Re: SPOOKED AT MUSCLE SPASM ??

[Chaco L <ChacoL@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-04-15 08:51:56 EDT, Cyberpony@aol.com writes:

> I don't buy the bee sting theory: (1) a welt would have probably developed.
>  (2) after the initial sting there is the residual stinging sensation that
>  would cause John's horse either to buck some more, turn his head to the 
> sight
>  of the sting and try to remove it with his nose, or swish his tail to get 
> the
>  insect off.  Since John didn't mention any of these things, I'd have to
rule
>  out the bee theory.

On the other hand, maybe not!

Last summer riding in Yosemite my horse got stung several times by what we
were later told were ground hornets.  Now this may be too early in the season
for such attacks, but here's what happened:  We were riding on single track
trail, three in a row.  The first horse would stir up the hornets, which then
stung the second and third horse (me).  When stung, Solace shot forward a few
paces, gave one or two huge bucks, then settled back into a steady gait as if
nothing had happened.  I got off and inspected him the first few times, but
never found any signs of the stings.  And there seemed to be no residual
sensations.  He never did develop welts, either.    
 
>  A thought just occured to me.  While I was grooming my horse that morning I
>  found a muscle and response that interested me.  When I scrubbed his rump
>  about four inches down and to the left of the top of his tail he would
raise
>  his back.  The location was right were that butt muscle (that goes straight
>  down the back of the leg) ties in at the top (wish I knew the correct name 
> for
>  the muscle).  The back raising response interested me so we repeated it a 
> few
>  times.  I thought, "oh boy, this is a good exercise to strengthen back and
>  tummy muscles."  Could I have stirred things up with that and it came back 
> to
>  haunt me during our ride?

You have inadvertently caused your horse to do pelvic tilts, an excellent way
to strengthen loin and tummy muscles taught to me by the chiropractor Michael
Gleeson.  Stimulate that same spot on both sides until he raises his back,
then stimulate more gently, just enough to keep him in the arched position for
a count of 10.  Repeat this six times each time you are getting ready for a
ride, pausing to pick hooves or some other chore between each set.

Linda

San Francisco