Well the snow has finally melted in Maryland and as the weather starts to warm up and the blankets are put away for another year, I thought I’d reflect on a hard winter in Maryland.  80 plus inches of snow and the subsequent ice slowed down the training schedule – this was exacerbated by a minor lameness to Aries’ left front. 

The vet was unable to give a definitive diagnosis.  He flexed clean in all his joints (always a worry with an off the track thoroughbred), but we put Aries on a two week period of bute and a muscle relaxant for a month.  Aries worked sound through the two weeks of bute – though he was initially resistant to upwards transitions from walk to trot. His trot-to-canter transitions have been quite good throughout. The saddle fitter will be coming out to do an annual check on the saddle and make sure that isn’t contributing to the problems with the upwards transitions. 

I’m bringing him back slowly – keeping things simple and not working him for more than 25 to 30 minutes at a time.  We are doing plenty of circle work and serpentines, but holding off on the laterals for the moment. 

Black Jack and Kristina were working very well throughout the winter, but it looks like, with all the rain and mud we’ve had recently, that he has picked up an abscess in his left front.  The soaking will begin – hopefully, without Jack deciding to kick the tub all over the stall!

I haven’t seen Tanner in a while, but rumor has it that he has spent the whole winter living quite happily in his field and looks like something miniature wooly mammoth.

Needless to say, I think everyone at the farm – horses and people included – is looking forward to some sun, warmth and plenty of fresh grass!

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