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Post by ernieburt on Apr 8, 2012 12:19:08 GMT
Got to the venue and tacked up, really nervous, got into the warm up and disaster Noble wasn't completely sound! I had a trot and canter and he seemed then to go fine so did the novice test and (next disaster ) my reader was more nervous than me and read it wrong also Noble still didn't seem 100% struggling with his balance in counter canter etc. Took him off for a rest then did 10 mins warm up for elementary and again not right but not lame if you know what I mean, I hope you don't think I am bad but I was there and ready so we went in. Anyway this time the judge spotted it and asked me to have a canter which I did then popped him into trot on a loose rein and he went sound so she rang the bell this time we went wrong again but it was my fault and only once. The big lad still wasn't quite ok for counter canter or med trot/canter but tried his heart out. The judge called me over at the end and said so herself and asked a bit about him, I know she doesn't know me or him but she seemed to be suggesting that I thought it was normal for him to go as he did and told me to get a vet out then found out he was 21 and said "well there you go he needs steroids". Well I am not getting a vet on Good Friday for a horse that is intermittently slightly unlevel (if lame then yes definately) and he was also 21 on the Tuesday before when I had my lesson with a list 3 judge who knows him very well and he was sound then or I wouldn't have took him. Sorry for the rant at the end, we got 58% in Novice with all the mistakes and 59% in elematary 4th place with the one mistake and we qualified for the trailblazer National Championships. He is having a well deserved week off and I will trot him up and pop him on the lunge for a couple of minutes during the week and get my farrier or vet out if it doesn't get better or gets worse. Thanks for reading. Xx
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Post by solomon on Apr 8, 2012 12:53:28 GMT
God I feel for you! That is he isn't he feeling is so horrible! It's really hard to know sometimeswhat to do for the best. My old YM always said ride them through everything, rest makes them cease up. Not sure I agree with her but every horse is different. Worked for hers. Pete as you know has had loads of rest, still needs intensive help. I think Noble is fabulous for 21 and am sure it's nothing more than a niggle from over-doing it. Got my fingers crossed for you.
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Post by racaille on Apr 8, 2012 13:37:03 GMT
What an unsettling day! I would have done the same, anyway! I guess if he continues to be unlevel then I am sure you will get him looked at. It could be any number of little things, even perhaps a little bruise.
I too believe that most horses benefit from exercise (if possible, obviously.) I always get annoyed with people who 'give in' to niggling pains - most of them respond to regular movement rather than immobility (I am not talking about injuries here, just those little things that age can cause, for instance.)
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Post by brigadier on Apr 9, 2012 19:02:52 GMT
How frustrating. I did a test on Brig when he was quite unlevel, turned out he had a bruised sole
from a stone. Treat it as one of those days and see what the next few days show. You are doing marvellously so dont let it put you off.
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Post by ernieburt on Apr 9, 2012 21:08:44 GMT
Thank you so much Brig, I am hoping it is that simple as he has such poor feet a few people have mentioned bruising/puss, I am really hoping it isn't his age as the judge suggested as he was so sound up untill that point.
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Post by fimacg on Apr 10, 2012 8:17:44 GMT
You know him better than a judge that has met him for the 1st time. As Brig suggests he could have simply stepped on a sharp stone and was a bit footsore, have you had him shod recently? Figaro once went unlevel about a week after having new shoes and it was simply a matter of taking the shoe off and putting it back on again
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Post by brigadier on Apr 10, 2012 8:39:25 GMT
I think to suggest steroids was crass TBH, without knowing you and knowing the horse? Its bonkers, and although its worth taking everyones opinion into account it doesnt mean they are right. Its like riding instructors, judges have to be opinionated, its their job to make comments (most judges are instructors also) its just sometimes they dont know when to stop! They are fallible! How is he today?
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Post by ernieburt on Apr 10, 2012 19:56:40 GMT
Still slightly lame I am afraid but not really any worse, can't find heat or swelling. Farrier out thursday so have asked him to have a little look and will take it from there, Noble was shod 2 weeks ago but he is on the yard anyway so thought it best he look. Thanks for all your help. X
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for so much hard work we thank ye!!
