Time to step down? WWYD

I think as we turn out soft tissue injuries more often we’re going to see them come back better than traditional rehab. He may have irritated it again but I think you’re at a point where dr. Green and a mental break for you are definitely in order. Mine stayed turned out in a field and we did the other regular rehab things. I’ve started ground driving and I think it’s been helpful for him mentally without putting the weight of a rider on the leg. It is such a pain but end of day you just do your best with the advice of the vet and your own knowledge of the horse and a lot of trial and error.

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Ugh, bummer OP. I am doing the same with my older guy to see if Dr. Green gives him the reset he needs on a tendon injury + mystery NQR issue. We decided to skip the stall and med paddock protocol to just give him 3-4 months on field with no shoes to let 24/7 turnout be some natural rehab. I truly think active “recovery” is the best rehab. Giving him 6 months to reset may be exactly what gets you back on track as he can rehab himself and slowly strengthen as he heals without our own human need to rush (even if we say we aren’t rushing…we always are!) Good luck!!

(FWIW, mines been out for about 60 days now, going to check him visibly soon, and give it another 30 before we re-stall him. We may start walking under tack if he looks OK but not bringing back to a stall based program until at least 90, to really give it a good hard reset. Sometimes the big field is really what they need!!)

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It’s nice to hear other people going through the same. Logically I know that “everyone” isn’t off living their riding dreams but my immediate circle has all these awesome promising youngsters and it’s tough not to feel alone. I feel very good about letting him live him live his frat bro dreams out in a field. Hopefully he comes back to work, but if not he owes me nothing.

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I’m currently holding onto my hunter dreams of moving up to 2’6 while also making the best of my situation with a twice-foundered miracle horse (who also tore his meniscus, which has somehow been the least of our issues???). You are not alone! Someday we will get there, but for now, we will learn important lessons in horse stewardship. Do they give out ribbons for that? :crazy_face:

I wish your guy all the best. Hang in there!

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Soft tissue injuries are the gift that keep on giving, but Dr Green is almost certainly the right choice at this time. And when he gets back, more turnout (to keep him moving), not less.

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