We Welcome "B.J." To Epona's Pastures - March '09
"Well Hello There" says our newcomer to Epona's Pastures.
This suave gentleman goes by the name "B.J." and is a new addition to our establishment.
Unlike many of the horses that come to us, B.J. has come from a loving family who unfortunately found themselves in a position where they could no longer look after him.
B.J. is a handsome bay TB gelding who stands about 16hh with a personality to match his good looks.
Within a short time of arrival, B.J. is given the 'delux' treatment by Dr. Tony Hanegraaf who checks him over and gives him his annual dental care.
B.J. has had several years of more advanced education under saddle and is rumoured to be quiet accomplished both in the dressage arena and around the jumping course.
It will be a little while before we can ask B.J to show us his talents as he needs a few months with our farrier to get his feet back to full health as he arrived with a mild case of laminitis. We will keep our readers up to date with his progress.
Groundwork Training With "Bianca" - 21.06.09
Although B.J. will still need a few months of rehabilitation and corrective trimming on his feet before he can be exercised under saddle, we have started his assessment using various groundwork exercises during lessons with Bianca from Tashanor Park. For those of you who are not familiar with Tashnor Park, they provide horsemanship education that covers everything from basic groundwork to competition preparation while establishing a strong relationship between horse and handler. Below are two very short clips of Bianca with BJ during his first training sessions where Bianca is using exercises to get more freedom through BJ's movements which later enables better balance and fluidity both on the ground and under saddle.
Further information about Tashonar Park and their workshops or tuition programs can be found on their website at :
http://www.tashanorpark.com
BJ - 6th July 2009
BJ's most recent visit from Colin (our dedicated trimmer) revealed that his laminitis is indeed improving with the correct diet and rest. Asher discussed with Colin that she feels he should be about ready to begin some mild excersise in the sand arena and wondered if there were some options available to ensure that BJ is comfortable on his feet whilst his hooves are still in the process of being rehabilitated.
Following an assessment by leading hoof specialist Andrew Bowe, we have decided to experiment with "tip shoes" - a type of plastic shoe fitted only to the front of the hoof, to lift his soles off the ground a little more. We are keen to see if this will also accelerate the healing process, so that he can begin excersising again. Without the concussion of a metal shoe and used in conjunction with some barefoot boots, we hope to have this boy out and about soon, enjoying some more stimulation.
In the next week, BJ will be paid a visit by Andrew and Colin (lucky boy!) who will fit the shoes to his front feet with the view to allowing him to begin his excersise regime. As this horse is of exceptional nature and has a lot of experience as a competitive horse, we are keen to regenerate some of the muscle he has lost while he has been spelling for the last few months. Due to the damage that we are currently rehabilitating, BJ will not be moving on to another competitive home. Instead, we wish for him to soak up the joy's of pleasure riding in his future, and have no doubt that his dependable and generous nature will make a caring owner extremely happy.
