Probable Retirement For My Old Guy - Maybe Just Semi Retirement

I think I have finally come to the point where I'm going to have to face facts that Slim is starting his full retirement years. We've been dealing with some on again off again slight lameness problems these last few months. I guess in the back of my mind I wanted to believe he could be still used for light riding. At 24 he's past middle age but isn't a gonner by any means. I feel somewhat bad for not keeping him in shape these last few years as I think that would have helped him. I know some horses that are ridden well into their late 20s but they have been ridden and worked consistantly throughout most of their life. I still plan to lunge him a couple times a week, health and weather permitting. Hopefully that will help keep him mobile for the rest of his years.

When I got to the barn Wednesday night and saw him limping up to the gate I was instantly worried. I couldn't find anything seriously wrong. He was off on his left front which has been the same leg he tends to favor now and then. I called the farrier that night and he was able to come Thursday to take a look at him. He didn't find any abcesses or soreness. In fact Slim came running up to the gate - they always know how to make their owner look foolish! Dave went ahead and trimmed both horses since he was scheduled for next week. He noticed on the trimmings from Slim's left front that there was a small line of light pinkish color which he said sometimes indicates a laminitis episode. He trimmed him a little differently and Slim definitely wasn't so stiff last night when I brought him in. I'm just going to have to take it easy with him and see what he can and can't do. I do know I won't be getting back on him. I don't want to put anymore stress on his joints than necessary.

I was just so bummed about the realization of retirement for Slim. He's really helped me get back into working with my horses again. There is nothing wrong with Sonny and he does need the work and exercise I just have to make myself do it so I feel comfortable with him.

Update: 10-26-09

I lunged Slim a little last night and he did really good. I just had him walk and trot. He's still lazy about staying in the trot but I didn't see any lameness so I kept after him. I think working with Sonny has helped me because I got Slim to reverse with bringing him to me and restarting him. I was so excited!! Sonny does great reverses and I think I used that as a pattern to "set-up" Slim and ask him for exactly what I wanted. Its been a couple weeks since I had worked with Slim and I was surprised at how well he did. At this point I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to ride him consistently or do much more than lunging type exercises with no one on his back. We'll just have to take it day by day and see how he feels.

Hubby and I had a conversation Friday night about working with the horses and such. He felt like I had gained a lot of confidence with the ground work but the horses just really need ridden. That I wasn't going to get over my fears by just sticking to ground work. He says I'm stubborn and like to stick to my comfort zone. I replied by saying, yes I am and in fact I enjoy my comfort zone - it's nice there! He suggested saddling up Slim and just getting on and off. Even if its just trying to get on and maybe not accomplishing that I should at least try to a couple times a week. I would really like to try that I just don't want to hurt Slim (maybe that's my self-conscious excuse not to try something scary). We'll have to postpone these saddling tries until after harvest since I don't want to try by myself - hubby has to be there. I was a little hurt by what he said but I think it was mostly because it was the truth. I totally agree with what he said. I won't get any further with just the ground work and I do really want to ride. So maybe with some more lunging work Slim will have some good days and will help me to continue with my goals!