2011 – Rock & Roll – 11-21-11 – OUTDOOR ARENA TRAINING

11/21/11: Rock had a good workout today and did not seem as sore as he was the last time. He didn’t clip any PVC rails today and gave me one shoulder-in for a couple of steps each direction. He is still chasing his balance, but I am pleased that he is inclined to correct it himself when he comes to a halt. He is still tracking the left hind behind the right front. Dave McClain saw him and adjusted him today after the workout and he was pleased to see that he has gained weight again and is happier in his overall attitude. I asked if he thought the left hip had been fractured and he said no, but that he had really hurt it so it will take some time and the right kind of maintenance work. He suggested putting him in 300 pounds of traction intermittently as we are able to do. That would help to open the left hip joint and promote healing. The regimen of allowing him his morning nap, then turnout into the sandy dressage arena and the gate open into the south pasture to encourage him to put his head down and graze and move (whenever it is not muddy or slippery) seems to be working well. I did have to wrap two places ion his left leg today as he must have reopened the scabs while getting up from his nap.