Peaches Rehabilitation Progress

The Beginning

After 6 months of stall rest for a pulled suspensory ligament, Peaches arrived at our farm in VA.  I started her off with 15 to 20 minutes of walking under saddle a day with the addition of hand grazing for around 45 minutes, sometimes twice a day.  The hand grazing eased her mind and I was soon able to turn her loose in a large paddock full time.

Back to Work

To say that it is easy to bring a horse back to work is definitely not a true statement.  It is full of ups and downs and just when you are almost there, you might be faced with another setback.  Living in the paddock was very helpful in strengthening Peaches muscles, however, she was so weak that I began to notice stifle issues creeping up over the next few months.  If she slipped in the paddock, ran suddenly, bucked, played, she would be off for about a week at a time.  This is a difficult situation as the trot work began to increase.  With each stifle strain, the work was put on hold and we would have to start from scratch.  The good news it that her hind end became stronger and stronger, just walking through the field.  The low hills were a great tool for building her slowly and soon I mixed 15 minutes through the uneven ground with 10 to 15 minutes of trotting.

Re-establishing Contact

My Daughter Savannah on Peaches

Due to a week hindend and back, I was faced with a very high headed horse. Looking at the picture to the left, you can see the angular shape of her hind end as well as the lack of muscle in her neck and shoulder.  All in all she has no topline whatsoever.  

Here is a before picture of Peaches with her previous owner in full work for you to compare.

A huge difference.  To begin to build the proper muscle, I needed to encourage her to use her hind end, lift her back, and lower her head naturally to connect with my hand.  I have been riding her in my hunter/jumper saddle which allowed me to ride her in a two point position.  This position lifted my weight off of her back and made it easier for her to balance herself.  

To be continued.........