The physical rehabilitation of Emma (2002 Warmblood Mare).
Emma had OCD surgery when she was 18 months old – left shoulder and hock. I was told at the time that the hock surgery was “a home run”, there would be no issue. The shoulder, however, was more unusual and she was given a 50% chance of ever being a useful riding horse. Initially, after the surgery I was concerned if she would even be a useful pasture ornament. The left front leg just hung there from the shoulder and she didn’t even try to use it. It was heart-rending.
After months in a stall with a 12×12 “patio”, Emma still heavily favored the left foreleg, but was at least using it. However, as a consequence of not standing on the left foot, the tendons in that leg contracted and she wound up with a club foot. For whatever reason, I opted not to do check ligament surgery. I think it was mostly related to a friend of mine saying “God put those things in there for a reason”. Instead, I was diligent about keeping a good balanced foot on her and did as much physical therapy as I could: massage, movement, stretching, etc. Emma still had the habit of grazing while standing on the right front foot and cocking the left, so she was constantly wearing off the toe. At this point it became evident that the “limp” was no longer part of a pain response, but was mechanical in nature – the left front toe made the breakover different on that side, shortening the step and producing unevenness. Putting a shoe on with the breakover set forward (to the place where her toe should have ended if she didn’t keep busting it off) made her go immediately sound. I was eventually able to take the shoe off again and she remains barefoot.
To date: Emma is “servicably” sound. What that means is: she looks pretty good out in the field, and she has had probably 30 days in the saddle, but not consecutively, and certainly not consistently, due to off and on bouts of “brokenness” (hers and mine). She longes decently to the right, but to the left, as you might imagine, her gait is still subtly uneven on the best of days. I have some friends who tell me, “Quit messing with her, spend what time you have with Maia [little sister].” Others say that with consistent proper work, Emma will make a fantastic partner. I admit, I have been torn. Over the last 2 years, I probably have leaned toward doing nothing rather than doing the wrong thing.
But “nothing” can be the wrong thing, too.
They say “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Over the last 2 months I have had a virtual “perfect storm” of teachers appearing, in addition to the ones who’ve been here all along. Some puzzle pieces have fallen into place. I have new Hope, and I am determined to give Emma my best – she has always given me hers.
My concern is for Emma’s long term health and soundness. She enjoys work, and I’m of the opinion that most horses like to have a job. It is my hope that this blog will serve a dual purpose: first, that it gives me a certain accountability that will serve to keep me on track; second, that my experiences can possibly be of help to anyone dealing with a similar circumstance.
Thank you for visiting.