I had hoped to share the results of Forrest’s latest ultrasound in this blog installment, but unfortunately, while it’s a very rare thing indeed, every now and then humans need to go to the doctor or dentist, diverting horse funds in that direction.
There was a scheduling conflict and it was quite impossible to fulfill both obligations, so for once, choosing my own healthcare over my horse’s (because I can’t look after him if I’m not well), we’re simply going to continue our rehab and wait a few weeks to be able to determine our progress (or lack of). In the meantime, an awful lot has happened. The first thing is that I’ve released my first novel! I mean, really, what better time to write a best seller (and it had better be a best seller to pay these vet bills) then while you’re rehabbing a horse during the winter? Joking aside, I am exceeding grateful to have received strong reviews in the print media, as well those nail biters that appear on amazon!
And as I increased Forrest’s trot time under saddle, I’ve sent periodic videos to Dr. Gillis whose most recent feedback declared he was looking sounder. What a relief!
No cantering yet, mind you, still trotting straight lines and I definitely notice him stepping further beneath himself with the left hind when he’s warming up in a stretch as well as nice spurts down the long side when I ride him a bit more ‘up.’ The hardest thing has been determining if that hind leg has been short simply because it’s so much weaker (the theory that has me crossing my fingers) or if the injury is still causing discomfort? Time will tell but Forrest deserves a shout out because he’s trying SO hard.
And to reward him, because he has been on stall rest with only paddock turn out for so very long, I’ve decided to take the bold risk and give him grazing time in the small field. Yes, it borders on reckless, I know, but I am doing my best to remove risks by heavily sedating him, waiting till after we’ve had our ride, and only turning out on warm, still days. I sit on the bank of the arena and, honestly, it is sublime to watch my horse have the opportunity to be a horse again. He needs this. We need this. Yes, a deer could come crashing out of the woods and set him off, but until then, I believe in my heart of hearts that true healing combines mind, body and soul. Being out here for an hour gives respite to all three.
