Not-So-Speedy Dressage
From Endurance to Dressage
But at least he has a shoe back on. I am trying not to be grouchy about this whole thing, but I've not been very successful. It just seems as though when I get one of my horses ready to move up a level or move on to something bigger and better, something happens to set us back. Oh, well. Moving on … The area of the sole and wall that Dr. Tolley dug out has healed well with no sign of heat or abscess, but we're not back to work quite yet. On Thursday, I took Sydney to a farrier across town, my own was unavailable. Brad Allen is a long time farrier in this area and now operates out of his own shop, Rosedale Farrier Supply. He sells farrier equipment as well as feed, tack, and other things like fly spray and Betadine. In the back of his store, he has a sizable space for farrier work. It's quite nice with large mats spread across the floor, a power fan, and most importantly, shade! He cut off Sydney's wrap and closely examined the work Dr. Tolley had done. While the hole wasn't tender per se, the whole sole was very sore. Brad didn't even need to use the hoof testers to get a reaction; his finger pressure alone achieved that. Without a shoe to keep Sydney's sole off the ground, he is more than likely bruised. While the wrap was essential for fighting any infection, it also kept the foot wet and sweaty which contributed to the soreness. Even though he had an Easyboot on, he was still bearing weight directly on the sole of his foot. Brad felt that once Sydney got his foot back off the ground and the hoof dried out, he should return to soundness fairly quickly. When I checked on Sydney last night, he was much sounder than the day before. I turned him out for the first time in two weeks. He enjoyed a mad gallop and then did some trotting around. While I cringed at the slight head bob, at least he wanted to move around. While at his lamest, he hadn't wanted to walk around very much and a trot was a no go. I suspect that I might be able to do a light ride today. I'll pop him on the lunge line for a few minutes first to see. Luckily (?) we've had extremely hot and dry weather (100℉ with 10% humidity) which is helping to dry out and harden his foot. 5/17/2014 11:46:49 am
Thanks, Katherine. I know it will be fine before long, but I sure hate waiting for that to happen. It's already been almost three weeks. I just try to remind myself that by next month this will be a distant memory. :0) 5/17/2014 11:16:38 pm
I hope so, too, Sarah. I've considered a glue-on, but hopefully we can follow the more traditional route. :0) Comments are closed.
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About the Writer and RiderI am a lifelong rider.
I began endurance riding in 1996 where I ultimately completed five, one-day 100 mile races, the 200-mile Death Valley Encounter, and numerous other 50, 65, and 75 mile races. I began showing dressage in 2010. Welcome to my dressage journey. About Speedy GSpeedy went from endurance horse to dressage horse. After helping me earn a USDF Bronze medal in the summer of 2020, he is now semi-retired. Speedy is a 2004, 15'1 hand, purebred Arabian gelding. His Arabian Horse Registry name is G Ima Starr FA.
About IzzyIzzy was started as a four-year old and then spent the next 18 months in pasture growing up. I bought him as a six-year old, and together, we are showing at the lower levels. He is a 2008, 16'3 hand warmblood gelding. His Rheinland Pfalz-saar International (RPSI) name is Imperioso.
National Rider AwardsState Rider Awards
State Horse Awards
Working Towards:
CDS Sapphire Rider Award Third Level: 63.514% Third Level: 62.105% Fourth Level: Fourth Level: 2023 Show Season
Show Rating (***) CDS/USDF/USEF (*) CDS (s) Schooling (c) Clinic (r) Ride-a-Test Clinic 2023 Show Schedule
TBD 2023 Completed … Pending 2023 Qualifying Scores
Regional Adult Amateur Competition (RAAC) Qualifying Training Level 3 Scores/2 Judges/60%: Score 1: Score 2: Score 3: Archives
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