Dakota’s topline gets injected with steroids

In mid-March we took Dakota to get steroid injections in his topline. He ended up getting 6 injections which is the maximum they will do in one visit. He got 4 in his thoracic vertebrae and 2 in his lumbar vertebrae.
For the next week I will be doing carrot stretches, belly lifts, and some light lunging. By week 2 I can sit on him and by week 3 I can start riding him. I’ll be focusing on ground work over poles and watching for any signs of discomfort. He will also get front shoes on soon and hopefully that will add to his comfort.

[@jessicaallen9199]

Found your channel as I am just starting western dressage with a semi retired hus horse! I've done quite a lot of rehab and core work and would recommend u check out equiband pro system as well for helping Dakota. I worked with a rehab vet when I first started with one but pretty simple to use and still use the bands for core work. Glad he is on his way to recovery!!

[@dakotadoesdressage8004]

Thanks, I will have to check that out!

[@nicolecourt7829]

They tell you you can work a horse with kissing spines ?

[@dakotadoesdressage8004]

They encouraged me to work him to increase his core strength which will help lift his back and help with the kissing spines. After this procedure they told me to just do light ground work, belly lifts and carrot stretches for the first week. They said during the second week I could try sitting on him and then riding lightly by the third week. I took it slow due to his age and lack of conditioning. I did ground work mostly at the walk over poles.

[@nicolecourt7829]

@@dakotadoesdressage8004 👍 The best for y2 ♥

[@idellbrown1825]

I would not ride this horse at all! Shots don't cure the problem. Riding him is cruel. Find another horse to ride. Masking a serious problem with meds is ridiculous and then ride! WTH people!!

[@dakotadoesdressage8004]

The vet encouraged me to continue to ride him. If the vet had said he should not be ridden then I would not do so. Staying active will keep him in better health than retiring him, according to the vet. They said he is as healthy as horses half his age.