[Makeover 2025] Phase #2 - Past and Present

Dear Diary,

It’s been three days since Harry informed us that Dante suffered from a weak back. So far he’s been a trooper with polework. Kass and I figured he’d probably not seen many poles so we started him out slow over poles on the ground. Kass took him out the first few times just to lunge over them, no weight on his back either. It gave me a chance to continue with my watercolor project of documenting Dante’s journey. He immediately tripped over the first pole and then proceeded to dodge the others. So we made a little shute to usher him in the right direction. He was so silly lifting his legs like a Tennessee Walker over the poles. But it was encouraging to see him try! He really wants to please, even if it’s through pain…

The next day, we propped one end of the poles up slightly so he’d have to lift his legs just a little higher than before but he’s a trooper. He kind of bounced a bit after the first attempt so we let him rest. But I was able to draw him popping over just before he threw a little fit. Kass says he definitely has the potential to be such a pretty mover; it makes me even more motivated to get him healthy and happy. I do hope he can bear a rider one day. But he’ll be welcome as a companion pony for anyone here.

We did some hill work yesterday. I took out Sunny and pony-ed Dante up the hills behind the property. He was so excited to explore but he still was a good boy; didn’t storm off our bounce about or anything. He seems to trip much much less without any weight on his back which is good. Actually he stuck to Sunny’s side like glue; she kept turning her head to check on him too, it was really cute. But I think he just enjoyed being out in the forest. He kind of tripped up the first hill, not really expecting it maybe? Because the second hill we tackled he seemed more prepared for. We even got a little trot going up one hill. Harry said lots of trotting would be good too; would help to strengthen the muscles. Kass lectured me to keep it short of course. So we only went into the forest a mile or so before looping back around. 

We did some polework afterwards as a short cool down. Dante’s pretty familiar with them now, knows he has to lift his legs up and over so he doesn’t trip anymore. We also got one of those special heating pads. He absolutely loves it; his lip gets all droopy and he heaves big sighs and huffs. So far the workouts seem to be working well, and he’s responding well! Kass says he’s on track for rehabilitation, and Harry is pleased with his progress. We’ll have another check up some time in the next month and we’ll try him with some more weight but for now it’s no weight and polework and trotting and ponying out in the hillside.