It Takes an Army

So Axel had a bit of a step backwards last week. Everything had been going really well and then he had a bad day on Wednesday. We got the head swishing into trot and he was obviously uncomfortable again. My heart dropped a little as he had been doing brilliantly and then we went back to the ulcery behaviour. Friday was much of the same. So heres the issue, his saddle doesn't fit. In fact basically none of the saddles at the barn, or that I have borrowed to try on him, fit. When he arrived we knew he had a lot of muscling and fattening up to do, so we didn't want to crack straight on with getting a saddle. That means, we are in the slight conundrum of ulcers or saddle fit. He has been on some ulcer meds for the last (almost) six weeks now, so unless the compound isn't working properly, he should really be better.

Now two and a half months on from his arrival, I think we need to attack saddle fit as the next priority. I had actually booked the saddle fitter over a month ago (they are highly in demand out here) so at least we had pre planned. Sadly my preferred fitter has moved away to a different state, she gave me some great help virtually but nothing can beat the hands on of actually being there. So, another saddle fitter was recommended by a fellow barn boarder and I went ahead and booked her in. She comes tomorrow, so I am excited and hopeful to find something to fit my awkwardly shaped boy! Although I am less excited at the prospect of spending yet more money...

While we are still figuring him out, we are making sure his work is very varied. He is working on the lunge so that he can stretch over his back and doing some slower work under saddle. The trail riding is Axels preferred source of fitness. Yesterday my friend Jess came over and picked up Axel and I, and took us off to Hidden Mesa open space. He wasn't quite walking out as he normally would but still loved it. Happy ears all the way. We had some brilliant climbs up some rock and some hops and steps down, and both Axel and Jess' horse JD did brilliantly. JD is a hot, six year old Arab x Warmblood and he hacks brilliantly. Jess and JD are total trail pros and they were such fantastic trail blazers and company! We chatted, nattered hugged our horses and giggled, just what riding should be all about!

Today Axel had a busy day, with Spring shots from our lovely vet Dr. Tom Walters and also a full body treatment and massage from Helen Davies, she's got such an affinity with the horses and Axel absolutely adores her already. She helps pick out any tight or sore spots and gives us plenty to do in between visits. We were really giggling today as we had one of those moments... Sara, Dr Tom, Helen and I were all standing in front of Axels stall chatting about him and realised he has quite a team haha! It takes an army right?