It seems that with Previcoxx, 3.5 weeks of shoes, and time to lounge around, Shorty has improved! I have been doing some massage/bodywork occasionally now that I am a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist! I do think he benefits from it and I am so thankful I decided to learn. He is turning around in a small circle like a normal horse again and stepping over normally in front. He no longer has a head bob when trotting and looks sound in both directions, however I still doubt the quality of movement and think we still have a ways to go for him to move absolutely comfortably and naturally. Still a bit short strided in front, and I have heard he looks a bit off trotting down the uneven, firm barn isle (matted). To picky eyes, he may be .5/5 or 1/5 on the lameness scale. I am relieved to at least be headed in the right direction. He was easily a 3/5 just a few short weeks ago.
When I do go back to riding him again, I will try and ride him just as he knew how when I got him. He did not know dressage at all and simply went well on a light hunter/jumper type contact. This time around though, he will have better seat cues!
I had my first agility trial last weekend where my dog and I received qualifying runs in both of the classes we entered and he did great! We will be able to earn a title once we get 3 qualifying runs at that venue. Working with him has been so fun! I do miss riding horses, though. I don't think anything can ever beat the magic of riding a horse.
