Works in Progress

Its almost weekly that I either see a posting on Chronicle of the Horse's BB or someone emails me about sacro-iliac injury in the horse. Why do they email me? Usually because they know someone who knows me and thus Ernie's story. They ask for any tips and advice and I write it out generally in a hurry and send off what I can. Its been on my list for some time, but I am officially starting to draft out a blog page that I will post here... or maybe two... about his injury, the diagnosis, the treatment, the rehab and the post rehab road. Its important because there is hope for this injury! Like a lot of people, I was devastated when I realized how bady hurt my horse was and really frustrated that it took so long to get it correctly identified. Given its long standing and chronic nature, I give a huge amount of credit to the vets that helped me on the course of healing it. So, look for that shortly!

The continued progress of Ernie and Philipe.... the BIG half-halt. Otherwise known as the "sit DOWN, NOW" half-halt. They are getting stronger, getting quicker, and there is still work to do on not losing the neck in any way shape or form during the big half halt. Small and sequential half-halts go through well, but they each have some tiny evasions to the big half-halt and we are diligently nit picking through those little spots where the aid doesn't make it through to the haunches.

Lastly, I'm trying to think in terms of being more efficient. Making my point as quickly as possible and getting on to either a different topic or a reward. I have a tendency to go fishing a little as I say. I like for the horses to 'figure out' the answer, but sometimes its important just to tell them the answer then repeat and see if they can find it the next time.

January is almost over and the shows are upon us. I'm very anxious to show, but really want the tests solid. I'm planning to do some test rides over the weekend with video to see where we are at.