Noëlle is officially in Florida and will be filming more bonus episodes of No Stupid Questions on the Dear Horse World podcast!
Do you have questions for: Ansley Bevan, Chelsea Canedy, Dr. Jenny Susser, Mette Larsen, or Missy Clark?
Let us know in the comments below!
Missy - what would a typical flat and jump school look like at home. Hot takes on trends in the eq ring (ie sit trot in, posting a trot jump, etc)
For Ansley - what would you recommend for someone who is interested in pursuing equine massage or bodywork? How did you get started?
Ansley - I have a probable PSSM2 mare (chronically sore, gets intermittent relief, but nothing long lasting). My vet and I decided to "treat her like a PSSM2 mare" and see how she progresses over the next 6weeks or so. The plan is to do the muscle biopsy once I have the funds. In the meantime, other than proper diet, tack, consistent exercise and bodywork, what are things you suggest for your horse's that live with this condition? It seems to be a tricky one, and I just want my mare to feel good and be a happy, willing partner.
For Chelsea:
I have taken over the ride on a 19 y/o warmblood gelding schoolmaster, owned by my partner. He is a big boy, so I’ve spent a lot of time going back to basics on the ground to ensure I can handle him effectively and he gets to know me for our new partnership. He certainly has that ‘I know best/ been there, done that’ mentality, which I have worked on following the practices in your two week groundwork program. When I ride him in the arena, and apply a forward or sideways leg aid from around half way through the ride, I get ears back/ tail swish/ protest behavior. It feels a little nappy, but I can’t be sure.
He has been scoped and treated for ulcers recently and is all clear. He has regular physio. I have applied similar pressure on the ground (same time in ride) and there is no reaction.
I have witnessed him do this protest behavior with riders prior (rare occasions) and its escalated to bucking. Any thoughts around his above behavior, and if we presume in this instance it is purely behavioral, how can I manage this before it escalates?
Absolutely LOVE your work!
Jen, Belmont Farm, NZ
This scenario would probably be for Dr. Jenny and/or Chelsea, but I'm open to hear what any of the professionals have to say: I've had my 6y/o warmblood mare for 1 year. I have her at my own farm with my other 2 mares who are retired. My problem is that my new mare scares me. She's young, green and pushy. When she experiences something that she isn't comfortable with, she expresses herself very clearly, which I appreciate, but I don't like the feeling that it gives me. She's not "dangerous" (yes, I know all horses can be) but her worry/anxiety rubs off onto me and my legs feel like jello and my heart feels like it stops. I always stay calm and we always work through it, but I can't stand feeling that way. I often question whether she is the right horse for me and I consider finding her a home where somebody else can love her the way that I do and do right by her, but not feel scared when she becomes anxious. I hope this is clear enough to understand. Thank you!
For Ansley - I have a horse recovering from a DDFT strain. He is just returning to hand walking and I have noticed that he seems to have some shoulder stiffness as a result of his time off. What can I do during his rehab to help encourage suppleness through his body while continuing to protect the DDFT from re-injury? Additionally, what are your thoughts on rehab/"pre-hab" equipment and therapies such as Theraplates, PEMF, etc.? Are there any that are worth the cost?
