Progress with Aries!

A J · 05-31-2009, 09:49 PM

So, after some lessons for myself (and Aries) we're seeing a little more progress - still not the fastest progress, but I usually only end up being able to ride 3-4 days a week, too. We've been spending the majority of our time working on him going forward and straight (he's a very wiggly horse in addition to having a straightness issue especially to the left), and on myself on using my shoulders and upper body more properly, and keeping the proper weight in each hip (I have a tendancy to "collapse" the left side of my body, and carry more weight on my right hip). We're not quite to the point of trying to look real "pretty" just yet, so things are still a little rough, I wouldn't use this as a lesson on how things should look - more like a lesson on how NOT to look

But compared to where we were, there's at least improvement

Right now I mostly am focusing on our flat work and have recently started working on simple lead changes - as long as we keep the forward, and I make sure he's between my legs, he's getting it pretty quickly! I've started adding a little jumping once every 8 rides or so, so far just baby jumps, the biggest we've done so far is 2' (one of those in the video), most everything else is still at 18", although I'll probably start adding more 2 footers since it makes him work and focus a little more than the little ones that he basically steps over.

I did notice in the video that he seems to have more knee action and lift with his left front - not sure if that's because of his straightness issues, or perhaps a chiropractic issue. I'll be talking to my vet the next time she's out and my instructor to see if they have ideas. He seems sound on it, no heat or swelling or discomfort that I can find, I'll have to see what they have to say about it.

Here's a recent video, you can look at my older videos for a comparison. The headtossing is pretty much gone, so that's a biggie alone right there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it7RNaDRQWk

Here are some recent pictures, too.

Not the best conformation, but not the worst, either. He's a gelding, so as long as he stays sound, right

And just for reference, this is what he looked like the day I got him

kshnooks · 05-31-2009, 10:04 PM

You know whats funny, I was just thinking about you and him! He looks so great! What is he again?

A J · 05-31-2009, 10:12 PM

Trakhener - he turns 7 either this month or next, not sure, I'd have to look again! Definitly a late bloomer!

Bonanza · 05-31-2009, 10:13 PM

I just watched your video - what I liked best was how you guys are on the same page - you can see that he is cheerfully and willing working for you. I think you have the start of a wonderful partnership - congratulations!

beth55051 · 05-31-2009, 10:31 PM

He looks so much smoother and more forward moving. He's definitely filled out and matured alot. Hardly even looks like the same horse. You're right though, the little hop overs don't seem to hardly even bother him.

I almost wonder if he doesn't have some sort of "hitch" in his back or hips? I noticed him being slightly "off" but saw it more in the back end rather than the front?

A J · 05-31-2009, 10:51 PM

Ya, although it's gotten better, it's almost like he "forgets" about his hind end sometimes. He's always been that way though, so I'm not sure as to what or why

Although he's also a very "loose" horse as I would describe it - very wiggly, and can contort how he stands in ways that would make you think he's broken something, but can move out of it just fine, and it's not like it's always the same. It's as if he has too much flexibility in his hips

And his straightness issue my instructor saw almost immediatly - going to the left, he tends to cross his left hind under himself rather than track straight. If I do a good job of using my outside leg and getting his hind end back in line he'll straighten out - biggest problem there is that my riding weaknesses exasperate his weaknesses!

So if I'm collapsing and not holding him like I should (which I noticed visibly a few times in the vid that I'm off), then it gets even worse.

Although I honestly think it mostly boils down to laziness - he really is a very lazy horse, and anything that is easier he will try. I tend to say this because his little "trips" behind have gone from being frequent to seldom as he's built up the muscle and started to carry himself, but as soon as he quits trying, then it'll come back. There may be some other underlying reason, once I have the extra cash in hand I intend to get a chiropractor out to look at him.

He also has a difference in his poll flexibility left to right, so that could be contributing as well, I'm hoping the chiropractor can help out there, too.

gbarmranch · 06-01-2009, 04:51 AM

He looks so much better then when you first recieved him.. Hopefully the chiro can help out - but he may always be that way without the leg...

What are their plans for him..

horselady · 06-01-2009, 06:45 AM

He looks lovely and yes is a willing partner. You have done alot with him.I noticed him being a little stiff or kicking up more dust with his right hind. could be lazy , but like was stateda little shifty.

Carri · 06-01-2009, 06:54 AM

He looks great! It sounds like you are making a lot of progress and having a great time with him. He has really filled out a lot!

redboy · 06-01-2009, 07:39 AM

He looks GREAT!!

thumpersgirl · 06-01-2009, 09:18 AM

I didn't watch the video but from the snapshots, he is looking so much better. He has really started filling out.

A J · 06-01-2009, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the comments everyone!

I'm also going to try a different farrier - I noticed a difference in his way of going after this past shoeing, and there've been a few things that have been issues with this farrier (other people as well as myself). It's going to cost me a lot more, but I think it'll be worth it to see if a couple times with this other farrier makes a difference. If it does, then I'll stick with him.

Arrow · 06-01-2009, 07:22 PM

He looks off to me in the hind end, I want to say right hind. I don't think he's tracking that leg under as far. A horse that "loses" his hind end on occasion usually has a stifle problem. I would have a very thorough lameness check, especially before he does any more jumping. I saw it more after the couple of little jumps than when he was just working on the flat.

ToveroMom · 06-01-2009, 09:34 PM

AJ lots of improvement-you should be very proud.

A J · 06-04-2009, 06:59 PM

Had the vet out, she went through a complete lameness/stifle check, there was a slight reaction on the flexion test, and a slight difference in the fluid between his right and left stifles (left side is where things were being noticed), however, she pretty much verified what I was thinking that the poor shoeing may be a major factor right now.

She said she would recommend continuing to work him, and keep building up his muscle, getting his feet fixed (which I was already planning on doing) and see how things are in two-three months.

She then watched me ride him and definitely thought he looked a lot better under saddle than just lunging (this week we've started to do more long and low since we seem to have forward down) and she said to definitely keep working him.

She's seen him in the past, too, and said he was looking pretty good. She commented that he was muscling up nicely and evenly, and didn't see any red flags that I should stop doing anything - in fact, just the opposite.

So that's the plan for now, we'll keep working and get his feet straightened out, and go from there!

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05-31-2009, 09:49 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,856	Progress with Aries! So, after some lessons for myself (and Aries) we're seeing a little more progress - still not the fastest progress, but I usually only end up being able to ride 3-4 days a week, too. We've been spending the majority of our time working on him going forward and straight (he's a very wiggly horse in addition to having a straightness issue especially to the left), and on myself on using my shoulders and upper body more properly, and keeping the proper weight in each hip (I have a tendancy to "collapse" the left side of my body, and carry more weight on my right hip). We're not quite to the point of trying to look real "pretty" just yet, so things are still a little rough, I wouldn't use this as a lesson on how things should look - more like a lesson on how NOT to look But compared to where we were, there's at least improvement Right now I mostly am focusing on our flat work and have recently started working on simple lead changes - as long as we keep the forward, and I make sure he's between my legs, he's getting it pretty quickly! I've started adding a little jumping once every 8 rides or so, so far just baby jumps, the biggest we've done so far is 2' (one of those in the video), most everything else is still at 18", although I'll probably start adding more 2 footers since it makes him work and focus a little more than the little ones that he basically steps over. I did notice in the video that he seems to have more knee action and lift with his left front - not sure if that's because of his straightness issues, or perhaps a chiropractic issue. I'll be talking to my vet the next time she's out and my instructor to see if they have ideas. He seems sound on it, no heat or swelling or discomfort that I can find, I'll have to see what they have to say about it. Here's a recent video, you can look at my older videos for a comparison. The headtossing is pretty much gone, so that's a biggie alone right there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it7RNaDRQWk Here are some recent pictures, too. Not the best conformation, but not the worst, either. He's a gelding, so as long as he stays sound, right And just for reference, this is what he looked like the day I got him __________________ Try not, do or do not. There is no try.

05-31-2009, 10:04 PM
kshnooks Started Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,387	You know whats funny, I was just thinking about you and him! He looks so great! What is he again?

05-31-2009, 10:12 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,856	Trakhener - he turns 7 either this month or next, not sure, I'd have to look again! Definitly a late bloomer! __________________ Try not, do or do not. There is no try.

05-31-2009, 10:13 PM
Bonanza Long Yearling Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 1,175	I just watched your video - what I liked best was how you guys are on the same page - you can see that he is cheerfully and willing working for you. I think you have the start of a wonderful partnership - congratulations! __________________ It's hard to stumble when you're on your knees.

05-31-2009, 10:31 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 7,977	He looks so much smoother and more forward moving. He's definitely filled out and matured alot. Hardly even looks like the same horse. You're right though, the little hop overs don't seem to hardly even bother him. I almost wonder if he doesn't have some sort of "hitch" in his back or hips? I noticed him being slightly "off" but saw it more in the back end rather than the front? __________________ *Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.*

05-31-2009, 10:51 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,856	Ya, although it's gotten better, it's almost like he "forgets" about his hind end sometimes. He's always been that way though, so I'm not sure as to what or why Although he's also a very "loose" horse as I would describe it - very wiggly, and can contort how he stands in ways that would make you think he's broken something, but can move out of it just fine, and it's not like it's always the same. It's as if he has too much flexibility in his hips And his straightness issue my instructor saw almost immediatly - going to the left, he tends to cross his left hind under himself rather than track straight. If I do a good job of using my outside leg and getting his hind end back in line he'll straighten out - biggest problem there is that my riding weaknesses exasperate his weaknesses! So if I'm collapsing and not holding him like I should (which I noticed visibly a few times in the vid that I'm off), then it gets even worse. Although I honestly think it mostly boils down to laziness - he really is a very lazy horse, and anything that is easier he will try. I tend to say this because his little "trips" behind have gone from being frequent to seldom as he's built up the muscle and started to carry himself, but as soon as he quits trying, then it'll come back. There may be some other underlying reason, once I have the extra cash in hand I intend to get a chiropractor out to look at him. He also has a difference in his poll flexibility left to right, so that could be contributing as well, I'm hoping the chiropractor can help out there, too. __________________ Try not, do or do not. There is no try.

06-01-2009, 04:51 AM
gbarmranch Pasture Pet Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Mayberry Posts: 32,635	He looks so much better then when you first recieved him.. Hopefully the chiro can help out - but he may always be that way without the leg... What are their plans for him.. __________________ http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Quality Foundation Quarter Horses If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself." Augustine of Hippo

06-01-2009, 06:45 AM
horselady Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: albany new york Posts: 6,424	He looks lovely and yes is a willing partner. You have done alot with him.I noticed him being a little stiff or kicking up more dust with his right hind. could be lazy , but like was stateda little shifty. __________________ www.rainbow-horse-retirement.com We love and take care of your companion for the remainder of his lifetime

06-01-2009, 06:54 AM
Carri Pasture Pet Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Alpharetta, Georgia Posts: 13,643	He looks great! It sounds like you are making a lot of progress and having a great time with him. He has really filled out a lot!

06-01-2009, 07:39 AM
redboy Started Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 2,752	He looks GREAT!!

06-01-2009, 09:18 AM
thumpersgirl Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 4,114	I didn't watch the video but from the snapshots, he is looking so much better. He has really started filling out. __________________ Some people are like Slinkies; they're good for nothing, but make you smile when you push them down a long flight of stairs.

06-01-2009, 04:39 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,856	Thanks for the comments everyone! I'm also going to try a different farrier - I noticed a difference in his way of going after this past shoeing, and there've been a few things that have been issues with this farrier (other people as well as myself). It's going to cost me a lot more, but I think it'll be worth it to see if a couple times with this other farrier makes a difference. If it does, then I'll stick with him. __________________ Try not, do or do not. There is no try.

06-01-2009, 07:22 PM
Arrow Halter broke Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 88	He looks off to me in the hind end, I want to say right hind. I don't think he's tracking that leg under as far. A horse that "loses" his hind end on occasion usually has a stifle problem. I would have a very thorough lameness check, especially before he does any more jumping. I saw it more after the couple of little jumps than when he was just working on the flat.

06-01-2009, 09:34 PM
ToveroMom Pasture Pet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Cleveland TX Posts: 17,059	AJ lots of improvement-you should be very proud. __________________

06-04-2009, 06:59 PM
A J Greenbroke Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Vallejo, CA Posts: 3,856	Had the vet out, she went through a complete lameness/stifle check, there was a slight reaction on the flexion test, and a slight difference in the fluid between his right and left stifles (left side is where things were being noticed), however, she pretty much verified what I was thinking that the poor shoeing may be a major factor right now. She said she would recommend continuing to work him, and keep building up his muscle, getting his feet fixed (which I was already planning on doing) and see how things are in two-three months. She then watched me ride him and definitely thought he looked a lot better under saddle than just lunging (this week we've started to do more long and low since we seem to have forward down) and she said to definitely keep working him. She's seen him in the past, too, and said he was looking pretty good. She commented that he was muscling up nicely and evenly, and didn't see any red flags that I should stop doing anything - in fact, just the opposite. So that's the plan for now, we'll keep working and get his feet straightened out, and go from there! __________________ Try not, do or do not. There is no try.