Back on Track

I think we're finally back on track. After not working Crispin for months and then retraining him during the last few weeks, I feel like we are finally progressing to new things.

I wasn't sure if or what kind of training aid to use on the lunge. Quite a while ago I had tried side reins for about two seconds, awful! So I started to think. Maybe vienna reins, maybe something else. I was intrigued by the pessoa system. Quite a contraption. I did a search on the net saw a few videos of it used on youtube and bought it online for 30€.

It took Crispin quite a while to get used to the part that runs around his haunches. I think I had to hand walk him while he was wearing it about 5 times before I could even think about lunging him in it. Once he got used to the part around his haunches it was very easy to introduce him to the rest. To be honest it also took me a while to figure out how to handle the thing, too.

I have lunged him in it twice now and I think I really like it!  The version I'm using is the cheep one from Harry's Horse. The aid is very light and everything is in motion in a good way. The horse can't lean on it but is also doesn't become too loose. There is always a slight contact to the bit. Crispin seemed to be comfortable with it from the start. The aid seems to lead the horse into the chosen position without pulling it into it.

The picture isn't the best. It was too dark in the indoor. He went better when I was not trying to handle pony, lunge and whip in one and the camera withe the other hand. ;-)

What else is there to report?! Oh, yes. Snow. We are having tons of snow! And I, of course have tons of pictures of Crispin in the snow!

At first, the best thing about snow: white feet! It is ridiculous but I just adore Crispin's clean white hooves. Usually they are never this clean.

And one or two just for fun. Crispin and the gang molesting a log. Poor things, they never get enough food!

Not much to report

Even though there isn't really much to report I will give a quick update on things.

The leg is looking alright (maybe I should take some pictures today). The pressure sores are healing pretty good and the swelling hasn't become as big again as I feared it would. Still, there is quite a bit of it left.

Before

Now

Pressure Sore

The yellow stuff on the sore is just a little iodine. It really does look pretty good so far.

I decided to work Crispin a little again. Just a bit in hand work and a little bit of lunging. Whenever I'm working him I put on the bridle and surcingle/pad now, even though I'm still working him off the bit, just to get him used to the equipment.

I really think I need to start him in side reins or any other kind of lunging aid. But as long as I'm only working him so little I don't feel he's quite ready for it. Well, maybe next time, next week, at least in hand.

Oh, and don't tell Santa, I already got Crispin his first Christmas gift:

Doesn't he look dashing?!

It's the Rambo Newmarket fleece cooler from Horseware in navy/cream/baby blue. Just his colors. It is soooo nice! The fleece is very thick and so cosy. Plus, I bought it on ebay and it was a very good deal. He doesn't really need a cooler like that yet and it is a little big but I think it will be very usefull in the future.

From frustration to becoming slightly bipolar...

Lately, I'm suffering from serious horse related mood swings. Not fun. Of course this is all about the leg. I talked to the vet again, he had some ideas, I've tried. They didn't really work. Up, down, up, down.

A couple of days ago Crispin, for the first time, didn't want to be caught. He walked away from me and hid in one of  the feeding stalls. Of course he did let me catch him, but I sure got the massage: "Leave me alone!" Big bummer. Poor little New Welsh.

The swelling?! It does look much better. The procedure seemed to have worked BUT will it be ok without a bandage to put pressure on for a little while longer until it is really all gone?

The pressure sores look ugly but are healing fine so far. They should be without a rubbing bandage! The weather is nice too for healing. Cold, no mud or flies.

My bigger concern still is the swelling. And I'm going from all is good to all is ruined in an instant all the time. I guess only time will tell, because right now it seems there isn't much I can do. *sigh*

so much for optimism

I think I have hit rock-bottom for the fist time since I got Crispin. I'm officially and thoroughly frustrated!!!

I don't think I'll get rid of that stupid swelling any time soon, which means I will not be able to start him under saddle anytime soon. Plus I have not found any good solution for the closing of the Offenstall either.

OK, the swollen knee. It's not too bad but It's not looking like it's almost gone either. And to add insult to injury: The bandage seemed to have helped BUT there is a huge pressure sore on the back of the knee now. I was so carefull with each bandage and to be honest, I think the sore already started with the second bandage the vet put on and only got progressively worse from day to day.

What now?!

I have left off the bandage the last two days and even though it isn't too bad, there is already some fluid back. Granted, it isn't much yet but I'm pretty certain it will become more soon.

So, what to do now? Without the bandage I'll be back at square one in no time. With a bandage there will be huge, huge sore that puts Crispin in pain and might develope into a bigger problem sooner or latter.

That's what's most frustrating, having no real option and not really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel either.