Wizard Sessions 363, 364, Ride 365: Down in the Park
I scheduled an appointment with the vet for Weds, May 30. I shot videos so she can get an idea of what we’re looking for. Based on what Wizard is doing, it appears that it’s the inside of his right front leg/foot. To the left, he has more of a head nod. The vet said to keep him working, since she does not want him sound when she tries to examine him! After he’s diagnosed, we will treat/rest/whatever is needed.
Trotting left:
Trotting right:
Weight as of 5/15/12: approx 975 pounds- definitely underweight for his size. Since he has gotten on more pasture and has settled in more, his weight is FINALLY increasing again. I’m hoping that the UlcerGard is helping as well. I can’t believe how quickly he stressed the weight off when we moved.
Wednesday, 5/23/12
After work, I went to the barn and took a walk in the Assunpink with Cathy and Miss Tuesday. This was before the vet told us to work him, so I was resting his leg and we hand walked in the park. We were out for about half an hour, and Wizard was pretty good. He walked on pavement and on the grass.
Friday, 5/25/12
I got a nice note from one of the boarders. She noticed that Wizard had been separated from Sunny for Sunny’s riding lesson, and after his usual hollering and crying, he spent some quiet time with his Thoroughbred neighbor, Bailey. Wizard is finally making friends, and his whole world no longer revolves around one mare.
After work, Wizard got a quick bath and a hand walk in the Assunpink, this time with Christie and Brigid. We mostly walked on pavement, as part of our long-term conditioning plan. Once he’s off the property, he is MUCH more relaxed since he’s away from Sunny. We practiced with some halts when we got close to the barn. He needs to be SOLID on knowing how to stand quietly when needed.
Saturday, 5/26/12
Since the vet wants him working up to the exam day on Weds, I saddled up and rode. During tackup, he was fidgety for about 5 minutes and then settled pretty well. We went back out in the park with Christie and Brigid. We walked over 2 miles, and it was a really nice little ride. Wizard was happy to let Brigid lead sometimes, and they got along very well. We rode past the Monmouth Hunt Club and up and down a few gentle hills. There were lots of rabbits, a few bluebirds, and beautifully-scented spring flowers. It felt GREAT to finally get out for a ride in the park- the trail/hill work was a big reason why we moved in the first place. Back at the barn, he stood pretty well while he was untacked. I think I am finally getting the real Wizard back.
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I know you’ve looked at everything with Wizard, but I see a stiffness in his right shoulder. When he was going left, I noticed he doesn’t lift his right knee as much (it’s probably harder when his right side is the outside of the circle) and then when I watched him going right, I see his shoulder doesn’t seem to go all the way through the step/rotation like his left shoulder. It’s like he stops short in his shoulder on the back end of the rotation… at a normal trot, the shoulder sort of goes in a rotation like a gear on a sprocket, and it seems like his right shoulder doesn’t go through that full rotation.
Thank you, Tamara! I appreciate you taking a look. My friend who does some massage work was working with his range of motion, and could feel it in his left shoulder as well. I will be sure to mention the right shoulder to the vet on Weds. I had been hoping that the rim pads and shoeing changes would help with his shoulder freedom, but I have not seen much of a change from the shoeing. It seems like he puts his foot down before the full flight path ends.
My pleasure! I’ve been reading about your plight (and joys!) with Wizard for a while now, and I’m sure you’re both anxious to solve the mystery. Pain is so debilitating and it definitely makes you crabby. I’m so glad you stick with it however, and enjoy him whatever ways you can.
I watched both videos several times. I wish I could watch him moving on video shot with one of those really cool slomo cams they use now… I bet it would be much easier to diagnose the source of the problem.