What a month it’s been.
First let me give you all the update on Alfie. I was able to get a second opinion on the pain and lameness he’s been experiencing off and on for months. There are several different things working against him which is making pin pointing 1 specific cause very difficult – I mean, it’s Alfie, nothing with him has ever been cut and dry.
The vet has started him on a once a week shot for 2 months – a joint supplement – which will help his arthritis even more than his current medication and joint supplement. He also was given an antibiotic that is used to treat tick borne diseases. He tested negative for Lyme’s disease however there are many other tick borne diseases out there that could exacerbate his arthritis which is what the vet was leaning toward as a possible cause for his arthritis to suddenly get so painful.
I am super thankful for second opinions.
Copper. My lovely freckle faced boy. Our saddle fitter paid a visit and was able to fit my dressage saddle nicely to him so I am finally able to ride in it again. I was also shown some additional stretches to do with him to help his legs and back. So Copper is well on his way to getting in amazing shape.
Last weekend our barn participated in a local horse show. Guess who went…yep, Copper!! No, I did not ride him in it, but a lovely young lady named Shea did, and let me tell you, they did great together. It was his first time off property since I brought him home, and he and 4 other horses from our barn went and did fantastic.
Watching my boy and Shea ride in the show made my heart so incredibly happy. The competition was tough, but Shea and Copper gave it their all, I couldn’t have been more proud of them.
Today I had one of the best lessons with Copper. Our barn is having an in house horse show at the end of September and I’m super proud that Copper and I will be making our debut…doing Dressage.❤️
From the time I started working with Alfie learning dressage all I’ve ever wanted to do was compete in a dressage horse show. Even though Alfie and I worked very hard for 2 years, because of his limitations I knew we would never be able to actually show in dressage, and that was perfectly OK with me. What I was able to accomplish with him in 2 years made me proud. We both grew together as a team, and I cherish that everyday.
Today, Copper and I worked on the intro to Dressage tests A and B. In a nut shell, these tests are designed to benefit the physical fitness and ability of the horse. The tests incorporate walk and trot and circles.
Now, I know test A very well, but Copper doesn’t, but let me tell you folks, he did really well with it today. Is it perfect, of course not, but for a first try, it was really good. We then tried test B and we did really good with that one as well.
This month has been a roller coaster of a ride for me. Not knowing what was wrong with Alfie and not having any idea of how to make him not be in pain was pure torture for me. It was consuming me every minute of every day. Having a treatment plan in place to make Alfie as comfortable as possible has made me finally stop worrying just a little bit. And for that I’m truly grateful. Horse ownership isn’t for everyone, but I’m so glad I took that leap of faith, not only with Alfie, but with Copper.❤️🐴❤️🐴
Confessions of an Equestrianoholic 