Shorty had 2 appointments this last week. First, the vet came for his second check up since the end of July. He is still showing much improvement *happy dance!* She also commented at how great his coat is and how healthy he looks. His winter coat is like velvet! I don't remember him ever being SO soft. For this visit, most of his issue was in his lower back; he was actually very tight back there. Only one side of his neck at the base needed attention, and on the right side of his withers. She still suspects some soreness in his right hock, and possibly his left front. I am hoping the Pentosan will help manage and improve those spots, but so far he has done nothing but improve and is moving better than he has in a long time. He is unfortunately still looking a bit short at the trot, but his back was pretty out of whack and I think I already see improvement. My farrier says that once we feel good about trimming him differently and not so short that it will help him have a naturally longer stride. Especially if he keeps improving like he has.
We did have a day or two early on last week where he seemed a little off. He was just slightly bobbing at the trot when I rode. He seemed normal by Wednesday and Thursday. Gah, these horses! That was quite upsetting though.
His other appointment was with the farrier this past Friday and now he only has bar shoes with no wedge or pad at all. I can't believe we're finally back to this step! I've had this whole plan laid out working our way backwards to being somewhat normal and it's finally happening! If he passes the next 6 weeks with flying colors, I am thinking we'll be ready to try regular shoes and hopefully more of a dressage trim for his next visit. Our six week farrier visit will be right after Christmas. It will be such a great Christmas gift to me if Shorty is able to try normal shoes again!
I wasn't sure how well he took all the changes on Friday evening, but he looked really good working on the line Saturday evening, and even better tonight! He picked up the canter quickly when asked and looked really relaxed, rhythmic, and held it until I asked for the down transition. No bolting, rushing, and no laziness, but just right! He felt good undersaddle trotting as well. As of right now, we're still definitely on the right track :)
