Would ground work be a possibility if the riding is a no go?
longer pasture time for Henry will not harm and might be very good. Your young rider is good enough under supervision, and a trusted pro would be an ally . I would wonder if now is the time for a very good Dressage foundation. Even if your young rider just did hill walks and trot sets, this conditioning is a huge plus for body and mind.
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Gosh I donāt know. Right now I donāt feel comfortable lunging anyone because of the torque and I can walk but Iām SLOW. No idea how long before Iām back to normal-ish on foot after surgery. Iāve been riding my hunt mare, wearing a knee brace, because sheās pretty much bombproof and very predictable, so I can still take the kids out on trail rides. My ortho doctor didnāt believe me when I said it hurt less to ride than to walk, but I have limited effectiveness with my right leg and Iām not attempting to school anything. Iām not mentally or physically comfortable getting on a green or difficult one right now.
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I was more thinking in hand stuff with the kid or someone else . Showmanship patterns / learning how to model . Long hand walks in the ring Stop/ turn / trot in hand. Something that can keep Henryās brain engaged with out actually riding .
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I can completely understand that. It is one thing to ride a been there done that type you have complete faith in. Itās something else entirely to get on a green one.
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I misunderstood you! Thatās a great idea!
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No worries. I wasnāt very clear and I can completely understand not wanting to lunge a horse with a knee injury.
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Thatās a terrific idea! Thatās a great something for both Henry and kid to learn. Heck, I started doing some of that with my 15yo when he had a shoe off last week. I just wish I had thought of it earlier in that week.
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Might want to teach the kid the patterns from a safe distance for awhile. Based on friends rehabbing knee surgeries, you donāt want to put yourself at risk of getting bumped into if not knocked over due to not being able to react quick enough. We all know shyt happens.
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I vote, keep him and either toss in out in the field or find an adult ammi to keep him ticking over for a bit.
Just remember, that you will not be ready to hit the ground running even when you are cleared to ride. So Henry does not need 4-5 rides a week because you will not be there yet. May be just 2 rides a week and the kiddo.
The more I think about it, toss him out with the yearling. They will be fine taking the summer off.
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Initial reaction was Henry can come here and learn to be a lovely trail horse while you are healingā¦ problem would be I canāt imagine being able to let him go home after!
I think giving him a very casual schedule of basic rides with the kid and an occasional ride with a pro/adult with lots of turnout time would be the way I would go.
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Happy update for Henry. Taking advice from yāall, Iāve been doing a few weeks of groundwork and back to the very basics with Mr.H, and today I felt comfortable giving the kiddo a leg-up for Henryās first ride back since the end of April. Just an easy walk-trot and some ground poles but Iām feeling much more confident about keeping him in light work while Iām rehabbing myself.
IMG_2970
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Look at that āhappy back = happy tailā swing to his trot! Good to see you, Henry!
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I hear him humming āIām bringing home a baby bumblebeeā¦ā
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Can we make a Summer Pony movie starring Henry and this kid?
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I think Henry is going to be one of those really smart old soul types who realizes the better the behavior the easier his life will be .
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One of my most favorite books!
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Henry and kiddo look great. Is it my imagination or has he grown quite a bit?
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Lol, yes!!!
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Mr. Long and Low over here.
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