Aaaaah, a cool breeze!!

It was lovely this morning, warm but with a lovely cool breeze. Couldn't be better.
We rode out with Corky and Anky, we investigated a new track and Anky went down it no problem. She is tight in her back, only to be expected really, but today she was forging. I'm hoping she'll gradually start to relax over her back, it's only occasionally that I feel her really moving my seat.

I've been gathering quite a bit of information on Gastric Ulcers and associated problems. It seems that Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) and Right Dorsal Colitis (RDC) often go hand in hand. The only FDA approved drug for the treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses is GastroGard®, which is what Anky's on, but this won't treat colonic ulcers. Feeding corn oil daily is recommended, to be added to the feed to increase Omega-3 fatty acids. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help to reduce inflammation in the colon. Also Psyllium mucilloid can be added to the feed. Psyllium increases the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the colon of other species which reduces inflammation and may reduce inflammation in the horse colon. I don't know anything about Psyllium, but I've heard of it being sold as a supplement for horses so I'll have to investigate. We feed the horses sunflower oil, so I'll change Anky to corn oil from now on.

After riding out, I took Remy up to the school. He's not been up there in a while and he was a little reluctant, but once he'd got his head round it he went up there ok. He was distracted this morning, but he settled once in the school. We've been doing little sessions, asking him to walk on from the voice and a light touch on the girth. I want him to walk on of his own accord, which has confused him a little after all the leading work we've done. I think he's starting to get it and today in the school it seemed to click and he gave me a purposeful but relaxed walk stride. I think he's got quite a good walk. Early days, but I find him a very exciting prospect.