I rode the horse again last night. It was much, much better. My nerves were more under control. My trainer stayed around for me in case I needed the assist but I did it all independently. I even mounted by myself at the mounting block!
Again, horse was a gentleman. All I wanted to do was walk and trot and that's what we did for a half hour. I was tired after that but he never put a foot wrong the whole ride. I was relaxed but "in the moment" and enjoyed it for the first time since I was hurt. The knee brace is clumsy but doesn't irritate me and even the metal bars don't get in my way.
By the time I dismounted, which I have found I can do since horse lets me kind of slide a little to slow the hop to the ground. There is no pain from the impact when I dismount, it's just my knee is stiff from being bent and then having to straighten when I come off.
So in 3 rides I've already begun adapting. After last night, horse got his first personal nickname from me, too. I just started calling him "Smoochy". It seems to fit since he's always standing with his lower lip drooping (very relaxed fellow) and he's such a sweet guy. I have a few "generic" nicknames that all horses get from me such as all geldings are called "buddy" when I'm working with them. Horse earned his own nickname.
Horse has a name but almost nobody calls him by it. I don't care for it and everyone seems to have their own name for him, anyway. A horse with no real name. I kind of like that. I have a name chosen for him. But won't share unless he is passed by the vet.
Making that call today. Yes, I'm having him vet checked.
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14 comments:
I am so happy to hear this. Glad he is living up to his reputation.
And, now that he has a personal nickname, he is one step closer to being "somebody's horse...." hopefully yours.
Knee issues are a bummer for riding. The last time I rode, I could barely walk the next day, so riding is on the back burner for me. However, all three of my horses stand patiently while I do the "slow knee slide" out of the saddle and too the ground. I've learned to minimize the impact on landing, but I so do sympathize. It's almost the worst part of the whole ride.
What will you need to have done in your surgery?
I somehow missed your last post, which I just went back to read. Age, size and temperament sound like a match. I hope your affection for this horse is allowed to grow. Fingers crossed for the vet.
Glad things seem to be looking up. Hope all goes well with the vet check.
One word: YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:)
My friend who has had knee problems rides in a sports medicine knee brace and find it really helps. Might help you too.
OH..Smoochy sounds to be a very sensible and nice mount!
Happy that the knee works for riding so far.
Good things are afoot...ahoof!
KK
Cautiously excited for you.
Yaaahooo!
(well, maybe not so cautiously)
Here's hoping....
fingers and toes crossed. I hope hope HOPE this works out.
Excellent news. :)
Hope the vetting goes well.
I REALLY hope he passes the vetting, he really does sound fantastic. Do you have any pictures?
Perhaps for the knee a little dressage riding might help? Less angles and all.
Hooray! Good for you!
Echoing all the happy thoughts and good wishes already expressed! Crossing my fingers on the vetting - he certainly sounds like a nice boy.
I hope Smoochy gets a good report from the vet. He sounds like a wonderful horse.
ooooh! good luck! it will all happen like it's supposed to!
- The Equestrian Vagabond
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