The Art of Natural Dressage

It's been awhile so I thought I would update on my horse Tristan who had the pelvic fracture in Jan. 09. After 90 days of stall rest (12x12), then another 30 days to a small adjoining paddock (12x24), then to a larger paddock, he finally got some limited walking that evolved to pasture turnout through the next 90 days. Six months later, he was out to limited pasture with no friends except my filly on the other side of the fence.

Our photos are under Big Guy - on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/horseideology/

The last 4 months I've been doing hand-walking through the neighborhood, then hand-walking in the grass dressage arena and finally got the okay about two months ago to start him over cavaletti poles to strengthen his pelvic area. We are not too straight all the time, and a bit wobbly but here is some of the latest video of him working
Linda Tellington-Jones Labyrinth - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJgyhT1hBV8
Linda Tellington-Jones Star (which is harder for him) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScLkeTxMM5w
Some groundwork with a bit of trot http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZOf77tdtSE

The last three months I've been on his back about three times, mostly to evaluate how he felt and if he was ready for any under saddle work. At the time I decided not. He just seemed very out of balance and hesitant still to walk out.

I've also had the good fortune to find a really good chiropractor who is coming out monthly now and working his body. She has been very gentle with him and I've seen some huge changes on how he is stepping from behind, especially after her last visit about two weeks ago.

This week I got this video - Activate your Horse's Core through my rental dvd group and it also has given me some ideas on how I can make him stronger in the pelvis area.
http://horseideology.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/activate-your-horses-core/
You will recognize some of these exercises - the nose to chest, nose between the front legs, and belly lift, however, there are some good ideas on how to strengthen the lumbar area and the muscles that surrond the pelvic girdle.

With all that has happened, it has been a long road back to recovery, but seeing how he is playing and moving now, I am certain he can come back to 100 percent soundness. I hope to be riding him at walk once the weather here clears up a bit.

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~ Becky ~ http://horseideology.wordpress.com/

Hi Becky,

Well you have been through a lot of troubles!

But I am glad reading that things are working out now for Tristan.
My Billy is a grey-white gelding, he has several melanomas also and it made me very worried when we discovered them.
But for the moment they are alright - at least they are not getting any bigger.

I am sure you are both feeling a lot better now!

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Kind regards,

AnneMarie

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You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make'em drink...