Waska is having one of his two-steps-forward weeks, so Amber and I hit the trails. Well, we went on a nice long ride, but due to Waska's issues, we walked the whole time. It was all good though, as Amber and I were able to do a lot of talking and catch up on life.
Despite our taking it easy, Waska was quite gimpy when Amber took his boots off. He was fine with them on, but without that added protection, he is tender. The farrier said to ride him lightly everyday (or as much as possible) despite the gimpiness, because it will increase blood flow to the area and encourage healing. You can see how he is standing in the above photo, with his front legs askew to take pressure off. Amber wants to leave his boots on all of the time, but the farrier said that he has got to start doing without them. In the winter, the mud/wetness will literally rot his feet off.....
Above and below are shots of his hoof wall, and you can see the growth rings. I was not able to get a good shot of them from the side, but his new hoof growth is coming in at a totally different angle....which is good. 
I will try to get some better ones and also some shots of his sole. He is literally walking on his sole, which has been allowed to grow and thicken. It is almost like walking with a large wad of gum stuck to the bottom of your foot.
And last, but not least, I will leave you with a parting shot of goofy Bo. I had just undone his saddle and was looking for a treat. Isn't he the silliest looking Arab ever??? LOL!! He does have a nice, square chest though.....
8 comments:
Isn't it amazing how they can contort themselves for one little thing no bigger to them than a tic tac? Janow turns his head sideways so far that if it rained, he would drown!
I`m glad your horse is getting better.
I am also glad he is healing and doing better. And yes he has a very handsome nice square chest! ;)
I do hope Waska gets back on track soon, poor fella!
Poor Waska! He will get better! You and Amber are great mommies! And hey! Walking is better than nothing!
Time to ride...a dream of mine.
Yea for the sweet summer rides out to the forests and brooks!
Nice Mellie.
Poor Waska!
I would SERIOUSLY be improving the area NOW where he shall reside for the winter..PEA GRAVEL paddocks are sooo good for the soles..they lightly massage and create a callus. They even stay pretty soft in the snow and cold. I had mine in the pea gravel when we had the 2 weeks of constant snow...got 20 inches or more...but the paddock remained soft/dry and pliable.
Kac
Poor Waska. But it sounds like getting out for a light hack was still healthy for him....and you, too. Bo is adorable! Love his silly face. And yes he does have a nice wide chest! Strong!
Apache is much more narrow and if she's not muscled up, looks rather weak in her chest. Maybe that's partly why she strained her shoulder when riding in the mountains?
Anyway, I'm hapy for you and Amber that you got to ride and catch up on life together.
~Lisa
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