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| Riley update: Fun while it lasted Posted: 29 Nov 2009 05:17 PM PST  Well, turnout is on hold for a bit longer. For about a week, Riley was on turnout in the barn's indoor arena. It was fun to watch him enjoy his freedom and his new playmate. His good-natured turnout companion suffered his nudginess and high spirits. Fortunately, Riley was more interested in his friend than in tearing around -- although that did happen in spurts.Subtle, but "there" Most of the time Riley looked great, but every so often he took a slightly odd step. It's not shocking he might still have a shortish step every now and then -- he still has a significant defect in his hoof, and only one shoe in front. The subtle gait anomaly left me concerned about moving him to "phase 2" of the turnout plan -- from the soft felt indoor footing to the hard winter ground. New Bolton gave the go-ahead for turnout "based on the soundness he showed us" on a few short runs on blacktop during his visit on Nov. 12. I wonder what they would say if they saw what I'm seeing now. Deciding what to do... I spoke to the one person (other than me) who has seen whole ordeal through from the beginning back in March -- my local vet. She listened to the story I'm telling you. Her take -- why push it? Another six weeks will give us that much more confidence that he is ready:
Practical considerations The final deciding factor had to do with the impracticality of indoor turnout. I tried hard to get Riley 5-10 minutes in the ring without inconveniencing anyone. But at a busy boarding barn, with adults who work during the day, this proved to be a real challenge. Turnout in the early morning was proposed as an alternative. I did the numbers, taking into account the drive time, sedation time, wrapping the foot, and other tasks to get Riley and the ring ready -- it would mean getting up at about 5:00am daily to make it to work by 8:15 am. And I'd have to come back in the evening to do the other routine care he needs. I'll be honest with you, this just felt like more than I can do on a daily basis. Oh, and there's also Harv -- he's gotten so little of my time these last few months. An early start to the day would make an evening ride far less likely. New year, new plan The vet and I agree that it's prudent to put him back on stall rest/handwalking till January. In January, we'll try turnout again -- and if he's 100% sound, hooray! As far as turnout logistics? TBA, baby. If the time is right, a workable solution will be revealed. I'm ever thankful that Riley is such a good sport -- five more weeks buddy, five more weeks....      |
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