New Do

Yes, I have hacked Rodney’s mane off with scissors. My top hand brilliantly determined that Rodney’s behavior changes bilaterally. On a circle to the left, he would walk as calmly as possible as long as requested. On a circle to the right, he would fly into a trot at the slightest provocation. We decided that his muscles were tight such that trotting with one’s head up is easier than walking about. You’d think that stretching the scar side, i.e. going counter-clockwise, would be the problem, but no.

(Apologies for the lens flare. I was going to reshoot, but chasing perfection is incompatible keeping the blog from taking over my life. The photo is sufficient to see his hairstyle, or lack thereof.)

Foreshorted view from the back. Notice the bulge on the top of the right shoulder.

As a result of this, we finally noticed the differential development of Rodney’s neck. I have been so focused on his back that I have been ignoring the muscles he uses to overcompensate.

Close-up of withers. Notice how the mane is pushed to the left by the over developed muscles on the right. — Close-up of withers. Notice how the mane has been pushed to the left by the overdeveloped muscles on the right.

I cut the mane to better monitor his neck musculature. I couldn’t bring myself to go full three-gaited. If I ever ride, I will trim the rest but grow out a section in the middle. I don’t care how silly one braid looks. I want a handhold.

2 thoughts on “New Do”

Isn’t it amazing when you see something like that? It’s like a “DOH!” moment only you don’t really feel stupid about it, more relieved.

Really interesting post. Thanks.

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2 thoughts on “New Do”