Given that Magic was fresh in hand yesterday...

What chance did I have of keeping them calm so their treatments weren't a waste of time and money?

Apparently, they all feel MUCH better!! :-)

Coming in for breakfast, Max's had a much bigger heel first landing in front, and a waaaaaaaaay longer stride, even on the lumpy gritty concrete... he also looked loads more confident on his feet... which given he's on same amount of grass can only be attributed to the treatment helping his tightness in his body.

Aero was even weirder, he came in with a much longer stride behind - usually his front moves and the back end shuffles along behind! Today, he came in, had much more heel first landing behind, and really swung the feet through (rather than round with a hock wobble!), had a real toe flick, and then went to set the heel down first and then did that "where's the floor" kinda hesitation, before thunking it down. Very very big change in action .... from one treatment! Obviously, he has been sooo stuck in his lower back/pelvis, and its helped so much already.

Magic and Dan were both "so?" although Magic is having a good week - it might be co-incidence, but he didn't shy at anything in the yard this morning and didn't try to leap away from me when I approached with scary rug/boots/etc. So he's certainly more centred.

Unfortunately though, they are all very groomy and kissy.... so there's been loads of mutual grooming, which apparently through neccessity has to revert to full on games. So plenty of galloping around leaping and bucking like loons with me with my face in my hands. Sob.

On the plus side, Max's canter looks totally different, and he did the most almighty buck galloping down the hill, looked very athletic AND managed to stay vertical and never look like he was in trouble!

The 2 not going to Exmoor (so Dan and Max or Magic) have another one before we go, then the 2 that go (Aero and either Max or Magic) have one when we get back.

I think I'm converted though! Just 3 more days before they can be ridden - I can see why for Max and Aero as they have huge changes to try and take on board, but I think Magic and Dan will be climbing the walls by then! Isn't it a good job they free range!!!