Therapy Riding

Heidi came by for a therapy session where she worked on mounting and dismounting. Eddy was a good boy standing still for her.

Carrie has thrown herself into her new therapy role. She demonstrated exercises while Micha filmed.

Heidi and Eddy were both worn out after an hour!

Unfortunately, Heidi's knee has been causing her pain and she's temporarily stopped riding. She's visits us for fun therapy now. Micha and Heidi brought their dog on the last trip!

Loki was thrilled.

There were butts to sniff.

Micha went for a walk with his boy and Loki tagged along! They were halfway across the property before I noticed Loki was gone.

Heidi's not the only one who's in therapy right now. Ernie's been getting regular vet appointments.

He's had ongoing degenerative lameness. A temporary nerve block had him moving like a different animal altogether.

"That's my horse!" Laura said.

One potential procedure would be de-nerving. The vets snip the nerve that goes into the hoof. It's permanent.

The upside is the horse feels no pain anymore.

The downside is the horse feels no pain anymore.

We would need to be checking Ernie's feet daily to make sure he didn't step on something that could cause lasting damage.

Laura didn't decide to do the de-nerving, but Carrie thinks it may need to happen one day. For now, Ernie needed shots to help with some of his issues and the vets recommended bar shoes for more support.

Ernie's an older horse, so none of these issues are going away. It's more about how to make him the most comfortable for the most time and get him to where he can be ridden safely. 

Laura came to us in time to reduce her boarding and hay costs and to replace them with vet costs. Carrie lets her ride Sam since Ernie is still out of commission as a perk of being here, but Laura is hoping to get back to riding Ernie again.

COVID 19 - The Coronavirus: Therapy Barn

Heidi came out to the barn with Micha, her husband, and Nathan, her physical therapist. 

Heidi's been dealing with some severe health issues, but she's been wanting to get back into the saddle. Today was the day she was going to try it.

Micha was on camera duty.

Carrie held the lead rope. Nathan and I walked alongside in case there were any balance issues.

It went well! We began to fade support and soon it was Heidi and Carrie with Heidi driving.

Heidi's biggest difficulty is dismounting. She can't bring her leg up over the saddle to bring to drop down on her own (That was my contribution).

Heidi gave Carrie a big hug when her feet were done! She doesn't do social distancing, but I can't censure her for being joyful!

There's still a road to recovery going on, but Carrie's committed to helping. She's been riding and training Eddy to keep him healthy and ready to see his 'momma' again.

They came out again a second time the following week. Micha drove, because Heidi's still not cleared for behind the wheel (She had wanted to drive herself, but Nathan got wind of it!).

Carrie actually gave a short lesson. I spent my time being an extra pair of feet. Carrie would order me to move a mounting block, shut a gate, etc.

Micha and I both came over when it was time to dismount. I waited until I was asked to help her clear her leg over the saddle!

So we're now a therapy riding barn! Carrie loves Heidi and she wants to do whatever she can to help. Micha and Heidi's families are in Germany, so the 'barn family' has all been offering to pinch in and help out.