[Renee Hogg]

Hi Equitopia !

I am a new member and wanted to jump in boots and all with a question is this would be OK.

I have a rising 5 yr old Thoroughbred, who came straight from his racing career to me in February this year.

I haven’t ridden him yet, have just been feeding him as much as he will eat – hard feed, hay and grass ( 24/7 turnout). He is still very light in condition with no top line and all ribs visible. I have photos if we can put them up ?

I have been doing ground work with him and lunging him, just in his halter for 5 mins each way at trot.

He is very reactive to touch just behind his shoulder blade and under his wither, he reacts all the way from that point to his girth on both sides. Ears back to start and then yawning , licking and chewing. He will turn his head round and nudge me while I am in this area.

I just massage out the trigger points and try and work all the fascia as best I know (amateur everything!). I start at his poll and it can take me an hour and a half to get just one side of him done, to his gaskin. Most of the time around his either and shoulders.

I’m wanting to bring him into work and my questions are:

– would you put him into work as light a condition as he is ? People do and I’m not judging, just not sure I should ?

– would you ride him as reactive as he is along the line from wither to girth ?

I’m not sure if it will help him work it out, or make it worse !!

– is there anything else I should be doing – X-ray maybe ?

It just seems a long time of rest, 5 months, with no improvement. He has had his teeth done, had a course of ulcershield, shealth clean and a couple of check overs by the vet and a session with a proper body Worker.

I have videos of the body work session I do with him to show his reaction if that is a help.

Anyway, I’m just a bit concerned about bringing him into work and are unsure if this is normal for his age and previous career, or if he needs more time and an X-ray maybe ?

Many thanks
Renee

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