After the first chiropractor’s visit I noticed a big difference in the way Shah was moving so I was curious as to what the chiropractor would say about our progress and how my horse would feel like to ride after the second visit.
And it’s just getting better! The chiropractor was pleased that Shah has started to build muscles in the right places and that he could make less manipulations than on previous visit. Phew!
The recommendation now was to continue our rehabilitation program, lots of hills, canters, poles and work that encourages him to use his back properly. And to take things very slowly, slowly, having lots of patience and don’t rush as that would only make things go backwards again.
I’m really pleased about the effect that the chiropractic work has had on Shah. He’s moving much more freely, I can get him to work much straighter (just needs a little encouragement to step underneath himself better with the right hind so as to not fall in over the right shoulder all the time), and to my surprise he found his backside last week! He finally realised that he has an engine in the back that he can use and I had a few steps of him working properly from behind – wow, what a feeling. It was like riding on cloud nine, there was suddenly so much spring in him that I felt like I was riding in top hat and tails at a large show somewhere, with him showing off his huge trot!
We may need another visit in a month or so, but the main problem now is mine. Changing muscle memory takes time and I’ve got to let him take that time in order to progress. I’m feeling very positive about things though and I’m pretty sure this will prove to be a turning point.
I’m now moving on to focus on his feet….but more about that another time as I’m gathering several opinions and doing lots of research myself. With the back sorted the feet should improve, I’ve also made some changes to his diet, and with the increase in exercise, all being well we should see an improvement. And if we don’t, well, then my research will have to continue. However, I’m quietly confident that I’m asking the right questions, it’s just a case of picking which answer is right for us now.
