Rode Sammie for the first time in months!

[Fi]

When I had Sammies shoes removed in December I decided just to leave him over winter to see how he got on with his feet. It was so wet, the field slopes and I can’t take him out without Larry getting very upset, that I just couldn’t tell whether he was lame/uncomfortable or not. But with the better weather, and the purchase of a full set of hoof boots, I’ve been able to walk them both out with help from the OH.

The other day I got the OH to do some slo mo video of him walking and trotting both with and without boots to see if he’s landing with his feet heel or toe first. The videos are fascinating! And it looks to me as if he’s heel first in walk, and also in trot with boots but not without. So I figure he now needs to get a bit of ridden exercise in walk. Cue a short trip out with the ever patient OH leading Larry.

He felt absolutely fine, yay. I find it much easier to feel his movement than to see lameness, video is so useful for that!

I’m now hoping after lockdown ends I can persuade various friends to come over and help me hack both out. 🤞

[mickey]

Good to hear! Enjoy getting out with him 😁

[dalesnfellfan]

That's really encouraging

[harveydales]

That is really positive. You must be feeling very encouraged. Lucky you having such an obliging OH!

I feel Eve was doing much better when I was walking her out daily but feel I can't do that now with the restrictions. I would have to go right through the village and I don't think that would go down well, particularly on the odd day Eve has her silly head on. I know what you mean about feeling lameness easier than seeing it. To me Eve looks totally sound now but she is resting her "dodgey" hind leg a lot when at rest, more than normal for a horse. I am so tempted to restart walking her out.........

[Fi]

I would! Even a very short walk is better than none.

That’s what I tell myself when I drag myself out for a morning run too 🤪

[valerie n scout]

Ohhh lovely I do miss riding 🙄
I loved the boots too, they’re not particularly popular here, nice your OH is happy to assist x