Since our dressage is THE SUCK right now, Hampton and I have been going back to our roots. Before big goals of PSG and Silver medals got in the way. We've spent the entire week enjoying quiet rides together. Out in fields, on the trails. NO arena.
His attitude has made a complete 180. He has been back to the normal, mellow and curious horse I love and adore. No anxiety. No grinding teeth. No spooking and bolting.
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| Someone has put on some junk in the trunk. And it's not me. |
The rein lame issue is a mystery. I have had him evaluated by numerous professionals, both trainers and 2 vets. No one can seem to figure it out. I've got a few more ideas but ... if this becomes a permanent problem, there is no reason to keep trying to show Hampton in dressage above First Level. It would be a shame but if he is not capable of the lateral work, then he is perfectly capable of other careers that is for sure! Trail riding being one of them, he is the bomb!
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| Kentucky is so disgusting. I mean how do I handle this life?! |
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| Ears up the entire time! My happy Hampton is back! |
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| Could be rounder maybe ... but I love that he is going to the bit and uphill! |
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| Is there anything more fun than cantering in a big open field?! |
So that is where we are at the moment. I am still aiming for a show in August. Unless our next vet check shows something, I will probably enter him in First level and maybe a Second Level test. It's a waste of money to show Third and keep getting low 50s. Plus we risk getting eliminated for lameness. But I'd still like to show him and work on ridability.
We've got a couple more evals with area professionals this week ... and a vet appointment within the next week or two. We may take X-rays depending on what he finds. Unfortunately, my budget is very limited so something like an MRI or bone scan is totally out of the question. But, I will do what I can.
We can always tap back into the eventing scene, too!
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| My photographer may have been drinking. |
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| Hampton looks great. Too bad his rider is slumpy Mc Slumperson. |
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| New fence on the left, old fence on the right |
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| The best at creek stomping! |
I'd also love to get into some competitive trail ... anyone know anything about that? Sort of like the extreme cowboy challenge stuff?
how frustrating to now have any answers on the rein lameness yet. i really hope someone comes up with something soon! in the meantime, looks like a lovely trail ride - he looks so happy!
ReplyDeleteHampy is such a cool horse. :D Glad you're having fun regardless.
ReplyDeleteSometimes horses just aren't physically capable of doing what we want - sounds like Hampton would jump the moon for you if you asked though.
ReplyDeleteI really think if you find the right person To help you can find a way to work through this. He will succeed in everything he tries regardless :)
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