In the meantime, Echo is working on shoulder healing. Being a horse, he of course does not proceed in a linear, or even understandable fashion. But there is slow progress. And I'm getting pretty good at equine massage.
Ridiculous creature |
We don't do anything complex -- walking, a bit of trotting, some ground poles, depending on what he is feeling up to (he never fails to tell me). I sneak in a few steps of lateral work or transitions, then quickly look away in case he catches me trying to surprise him with his nemesis, Dressage. Occasionally, he gets excited & takes a few steps of canter. I let him have it because it puts a big, stupid grin on both of our faces, but I bring him back after a few strides so he doesn't make himself too sore.
His bad foot gets tired quickly, so I keep field sessions around 30 minutes or so, although he can walk longer on a trail once Echo can go out again. He's crooked, but I don't pick at him since he's 24 & carrying old injuries. Despite that, he still has his lovely suspension when he lifts into the trot. And I still get to spend a few minutes with my favourite view in the world.