Emerald update

[dalesnfellfan]

Em has now had over a year off following her op to remove a fractured splint bone last October, then treatment for a serious gut problem which made her impossible to handle safely at the beginning of the year.

She finished her treatment a few months ago and although back to her normal calm self to handle, happy in the field and happy doing ground work with tack on, she was not happy at the thought of being ridden again.  I had tried a couple of times and she was OK with me getting on and tightening the girth but became agitated and turned to tough my foot with her nose when asked to take a step forward.

2 weeks ago she went for a check up with Donna Blinman who said her gut was now fine but she was still slightly gassy, and there was no reason why she shouldn't be ridden and that it could be remembered pain she was anticipating. She advised riding her 3 times if it was remembered pain she should get significantly better each time ridden, if there was no improvement or she got worse then there was probably still some pain/discomfort going on.

Sam came to ride her last Thursday and after some groundwork and lunging she got on, Em immediately became agitated and turned to touch Sams feet, her back was up and she looked and felt as if she might explode.  I led Sam round until she started to relax, about 15 min and she eventually stopped turning her head dropped her back and waked nicely off the lead for the last 5 minutes.

Today she rode her again, this time she was calm from the start, no back up, no toe touching, although she was a little on her toes and wanted to trot, I led her as a precaution for about 5 minutes then led her off, she went really well and only turned to touch Sams toes a couple of times half way through the session.  She looked like she was enjoying it especially walking over poles which she has always enjoyed, the more Sam gave her to think about the happier and more relaxed she became.

Sam felt perfectly happy on her and, weather permitting, has suggested on Saturday we take her for a very short hack around the village with Connie as a babysitter.

She was so relaxed and improved today I am daring to think, for the first time ,that she may come back into work properly and be the lovely ride she was before.

[harveydales]

That sounds very promising and a very good example of remembered pain. I've got all fingers crossed for you that this will be a fresh start for Emerald. She is lucky to have such a thorough and caring owner. Now your problem will be how to get 2 ponies ridden!

[knight1]

Good girl Emerald, for relaxing and enjoying her second ride. She's obviously willing to think about things and quick to realize that she does feel better. I hope she continues to relax and is back to being a lovely pony to ride.

[dalesnfellfan]

I don't really anticipate riding her regularly myself, I'm happy to ride her once or twice a week while we're getting her back into proper work when I feel she is going consistently well for Sam and provided I feel safe on her, but my thoughts are to find someone to ride her. As a share to start with, with the option for full loan for the right person but staying where she is of course. As soon as she is going well enough I will advertise for someone and see what response I get.

Although I enjoyed riding her before my accident, she is still green and I still have some fear left over about riding her, also I enjoy riding Connie so much, and trust her now that I really just want to ride her.

I just want to give Em a chance to enjoy going out and about and I feel she will be happier if she has a purpose, she is very intelligent and does enjoy a challenge and seems more content when her mind is active.
At 8 yo she seems too young just to be a field ornament and although I intend to keep them both for the rest of their days, I'm no spring chicken and if at some point I can no longer look after them I feel she will have a better chance of a good home as a well mannered ridden pony who's done a bit than a companion.

[Fi]

Great news that she's progressing well with being ridden again. And good idea to get a sharer, if you're still a bit wary she will pick up on it. And how lovely to be able to go out with them both sometimes.

[Debbie]

that's brilliant! I hope with each successive ride, Em comes to realize the fun she can be having under saddle. You've got a very sensible plan in place. And after all this time, you definitely deserve getting to enjoy riding Connie

[nedales]

You've taken such thoughtful and responsible care of Em, so happy to hear she is ready to come back into work. Well done both!

[dalesnfellfan]

Weather really grim here today, lashing rain and high winds, unless it clears up soon (not much chance of that I don't think) we won't be taking Emerald out today, oh well, have to try again next week, it would have been good to do it first time at a weekend when there's not so much traffic and Sam doesn't work on a Sunday.

[colmworthdales]

That is much better news about Em. Do hope you manage to get heer back into light work. I remember that lovely ride we had in the Forest last(?) year.