Adult new or returning riders part 2

[theferry]

I thought I’d start a new thread seeing as the existing one is full.

I’m due to ride tomorrow. Maybe I’ll jump. I’ll see.

@tinyspiny my vet thought there were too many red flags - by the time I’d investigated all the potential problems I could have easily spent his purchase price again. It’s sad as he was so sweet and willing but obviously quite physically compromised

Sounds eminently sensible @Pleasedontdothatas someone currently investigating similar issues I wouldn’t recommend it!

@Gremlinsateithave you gone ahead with ulcer treatment? Has he repeated the behaviours again?

Thanks for asking @Hereforthedramaz . We have gone back several steps with him; he still seems quite tense. I have started him on a gastric supplement. Insurance won’t confirm ahead of time whether they’ll cover the treatment cost, so, as it will be logistically tricky anyway, I will look at doing that after I’ve paid a few other big bills.

@Gremlinsateit fingers crossed the gastric supplement works. The one the vet put my mare on does seem to have worked amazingly well, they can make such a big difference!

Are you riding him or is he too tense for that?

I’m not riding him just yet. My instructor has sat quietly on him and we both see the same tension, so we are taking it slowly. Fingers crossed for the supplement!

I had a little sit this morning and we focused on not taking off from the block as soon as I’m onboard, and then practised one rein stops. He was much calmer - maybe from the gastric supplement?? I’m feeling very positive after this session :)

@Gremlinsateit that’s great news, is there a plan to slow bring him back into light work?

I rode my mate for the first time after her all clear re-scoping. I was expecting a very fresh pony after a month off and I assume she’ll now be feeling herself without the discomfort of ulcers!

But she was a good girl!

Second ride I asked for a couple of strides of canter and she did a few laps of the arena before I could bring her back to trot, but my instructor and I think it was actually a tack failure!

She has obviously changed shape now she’s so much healthier so back to tack trial and error!!

In a new way to spend money I have booked a bit and bridle fitter! Has anyone used one before?

@Hereforthedramaz my daughter had a bit fitter out for her 4 year old who was being quite fussy in the mouth when she started him under saddle. He was VERY clear on which bit he liked - he was just as fussy with the first two, then switched to the third and he was like a different horse.. it wasn’t that expensive and definitely worth it.

Thank you @Pleasedontdothat that’s great to hear.

She’s exactly the same, fussy in the mouth, less so in the Happy Mouth she’s in now but I’m hoping the bit fitter will have some even better ideas!

There is always a new way to spend money on horses….!

@Hereforthedramaz yes exactly! We are taking it slowly. I had another little sit on Friday, and he was much calmer and more responsive, more like when I was first riding him. So I'll keep up the gastric supplement and consider the ulcer trial if I can work out the logistics. We have had some much-needed rain so the grazing is a little better - that should also help with his tum as he can trickle-feed all day.

Good luck with your bit fitter :)