Change the plan... not the goal!

The road of rehabilitation can be a bumpy one!


​We have already hit problem number 1 on the rehab journey roller-coaster! Athos was due to come home at the end of March, then I got a message that he had been ?Kicked and had another Haematoma, this time on the right hind. I therefore decided to get him home a week earlier than planned so I could at least start treating it.


Cue a week of stress and all things pointing to Athos deciding not to load on pick up day, just to top it off! So, we prepped with snacks and coffee for the long haul ……… and he walked straight on, the best he’s ever loaded in his life! Haha, that’s horses for you!


He has had a full MOT from the vet, his teeth rasped and his vaccinations brought forward a couple of months (due to the Equine flu outbreak and moving yards). The vet’s thoughts – his main issue is his weight! The haematoma, although a mess, will reduce, but hopefully I can speed that up a little.


During this first week of him being home I have started his rehabilitation gently, as I have also had some surgery in the last week(!), with:

• In-hand walking, simple raised poles in a straight line, and long-reining – all in walk, 15-20 mins, 1-2 times daily.
• Daily combinations of; LASER, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (PEMF), kinesio taping and massage to improve healing and reduce the haematoma

• Weight Management (tricky as he immediately escaped his muzzle!)

He has also been clipped and bathed and is starting to look a little smarter than the swamp monster I picked up!
 

So, already, the plan has changed with this new Haematoma to contend with – and this is ok (although very disappointing), and is often the case with any rehabilitation plan! It may be a little longer before we are in a position where we can start ridden work, but the groundwork is all “money in the bank” and will help him prepare for taking a saddle and rider after a lengthy period off!


The plan for the next couple of weeks:

• Static stability exercises to start to strengthen his back and improve his core stability and improve his posture (he has developed a slight dipped back) with good old Carrot Stretches and core stability and spinal mobility exercises
• Hind limb stretching regime (once my tummy is feeling better) to prevent any soft tissue shortening
• Continue with daily treatment of the haematoma
• Farrier to put shoes on
• Book the saddle fitter 

The Journey continues!

Becky & Athos

If the plan doesn't work, change the plan, not the goal!