Monday, April 9, 2012

We Did It!




The last time I rode Dusty was April 17, 2011.  Saturday was April 7th, so it was almost fully a year that my girl has been recuperating from her laminitis/founder and some serious suspensory injuries.  All of that is behind her now and we had a lovely first ride.  Not to say it was perfect because that would have been asking too much of her. 

Surprisingly, she stood like a little trooper at the mounting block while I got on.  I fully expected her to trot off but she simply walked off as if it hadn’t been a year since she was ridden.  There were a few times though, that her enthusiasm to be back in work got the better of her and she did break into a trot.  Which had me bringing her right back to the walk.  She’s only allowed to walk until she builds her stamina back up and develops proper muscling.

At the walk we worked on relaxing her and having her stretch her head/neck down and round her frame.  This was accomplished by a soft opening inside rein with a steady yet following outside rein angling in a straight line back towards my hip. These rein aids work like a charm to relieve whatever tension a horse might have.  She got to the point where she was tracking up nicely too. 

I was very proud of my girl and she got lots of rubs and treats.  If it was any other horse I’ve had in the past I might have been a little apprehensive about getting on for a first ride after a year off. Dusty’s personality is so sensible that there was not even a hint of nervousness on my part.  I know it surprised me too!

So, we’ve started back and hopefully she’ll stay healthy so we can both enjoy many rides in the future.  It’s good to have her back…

Until next time
Quote for Today
Correction does much for the horse, but encouragement does more.

25 comments:

  1. Congratulations!! This is great news. I am sure Dusty was a pleased and happy about it all as you were. She seems to be the kind of horse that likes to be busy, so riding is "just her style."

    Your patience and care have paid off big time.

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  2. Congratulations!

    The magnitude of this milestone is not to be understated.

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  3. Good for you and Dusty. It is so nice to have a horse you can get on after a year and have her behave so well.

    Had you ridden before this (after your knee surgery)???

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  4. That's wonderful and I'm so happy for you! It must have felt great to be back with your good friend. And I'm not surprised at all that she did well.

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  5. YEAH! for Dusty! YEAH! for you. Love those uneventful first rides.

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  6. Hi Lori,
    My knee replacement surgery was in Sept. 2008 and I've been riding since April of 2009. Both Blue and Dusty.

    Thanks everyone for your support, she did really. I'm so proud of her and happy to be able to ride her again.

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  7. Congrats! Dusty is such a beautiful horse and so willing to do what ever to make you happy.

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  8. Congrats on an in eventful but good ride. And I like your quote of the day. Nice reminder for all of us.

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  9. it seems like dusty is just as happy to get back to work as you are. i think you're both going to have a great year :-)

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  10. Absolutely wonderful!! So good to hear that you have your girl back and you both are feeling good.

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  11. Congratulations to you both - that's quite a milestone and I'm so glad the ride went so well!

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  12. Great news!!

    That must have made your weekend. Looking forward to hearing about many, many more happy rides. :)

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  13. Glad you had a great ride. I'm right behind you. I'll be getting on soon. Wish me luck!

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  14. Debi,
    Good luck when you get on too!

    Thanks again everyone for the support!

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  15. Wonderful to read!! So glad you and Dusty are back to your riding together. Enjoy and sending good energy for staying strong and fit to Dusty.

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  16. OH wow .....go Dusty. I look forward to many riding posts of your up coming summer

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  17. Congratulations! Sounds like a good first ride and starting point to many more!

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  18. That is such great news! It must have felt great to get in a short ride to start bringing her back into shape!

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  19. Fantastic news!! Though I can't believe its been almost a year - Dusty is truly amazing :D So pleased for you, you must have felt really good!

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  20. Great news! Sometimes, life is just good.

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  21. Yipee!! I am smiling ear to ear reading this. Absolutely wonderful. Congrats to both of you!!

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  22. OMG THAT IS SOOOOOOOO AWESOME!!!!!

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  23. A horse like Dusty is worth her weight in gold. Good on you for not ever giving up on her and just allowing her the time she needed.

    Very happy for you and Dusty!

    ~Lisa

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  24. What a great feeling that must have been.

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