I continue trying to get Lance out for his daily constitutional. My friend Laura offered some suggestions for dealing with his naughtiness that I've put into practice, and I do believe they're helping. On Sunday we started in the arena, then headed down the lane. I dismounted while Lance was still being good and led him farther down the lane. On the other side of the paved road, he started getting squirrelly. A motorcycle cruised by; he launched into airs above the ground. Every time he acted up, I got after him, and led him farther away from home. We ended up walking a lot longer than our prescribed 30 minutes – and my shoulders reminded me just what had brought on my tendonitis. I gave my ouchy shoulders a day off, then rode again today the same way. I rode him a bit farther before dismounting; when he got naughty it wasn't as energetic; and he seemed to figure out that acting up delayed his return to barn and buddies.
8 comments:
Allergies?
I need to catch up with Lance!
That's a possibility, Sara.
There's not a whole lot to catch up on, Mary Ann. We found another injury in July so he's been on stall rest, then hand-walking, and now just walking under saddle....
My old guy Woodrow has allergies to 38 plants or plant products. Besides bumps and eye weeping, he sometimes gets scratching like Lance has done. I will occasionally find a weepy sore, but often it is just itchy. Listerine helps, as does Mineral Ice. I also dose with Cough Free if he is building up to a bad time. Temperature or seasonal change seem to trigger outbreaks. Good luck!
Listerine is supposed to help the itchies. Of course, it will probably make it sticky too, but I've heard of people having good results using it. Glad to hear he's getting the idea that acting out means more work - it worked for Tang, but took a bit longer...
Does he have a fence he can reach through to nibble grass? If you kill the grass outside the fence, that could help the mane. Maybe needs sheath cleaned? Often a cause of tail rubbing,. Aren't you tempted to go for a buzz cut? Rename him G.I. Joe.
Listerine worked great on my made, and its really not that sticky. Just spray it on and really rub it in to the skin. I did it once a day.
Mary, Lance has no other symptoms, so I don't think it's allergies. Itch-B-Gone smells just like Listerine; next time I won't waste my money on the specialty product!
Sylvia, he rubs on the sides of the doorways. I'm pretty sure his sheath is clean, and NO, I've never been tempted by the buzz cut look!
Post a Comment