06/20/2023
Hello fellow nerds. The next few posts I will really be pushing the importance of TOTAL balance. This being balanced feet, body, movement, systemic health, nutrition, and RIDER.
I’ll now introduce the star of todays show.
Hi Yo Silver 💙
Silver is 20 years old, has been owned by the same person for 7 years, and has actively been a Competitive Distance Horse and an Endurance horse the entire time. The first time I met Silver was for a body work session and we quickly learned he was a musculoskeletal mess. I gave his owner a few tips to have her farrier look into at the next trim to help him out and shortly after was called back to take over the hoofcare as well. The “way of going” his owner was describing to me just didn’t sound right so an evaluation was needed. Little did I know that this horse would turn into one of my most in depth and rewarding case study’s to date.
Silver is the perfect example of how everything we do with our horse and put in our horse affects every aspect of them.
He required an intensive balanced dietary overhaul, which altered his body's conformation(to a point).
He required special shoeing due to excess concussion and related adverse effects, such as stocking up and toe cracks, which altered his way of moving. Thus changing his topline, which changed his saddle fit.
A more correct trim and shoeing package was required (this is when I was called for a consultation) to help support him. As he was more comfortable and starting to move correctly his body continued to change.
These changes ultimately tipped him over the edge to building a strong balanced body and exposed rider imbalances.
✨We need to take credit and be aware of our imbalances and weaknesses as riders!!!!! It is a topic that is not discussed enough and is a crucial part of building and maintaining a sound horse✨
NOW, he moves straight, his wear patterns on his feet/shoes are even, and his entire musculoskeletal system is balanced and functioning as it should.
We all need to realize these types of magnificent changes will NOT happen overnight. It involves hard work, patience, and dedication from myself and the owner.
These are the horses I live for! Your horse will be so much more willing, happy, and more comfortable to ride. Please do not take any single part lightly! They are ALL connected and are all equally important to your horses well being and soundness long term.
I have included before and after progress photos. One of my absolute favorites being the shoe that is worn through to the metal plate. That shoe belonged on the left hind. And was worn through after 150-200 miles. The other composite shoe also belonged on the left hind. I pulled that shoe at his last trim on the 18th and it has 230 miles on it with near perfect wear. 230 miles of straight balanced movement over varying terrain with a straight balanced rider for support 😍😍😍 just how cool is that.
