I have a question for all you TB lovers out there.

[equinefreedom]

My boy was on a care lease and when i got him back he was not in very good shape... His feet were in need of a trim and he was underweight. I was not happy. But he is on the mend.
However, he seems to have a torn muscle in his shoulder area. I had some of the trainers at my barn check him out and they think it was a previous injury and is healing. Im just wondering what I can do to keep him in shape and healing... any advice? One person said not to lunge him cuz it puts strain on the shoulder. Im really light too, 100lbs, and ride english. should i do light riding in the arena and work on his collection or let him sit a while... Just was hoping for some advice. Thanks all, i think this site is great by the way.
Kris

[shekaberry]

What does the vet say? Do what the vet says. Is he lame?

[equinefreedom]

the vet said it looked like a torn muscle but to be sure id have to get xrays. how ever i dont get paid fora few week so i have to wait. The vet said its not a necessity. She said rest and a little excersize. But also agreed no lunging. I just thought Id get some more advice. sorry.... hes young too about 7.

[mymercedes]

I think if he were mine, I would give him at least a couple of weeks off with good turnout. Do you have a round pen? You might just let him play in there.

[equinefreedom]

he has a stall with a paddock attached. and he can be turned out in a covered arena... but no round pen...

[winterlakesfarm]

I would say no open turnout where he could really get rolling, but complete lack of activity is the wrong way to go too.

No longeing is correct- too much strain. I would say stall and attached paddock only and then hand walking or light hacks with LOOOOOOONG warm up at the walk, then extend the walk, then a light jog then back to walk to cool out. Keeping injured muscles warm is important so be cautious on cold days.

Thermaflex Gel with MSM is great for getting heat to an injured area.

Torn muscles are very prone to reinjury as scar tissue is no where near as pliable as uninjured muscle tissue. If your vet is not accustomed to sport horses I would recommend consulting with one who is. Theraputic ultrasound treatments are excellent for damaged muscle to keep the scar tissue to a minimum. Some vets will allow you to rent their units for a week or more at a time. Be cautious and go slow. It can take months for tissue to heal. I would say to take the winter for rehab and make sure to condition slowly in the spring. If this area keeps getting injured you could end up with a pasture pet, as every instance is more and more scar tissue being layered which is more and more prone to re-injury.

No longeing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck with your horse!

[equinefreedom]

Thank you so much. I really hope it doesnt come to him being lame forever he is so happy to be ridden... But if it came to that Id still keep him. hes one of those horses that gets under your skin and no matter what you would do every thing to keep him.
On that note i will see about another vet more sport horse savy.... ANd think about the other ideas you noted. I apreceate the advice and am so glad this site is here for everyones questions. thanks again so much.
Kris

[cat67]

Oct 28, 2009 17:23:48 GMT -5 mymercedes said:

I think if he were mine, I would give him at least a couple of weeks off with good turnout. Do you have a round pen? You might just let him play in there.

Yeah, that is what I would do. No large areas where he can really get rocking and rolling but you do not want him standing and stiffening up, either.

[equinefreedom]

THank you all so much. I do do a lot of hand walking in the arena and i trot him in hand a bit too. Im kinda just going back to the basics of ground work. Just fun stuff that i could do in halter shows if I want. Horses arent just fun to ride. lol