We trekked to the vet this week for more x-rays of his front feet. Our farrier met us there, we all studied the x-rays, and Lyle was trimmed very differently than he has been before. The breakover on his front feet was moved way back – I thought for sure that he would be hurting until he adjusted, but happily I was wrong. He seems more comfortable than he has been for a long time.
So tomorrow, Lyle and I will pick up where we left off. My notes from our last ride in January say, “one of us is getting this figured out…and I think it's me.” I was in the right place then, and I think I might be in a better place now. While Lyle has spent these last months “on welfare,” I’ve been trying to simply get along with him better – not by doing any traditional ground work exercises (which he absolutely despises), but by being consistent and steady in our daily interactions and studying what his buttons are and not pushing them. I plan to take that knowledge and attitude into the saddle tomorrow. Can you tell I’m trying to give myself a pep talk here?
I've heard a number of natural trimmers and horses' owners say that when a horse gets the correct trim (for that horse) he/she will feel better and move better instantly. It sounds like this is the case for Lyle!
ReplyDeleteWhen I switched to the natural trimmer back in December, Salina was instantly better. Her toes in front were too long. The difference in her walk was striking with the new trim. Cody had thin soles on the hinds, and previously every trim left him sore for days. Now he's moving well and building up that hind end - his soles are getting thicker and stronger and things are working the way they're supposed to.
I hope the ride goes well. Your approach sounds right and respectful and I bet it will be successful. Cheers from this end on a lovely partnering with Lyle!
I'm sure you will have a great time, just enjoy yourself.
ReplyDeleteOk. I want to learn more about this. His feet look kind of weird trimmed like that, but only because I'm used to seeing hooves trimmed round in the front.
ReplyDeleteI can see how the straight trim across can give Lyle more freedom of movement and less strain on his legs, though.
Tell me more.