2/15/2010

Two steps forward and one ginormous step back

So the DOR took me to the arena on Saturday afternoon and I was looking good. I lunged well, stepped over the poles, and had no sensitive spots when I was checked over. I have been behaving in the pasture like nothing was wrong; running, bucking, and moving a good as ever. Mission control felt I was good to try carrying a rider. So the Support Crew Chief was recruited to sit on me bareback so I could get used to holding a rider again. The Support Crew Chief is able to easily get on me bareback by just swinging over a leg and easing down while he is on a mounting block. I HATE having people sit on me bareback, I am goosey, so I made a stinky face. I was able to stand with the Support Crew Chief on me without any trouble with my hind end, so the DOR decided to lead me off. Well things went into the poop pile rapidly. My right hind struggled to support the extra weight, I started listing to the right after two steps. The DOR stopped me and the Support Crew Chief did a quick dismount. I wasn't being naughty mind you, I just couldn't get my gettyup on. Seems the old saying "You can't judge a book by its cover" is true for horses to, you can't judge ridability by pasture antics.
As you can see in the video I am still off in my right hind (video was taken after the Support Crew Chief had been on me-before he rider I didn't look off). My hips aren't lining up quite right, although they are much better after being worked by the Horse Guardian on Saturday. So now I have more physical therapy to do and the DOR and I are going to start working on getting me over some of my boogers. The DOR and I were both disappointed, we want to start riding together again. We had to stop and think about were I was at the end of September; struggling to stand on four feet, falling to my knees if I tried to turn, not wanting touched, grumpy and mean. I have come a long way. I can run, buck, jump over things, I love hugs again, and I am back to my loving personality. Without a rider on me or being asked to do circles with my right hind on the inside no one would be able to see that I am still recovering. Not bad for just about 4 1/2 months out from a catastrophic injury.
The DOR is planning on riding at a Buck Brannaman clinic in July and I plan on being the horse she rides. I want to meet Buck and dazzle him with my blinginess, Sir Darby just doesn't have my razzle dazzle.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

10 comments:

EvenSong said...

Jack, How about suggesting to the DOR that you start with a light saddle and maybe learn to ground drive? That would give you (and her) lots of good exercise and build up your back muscles. Then move to a slightly heavier saddle. Or even "real" driving...Know anyone with a cart and suitable bling-y harness?

mommanator said...

you'll be good as new by July won't ya?

Cactus Jack Splash said...

EvenSong
Good idea. I can pack a saddle and I can travel straight just fine. We haven't tried ground driving, the DOR has a surcingle so we could learn. She hasn't done ground driving in 30 years...bet it well make her tired.

Mama H said...

Very jealous that you will get to attend a Buck clinic. What a wonderful and enlightening experience. Sounds like you're on your way, but baby steps are in order!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Not sure if you have someone in the area that does this , but Kevin has done amazing work around here,
http://bluequine.ca/
Good luck and keep healing

Cactus Jack Splash said...

fernvalley,
Amazing work and what a trained person can do with an injured horse.
We have an equine therapist who come to the ranch every 8 weeks and does this same stuff. Jack may go the her place for extended therapy sessions for a couple of weeks, depending on what her next visit shows.

Florida Beach Basics said...

just keep at it - the journey itself is worth it, even if the final destination is not all you want it to be. marge

Laughing Orca Ranch said...

Get better quick, Jack! Buck is waiting to meet your handsome self!


~Lisa

Leah Fry said...

Driving is an excellent idea! And it is definitely good exercise for the DOR. I speak from experience :-)

Desert Rose said...

Ah Jack...so sorry to hear you still have hard work ahead of you to get back your former self!!! We're all rooting for ya!

 

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