The Plot Thickens

Ben got checked today by his beloved vet. As soon as I got him to JT's, it was apparent he was horrendously foot sore just standing in the cross ties (mats over concrete). I don't think I'd noticed at home because there are mats over sand where we tack up. And I'd been doing some light lunging in the soft sand ring. We pulled his shoes and some sand had gotten between his leather pads and foot and he was very positive to hoof testers there. I had stared at him a couple times on the line wondering if he was off in front but it was subtle and went away if I pushed him forward.

I had acupunctured him Tuesday. He was pretty reactive to the needles, but his back was a lot less sore after that. His vet said the sudden stopping is usually foot in her experience. The hock/stifle/back usually causes a more gradual quit. Makes sense. So I still ignored his back like an asshole, but that's not why he was suddenly saying no. 

We did shock wave his back. His farrier is coming out tomorrow evening to get just plain shoes back on. We found a shimmed pad we're happy with one of JTs saddles with. We have a plan, again. Isn't that all you can do with horses? 

And he got his first clip of the season to get rid of his fluffy belly fur. He is SO GOOD to clip. Genuinely the best. And is so handsome and shiny.

Saturday he joined my husband and I on our evening walk. I put a chain on in case of hopping about, but didn't need it. And Ben was just thrilled to be taking a walk with us. He nailed the grabbing a bite of grass and then trotting to catch up again all without touching the end of the lead. Clever boy. He just had the most pleased, content expression on his face while strolling around the neighborhood, I loved it so much. 

With my relaxed lunging days while he wasn't getting a saddle put on we played more with hunting the pole and clicking when he got it right. He started to pick up on it and was pretty happy he learned how to get a treat to dispense. He's also gotten WAY better at woah on the lunge. Clever pony. 

So things go. Rocking Horse is still a big maybe. If it works, it works, if it doesn't, it doesn't. We'll see how shoes+jump school Thursday go.