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Posts: 1520
Jun 1 09 5:13 PM
If I had a horse with bucked shins from the track, I'd cold water hose them and then rub and wrap with quilts and diluted biegol oil and water. Watch the dilution, make it weak. I'd do this for several days and see if there's improvement. However, if the bucks are cold and set, then there's not much else you can do.
I'm assuming you know how to rub and wrap because I don't want to be condescending. if you have never wrapped, scratch what I said and find someone who can help you. But, I get the feeling from reading that this is not your first ottb.
I agree that a track horse needs let down time. However, remember that their lives on the track are managed down to the most tiny detail. many of them can't handle just being put out in a field when they're not even used to paddock turn out. You need to start them slowly on turn out with a bomb proof buddy (who's not off the track himself, LOL) again, please excuse me if you know all this, I'm not trying to be a pain. You can look into the new vocations farm or the book their founder wrote about rehabbing track horses. I find it very valuable.
They are also used to hard work and conditioning. while I don't think your man should do any real work given all his owies, I'd definately start some ground work even just walking on a lead on nice soft ground and teaching him to respect your space and halt when you do, etc. Make it a structured time and duration, and make it like a "lesson" or "training" even if you're just gently walking around the farm getting him used to the slower pace. when you set it like it's "official training" this is something he can understand. He will find comfort in the structure and enjoy his gradually increasing freedom. he will also look to you for a lot of security and emotional (for lack of a better word) support, and the gentle structure you provide in these walking "lessons" will make him look to you as his leader/protector and he will bond with you.
However, you said his gallop rider had him at her farm over the winter, so I get the feeling this boy has seen time off and pasture time before. in which case, you don't need to go as slowly as I mentioned.
I think he's lucky to have you caring for him and making his life a happy one. I'm so glad you saved him. I love these ottb's and wouldn't want any other kind of horse. My own has to stay in small private turn out because he can't handle the big field, he runs like crazy and injures himself over and over again if put out in a big field. my other ottbs through the years thrived on large pasture turn out. Jack can't handle it though, he was a turf runner (a long distance, deep closer) and he just gets way to crazy running and wiping out and getting cast under the fences, etc. But the majority of them that I've known have grown to adjust to the pasture nicely. it's just my goof ball that I have now who can't seem to get it, LOL!
Has a vet seen him? forgive me if you posted about that and I missed it. However, if not and if you can get one out to have a look at him, you may find ways to help him hurt less and heal faster.
Again, I am not at all trying to criticize. as a matter of fact, I applaud you saving one of these beautiful animals. I'd love to hear more about him and about how he's doing as the months go by.
EDITED TO ADD: while he's in pain and unsound, I would not advise working him at all. if he can walk without pain, then I'd do the leading/groundwork I talked about. I agree with everyone here that if he's in pain and unable to walk around on soft ground from his injuries, please do not push him. Time really does heal and awful lot. I just meant that giving him something "to do" as in the leading/groundwork "lessons" will help his mind adjust as he's used to very structured schedules and training.
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