Lovely jiggling muscles!

On Friday, Quadi had another visit from Liz Briscoe

This was his second treatment from her. Given the change in him since her first visit, I believe this aspect of his rehab is fundamental to getting him working correctly, and with ease. Shoeing/foot balance, saddle fit, medication, etc are all pieces of the puzzle we couldn't be without, but regular physio and now also equine massage have really brought about a change in him.

Liz said she noticed immediately, before setting foot in his stable, that he looked different. She said he was more interested in his surroundings and was looking over the door to see who I was speaking to. And the change in his physique was as much of a pleasant surprise to her as it was to me when I got home from offshore :D

I think I'd already relayed from his previous session, via reports from Kate, that he didn't exactly enjoy the first session. He's always been ok with physio manipulation, but didn't enjoy the massage as such. On that occassion Liz didn't try to manipulate any particular area or issue, instead focussing on the session being a positive experience for Quadi.

This time he was much more genial towards us, aided I'm sure by a big pile of hay to munch on whilst Liz got to work.

The great news is that he is much, much improved on his last treatment. This is completely down to his care in my absence, I take no credit for his progress! His lumbar region, loin and over his hindquarters are all much looser. If you gently wiggle his bottom, the muscle jiggles whereas before he was completely tight in this area. He is reacting to pressure points when before he wouldn't. In fact, Liz couldn't believe this and checked them a few times because it just didn't seem quite possible given how resistant he was before! Still a little tight in both shoulders and a little bit of tension in the left lumbar area, but this is expected. And he looks good considering he's been out of action for nearly a month with the forelimb lameness. We are all in agreement the next part to fall into place will be when we can further unlock his shoulders. This area has proved more of an issue than where he was diagnosed with a problem. As soon as we have the all clear for work I hope we can crack on with polework and lateral work.

Liz agreed that some TTouch work for body awareness and increased proprioception would be a good idea, so I am reading up on that at the moment. In between lots of other things, including feed balancers, joint supplements, soil testing (for the new yard!), etc. Oh, and I should strap his muscles. He prefers hearty slaps to rubs. I've always been led to believe horses like to be stroked, and certainly when he needs reassurance that helps, but Quadi likes to be told he's a good lad with a flat palm to the buttocks *lol*

I went home from the yard on Friday absolutely beaming, just so happy that everyone thinks Quadi is looking better, and obviously feeling better too. Happy that he's happy. Now I just need to get myself a massage.

The weekend was spent grooming, doing stretches and trailer training. The latter went wonderfully, we are very happy to stand in the trailer with the partition in the middle. Of course, an abundance of food in buckets and in pockets helps! Hopefully we can progress to practicing with travel gear on the rest of the week before Visiting Horsepital on Friday.

Tomorrow I am off to the vet to see the latest x-rays. I feel sorry for the vet, I have many, many questions!