Journey Europe’s Horse Conditioning Reports
We missed our conditioning reports last week because we were in transit. We will try to do them each week but it is easier to see the changes when a little more time passes. Last week was our first full week of riding and the horses covered about 140km in five days in some very cold temperatures. The terrain was not difficult and they had warm dry stalls each night with plenty of good quality feed. Clyde was wormed for the second time last week to ensure he is parasite free. Thus far the horses have not sustained any injuries or riding related problems other than some hair being rubbed off Dalì from the pack pad, which we have since trimmed to ensure no further damage to his hair or his skin. At this point I am very pleased with the progress each horse is making both physically and emotionally. I remain very concerned but optimistic about Clyde’s ability to make this journey. Olivia and I continue to monitor his progress closely and feel confident that the benefits are still outweighing any possible harm.
So lets start with Clyde’s conditioning report this week.
Temperament: Bright eyed horse with thin hips. Very forward going with a pleasant attitude toward people and life in general. He still grinds teeth when he is impatient but not as a result of pain. The nerve issues he was experiencing in his back have greatly improved along with his digestive system and his urinary system. Each day he seems to feel better after the ride than he did that morning. We are still working on fear issues but he is very traffic safe and confident under saddle. We have been treating him with a few different homeopathic remedies to improve his immune system and help with his skin and the progress has been significant. He now enjoys brushing if done gently and seeks human touch. His sarcoidosis continues to improve and should be completely healed in a few weeks. Although he remains thin his strength and stamina continue to impress everyone we meet.
Heart Rate: 44
Respiration: Normal
Capillary refill: Good/fast
Neck: No fat on top but some on sides, meets with shoulder smoothly and nearly flat.
Withers: No fat on top but bones are covered nearly to top now.
Tail: Rounded not protruding with some fat at bottom of tail dock.
Shoulder: Some fat behind shoulder nearly blends with body.
Ribs: Barely visible (we aren’t sure if this is a result of lose of hair or lose of fat) with some fat between but not covering.
Back: Negative crease with more fat along spinal processes
Tail: Rounded and no longer protruding with some fat at bottom of tail dock.
Overall Score 4.5 ** with some areas of improvement
Next up Lapo
Temperament: Lapo is a big lug of a horse with very little regard for personal space. He has a happy spirit with an easily distracted mind. We’ve made tremendous strides in building focus and building confidence but still have a lot of work to do. His back and hips are becoming stronger and straighter allowing him to move much more freely with his head in a more natural position. His strength, stamina and muscle tone have improved greatly but despite appearances he is still the weakest of the three horses.
Heart Rate: 40
Respiration: Normal
Capillary Refill: Slow with poor gum color
Neck: Fat covering top with spongy fat on sides. Neck meets body flat and smoothly.
Withers: Fat covered but no longer round.
Shoulder: Some extra fat which blends smoothly into body.
Ribs: Not visible with fat filling but not covering them.
Back: Flat with slight positive crease
Tail: Round with spongy fat on side but no fat on top.
Overall Score: 5.5
Finally Dalì
Temperament: Sweet old horse with a stubborn streak under saddle and a soft spot for Olivia. He has suffered our only mishap which doesn’t really constituent an injury but we did manage to rub a significant amount of hair off his hips. We did some very unattractive trimming to the pack pad to improve the fit and hopefully that will prevent further rubbing. Some days our pack is moved by car and on those days Olivia rides Dalì and we pony Clyde, this is when Dalì’s strength and character really shine. He may be a little older but he certainly doesn’t lack energy or personality.
Heart Rate: 40
Respiration: Normal
Capillary refill: Good
Neck: Squishy fat on top with sides covered in fat. Neck meets body flat with a slight bit of extra fat in front of shoulder.
Withers: Round with extra fat covering them.
Shoulders: Some extra fat behind shoulder but blends into body flatly.
Ribs: Not visible, filled with fat and covered in some fat
Back: Flat
Tail: Hard fat on sides with a small amount of fat on top.
Overall Score 7
