This summer I had great success hauling to some big shows. My horse is in great shape, and I feel that I’m riding well, but our times are getting slower and slower, almost 5 tenths off our regular pace. I go to the same pens that I’ve won in and can’t even draw a check. I watch the videos and everything looks great, except for the clock. Is there anything I can do to get to where we were?
Have you had your horse thoroughly checked by a qualified performance horse vet? Do you know that the horse is not sore or experiencing pain during a run? Have you changed your shoeing lately?
Martha Wright
Thanks for responding…
He’s under a close watch with the vets because of some really early signs of arthritis, but I’m giving him a great suppliment and Adequan and we’re certain that he’s not lame (I keep everything updated).
As far as shoeing, I was guided to an awesome farrier by my vet and his feet are looking terrific. I wanted to x those soundness problems out before I started worrying about other stuff. My friend suggested that he might just be bored of the pattern and need to have some time off, but should I be doing any slow work with him?
I wanted to get my pro permit this coming year and our slow times have really got me worried! I’ve also had a few trainers suggest going to a chiropractor. For now I’m just giving him some time off from the barrels, but I’m really lost at what to do to start gaining speed…. any advice is greatly appreciated!!! thanks so much!!
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