June 8, 2016 
To normal people the word “rehab” likely conjures up thoughts of drug and alcohol treatment programs. For horse people it’s a word we don’t always want to hear; one that is typically accompanied by phrases like “stall rest” and “time off”. Whether you own the horse, ride the horse or you have just been put in charge of handling the rehab, having a horse on the shelf can be both frustrating and tedious, but also quite rewarding in a number of ways.
There is no glory in hand walking; no adrenaline rush in tack walking (unless your stall-bound equine companion decides to kick up his heels when the wind blows despite your best efforts). But anyone who has ever rehabbed a horse knows the tremendous joy these moments often produce.
What’s that? The vet says I can increase to 15 minute walks? Party time!
At the very least, you’re going to be spending a lot of time at the barn with your horse, so that’s a bonus. Maybe even more time than you spent with your horse when they were sound, or pre-surgery or pre-injury, and more than likely the two of you will forge a deeper bond. The moment you notice them perking up when they hear you coming…that’s why you do this.
You’ll find yourself praying that things inside are healing as they should. The vet is now on speed dial and you’re on a first name basis. Your heart sinks with each backslide, and floats with every breakthrough. You’ll push aside creeping doubt and statistics about reoccurrence or limitations. You will scour the Internet for information and become a self-taught expert on your horse’s ailment. You will chat at length to just about anyone who’s had a similar case (or will just stand still long enough).
You’ll find yourself looking back on old pictures of happier times and quickly scrolling past friends’ posts of their mounts soaring, winning, triumphing.
You will more than likely cry at random moments and lay awake at night with worry.
Rehab is hard work and sometimes heartbreaking.
But hang in there, fellow rehabbers. Just take it moment to moment and savor the small wins. Your horse is counting on you.
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About the Author
Heather Hollay-Farr is a professional horsewoman currently in the process of reclaiming her amateur status for competition. She recently spent the winter working as a groom for show jumper Kent Farrington.
