More fun exercises for Remy - figuring out treatments for Chambord - and pony or poodle?

It's been a good riding week. Roz always brings new and fun exercises to the table -uh, arena- and we can count on them improving our work. This week's double bridle ride went way better than last week, I think I am getting more relaxed about out, which in turn helps Remy.

The exercises we did in the trot were focusing on the half-pass, culminating in several half-passes with change of direction, i.e. half-pass right, straight, half-pass left, straight, half-pass right. Another new favorite of mine is trot half-pass to X, walk pirouette, then continue trot half-pass.

In the canter Roz had me change the flexion every few strides to make Remy more supple. I had to be careful to change on the flexion, not the bend. Changing the bend meant flying changes to Remy. With the better canter the changes are improving. Yay! The cool part is that Remy likes the work, he is attentive, stays relaxed (sometimes a bit too much actually), and finishes always relaxed.

Chambord is currently our 'problem child'. After we noted a lameness in his left front when he was trotting I called our vet. There was no noticeable injury, heat, swelling etc. Blocks and X-rays revealed a mild case Ringbone (Ringbone is exostosis -bone growth- in the pastern or coffin joint. In severe cases, the growth can encircle the bones, giving ringbone its name). This is not curable but can be treated. First course of action is addressing the inflammation and pain. So I am vet wrapping an icepack every day on his pastern for about 10 minutes. Luckily Chambord is easy to treat … when there is food involved! He also gets Surpass (prescription cream to treat Osteoarthritis) rubbed in the area and Back on Track wraps at night. After two week we'll re-evaluate, and either add Shockwave and/or Adequan injections if needed.

And if that isn't enough: Yesterday apparently Chambord tried to climb the apple tree and in the process scratched his eye (the one day he wasn't wearing his face mask, of course!).

The other 'minor problem child' is Teddy. His winter coat is already growing, and with the hot and humid temperatures he gets sweaty and uncomfortable - so what does he do? He colics! Luckily only minor episodes, and we have the treatment down pat: A bit of Banamine and cold hosing did the trick. Of course, that's not a long term solution, so today I pressed "JP, the barber" into service. Off came most of Teddy's coat. JP did a creative clip and Teddy reminds me now of Jan's poodle, but of course, I'd never tell him that!