Wow, it has been over 2 months since I updated this blog. Time just disappears. To catch up, I have been riding Katz in the large arena. I am not a fan of riding in round pens, neither is Katz apparently. Since we have been riding in the main arena, he has been a bit on the quite side. He still needs to work on turning and bending but we are getting there. We have been cantering and I must say his canter is lovely. I would almost say that he may be my future hunter but we need to work on the left lead. He does not want to take it. Takes the right, no problem.
The vet was out a few weeks ago for the annual dental visit. Katz did not need any work, my other OTTB did and my TWH but none of the other guys. I did have my vet watch Katz move. I felt that he has a bit less trot when going to the left. Vet flexed him and watched him move. He did agree that Katz has a bit less range of motion in the Right shoulder. Does not bother him and even my vet said that most riders would not be able to see it. We started him on Adequan injections since after 7 years of racing, he is the poster horse for Adequan due to the high probablitiy of future arthritis. As for his right shoulder, I am working on bending more, turning and I stretch him out after rides. The Adequan will probably help as well. A few days ago, I did notice Katz trying to itch his right side. So I went over to help. Well, besides the shedding, he had hives! Itchy Hives at that. Not sure what got him but I did fine one lump larger than the others and it looks like there are a few little bites. Maybe he found some ants whilst out in the pasture. Today, hives almost gone, never had a temp and never lost his appetite. Just itchy. Thus have not ridden him the last few days, figured let the hives go away first. But I am helping him with his winter coat. It was 70 degrees today and the hair is falling out. Here is what Katz looks like when I brush him now, super relaxed. This is night and day from when I first brought him home 5 months ago. He did not even want to be touched, at all. Now he just stands and you can touch/brush all over. This has been really neat experience to be apart of, the adjustment from race horse to my horse. The personality change and seeing him figure out his new life is pretty amazing. Even if he never becomes my super Jumper or Hunter, I would not change a thing. Just him learning that I am okay, and his new home is okay has been so rewarding. He whinnies whenever he sees me now and he always wants to touched. No more trying to bite or jump away when you try to touch him. I think he may like me!
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