has better lighting than the one on your side bar. I think you said the goats ate his tail so it's shorter now? I cut my horse's tail last night because I like this length, Chrome's length. I also scrubbed the green out of it with spray & wash (#16).
ReplyDeleteWould you like to borrow my goats?? Lol! They didn't actually eat it. They walk behind him and rub their horns through his tail which tears it. They are scent marking.... Not only is it short but it stinks and is stained too. Yuck!
DeleteWhat a cute boy!
ReplyDeleteGlad he's getting better :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Me too. I always think the worst and worry that it's something other than loose stifles, but then he gets better when I do his exercises and I chill out again lol. I am my own worst enemy with this worrying stuff...
DeleteWow, that made a big difference in his stride. Thanks for sharing it! What are the stretches you're doing?
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it took me so long to respond! I linked to an article in the last post that shows the stretches. Basically I stretch his hind legs forward, then pull them up in a fully flexed position, then out behind him. When my back isn't hurting I also stretch them under his belly in front of the other hind leg as if he were doing a lateral movement.
DeleteI'm glad to hear that Cjrome is improving! He is a gorgeous boy. His hint of a ewe neck reminds me of Gambler.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know the hint of a ewe neck shouldn't bother me, but it does. He never used to have one.... I really need to start taking lessons so I can teach him to use his body correctly so it will go away. :\
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