Time Is The Best Medicine For Horses
You know that old saying, “time heals all wounds”? Even though I’m pretty sure it’s referring to broken hearts and the like, it sure does apply to our horses! From weight issues to hoof issues to injuries, time and patience seem to be the best thing we can give our horses.
That’s certainly been the case with Ace’s feet … that have dealt with flare issues, an abscess, bad thrush, and a toe crack all within the last year and a half. With patience and regular trimming, his feet are now in good shape, growing thick healthy frogs, and the crack is staying the same while growing out.
Time has also been on Ace’s side when it came to weight and conditioning. He was underweight when I got him and had zero muscle tone. After a year and a half of good feeding and regular work, he’s starting to look darn good! I knew it was so, but didn’t realize just how much better he looks until I went back to see a picture from the day I bought him. Check out this progression:
August 30, 2008: The Journey Begins
October 2008: After Just One Month
Today: One Year and Four Months Later
What a difference time makes! His difference is most noticeable in his topline/neck. Isn’t it amazing what correct work and good food does for their tops?
Does he have a hunter’s bump or is he still gaining weight/muscling over his rump?
Nah, no hunter’s bump. Just a boney butt that could use more fat and muscling. You only notice it from certain angles – like these ones. He’s really filled out and it looks so much better. The pictures don’t quite do him justice. I can’t wait to see what the grass is going to do for him this spring and summer.
Wow! Way to go Ace! He is looking great Jackie!! Time IS on our side with our horses. So many people look for and expect that “Instant Fix” that they never get to see the end result of good care, careful work, and loads of TLC. Ace is a prime example!
Keep up the most excellent job!! Cant wait to see him all slick and shiny on the green green grass of pasture!
Umm…don’t kill me, but I am going to agree with Jenn that Mr. Ace does indeed have a hunter bump (don’t blame camera angels), but considering where he started I think we will forgive him
. Honestly though…he looks FANTASTIC now!! And he is so shinny! He looks amazing! I can’t get over it. He is like a before and after ad. Plus it is winter and you have mentioned that he is a hard keeper. He doesn’t look it! You should be so proud!
He looks great! Congrats on doing such a wonderful job conditioning him, especially considering all the set backs with foot problems!
OTB – now you’ve got me researching the whole hunter’s bump thing all over again. I’d already been concerned about that last summer during his lameness issues, but from everything I read he didn’t have any signs other than the protrusion. He doesn’t have any good reason to have one … he never raced, he mostly stood around in a pasture, and he hasn’t jumped until me. And horses can have that bump as a result of conformation rather than injury – and it’s not like his conformation is all that fantastic to begin with.
Fortunately, he’s been quite sound for months and months, and we’ve done lots of work to build up the strength in that hind end. As long as I keep that up, I’m doing what I can for him either way I guess. Good to be aware of it, but as long as he’s sound and happy, I’m not going to worry too much. You can bet I’m always keeping an eye on it!
Anybody have experience with “hunter’s bump” and SI injuries? Feel free to jump in with your experiences and thoughts.
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