05/04/2010

DON
I brought Don up from the pasture and groomed him. He is still walking stiffly in his back. His back legs walk as if on a tightrope. I palpated his back with my hands with no pain response, but upon mechanical palpation (folded knife), he had a marked response. I massaged his pressure points and had him do some stretches (belly lift, shoulder, neck, etc.) He was a little confused by several of the stretches, but really seemed to enjoy the massage. I was hoping to keep him good and relaxed so I turned him back out into the pasture. He stuck around for some more belly scratches and soon ambled off. We will repeat the treatment again tonight and see if there is any improvement. I might include some heat therapy to hopefully get some deep muscle response.

JAZZ
Ponied Jazz again tonight and worked up to a 20 minute walk with about 5 minutes of trot mixed in (1 minute each). She still isn't terribly happy about working, but seems to enjoy the attention. I think her attitude will improve when we begin ponying her on the trail.

I am still working on the demolition of some of the old sheds. I am so not the carpenter and pulling every single nail is very tedious work! I keep telling myself that it is good for the soul and important for protecting the horses. I can't wait until the property is completely in our name so I can finally tear down the barn shed. That old eyesore has been patched so many times that I don't think there is any original parts left.