[drivingpairs] Update on Rolland



Thanks to everyone who offered opinions and advice on my Perch gelding's 
issues with downhill driving and backing. Several suggested EPSM and other 
muscle 
related explanations. 
I consulted with my vet, who recommended a 6 day Bute regimen to determine if 
Rolland's problems are behavioral or pain related. We put him on 2 grams 2x 
per day for 3 days, and then 1.5 grams, 2x for 3 days. We are four days into 
this program.  

Too much rain has prevented work until yesterday when I took Rock and Rolland 
on a 1.5 hour drive, with passengers, over very hilly terrain. Rolland was a 
totally different horse--back to his old self. He held back beautifully going 
downhill (I used less brake than usual as part of the test). He did not try to 
trot out of the breeching.  He did not stand with his hip cocked out when 
asked to stop going downhill, and he was a gentleman backing into the carriage 
house. He did not bite at Rock a single time and showed none of the grumpiness 
characteristic of late.

So, what we proved is that his bahavior was definitely pain related. Now we 
have to determine exactly what his pain is and what we can do about it long 
term. 

Just in case we do have an EPSM issue, I have been switching him to a high 
fat, low starch diet. 

I'll report back to my vet on Monday and see what we do next. 

Thanks again for all your input.

Best,

Carla Hawkinson
Walland, TN 
http://www.echobrookefarm.com/ 


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