Wednesday, March 27, 2013

updating photos

So I've been just sitting around updating my photo show entries





Sunday, March 24, 2013

work shop!

So now it is spring break and I'm off from work. So that means time to kick it in gear and get to work!
Right now at the top of my list to be done is Katie's saddle that she won.
 
Right now in this photo it is holding the girth up to dry in a contoured shape. This saddle has elastic on one end of the girth for flexability of the models it can fit. You can't tell by the picture but the girth is contoured. The saddle flaps are not alligned due to drying and I needed to fix something. All the stitching was hand done and took 3 weeks. This still needs stirrups and leathers and a bridle to match before it is done.
 
These are the main peices of my next project which is a vaulting set. These next photos show the progress that has been made so far.

 
Last on my list is to make myself a saddleseat saddle.


Tuesday, March 19, 2013

New posts soon

As of right now I'm typing this from Cincinnati in Ohio in my parents car. When I get home I'll get back to work and Katie will get a look at her saddle!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

diagnosis

So as many know I was told I had tasal coalition which is a fusing of the tarsal bones of the foot. These bones make up your heel and the surrounding area. Well I was getting to the point where they thought I needed surgery so they sent me off to get a CT scan to confirm or reject the thery.



Well latley I have been having pain in my foot on the cuboid bone which is part of the tarsals.



The cuboid bone is green here. So I was told to get orthodics for a low arch and if it still hurt to come back. Well it was better but not free of pain. So I was told to go to a Physical therapist. So I went today and found out I had cuboid syndrom which is basically a dislocation of the bone. So they put the bone back in and I'm supposed to tape my arch to still force that bone to stay there.

What is cuboid syndrome?


Cuboid syndrome is a condition characterized by subluxation (partial dislocation) of the cuboid bone in the foot (figure 1).

The foot comprises of many small bones, one of which is the cuboid (figure 1). The cuboid bone is situated at the outer aspect of the mid-foot and is connected to adjacent bones via strong connective tissue forming joints. These joints provide outer foot stability and allow movement to take place.

During weight bearing activity, certain movements of the foot and ankle and contraction of certain muscles of the lower leg and foot (e.g. peroneus longus), stress is placed on the cuboid bone and surrounding soft tissue. If these forces are excessive and beyond what the bone and surrounding soft tissue can withstand, tearing of the supportive connective tissue may occur. This may allow the cuboid bone to sublux or partially move out of its normal alignment relative to the adjacent foot bones. When this occurs, the condition is known as cuboid syndrome.

Causes of cuboid syndrome


Cuboid syndrome may develop due to excessive traction on the cuboid due to repetitive contraction of the peroneus longus muscle (figure 2). This may occur in association with Peroneus Longus Tendinopathy. Cuboid syndrome may also develop following a Sprained Ankle whereby the foot and ankle are turned inward excessively (inversion), therefore causing damage to the connective tissue holding the cuboid bone in position. Most patients who develop this condition have excessively pronated feet (flat feet) although the condition may also be seen in those with lateral ankle instability. Cuboid syndrome is particularly common in ballet dancers and runners.

Signs and symptoms of cuboid syndrome


Patients with cuboid syndrome usually experience outer (lateral) foot pain that increases with weight bearing forces through the outer foot and may cause weakness during the push off phase of walking. Pain will often increase with twisting or unguarded movements or with running (particularly on hard surfaces and in unsupportive shoes). Pain may radiate into the sole of the foot, the front of the ankle or into the toes. In more severe cases, the patient may limp or walk with an abnormal gait (e.g. walk on their toes) in attempt to reduce stress on the cuboid bone. Pain may also increase on firm palpation of the cuboid bone. Rest from weight-bearing activity usually eases symptoms, unless significant inflammation is involved. Pain upon initial weight-bearing in the morning is also common.

Diagnosis of cuboid syndrome


A thorough subjective and objective examination from a physiotherapist or doctor is important to assist with diagnosis of cuboid syndrome. Investigations such as an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, bone scan or ultrasound may be required in some cases to confirm diagnosis and rule out other injuries.

Treatment for cuboid syndrome


Most patients with cuboid syndrome heal with appropriate physiotherapy. Treatment usually comprises of manipulation of the cuboid bone to reverse the subluxation. This is often followed by protective padding and taping to maintain the position of the cuboid.

It is also important for patients to rest sufficiently from any activity that increases their pain until they are symptom free (crutches, protective taping or bracing may be required).

Rest from aggravating activities ensures the body can begin the healing process in the absence of further tissue damage. Once the patient can perform these activities pain free, a gradual return to these activities is indicated provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Treatment in the first 48 – 72 hours of injury is vital to reduce bleeding, swelling and inflammation. This should involve following the R.I.C.E regime which comprises of rest from aggravating activities (crutches are often required), regular icing, the use of a compression bandage and elevation of the affected limb. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be useful in this initial phase of injury and can hasten the healing process by reducing the pain and swelling associated with inflammation.

Patients with this condition should perform pain-free range of movement, strengthening and balance exercises early in the rehabilitation process to prevent stiffness and weakness from developing and to ensure the foot and ankle are functioning correctly. These exercises should generally be implemented as soon as pain allows and should be guided by the treating physiotherapist. A gradual return to activity should occur once the patient is pain-free, provided symptoms do not increase.

In some cases orthotics may be required as part of treatment and symptom prevention. Appropriate footwear is also important.

Prognosis of cuboid syndrome


Following appropriate manipulation from an experienced therapist, many patients with this condition may be symptom free. A gradual return to activity or sport can occur once symptoms settle. Patients with more severe injuries involving damage to other structures will usually require a longer period of rehabilitation to gain optimum function.

Physiotherapy for cuboid syndrome


Physiotherapy for patients with cuboid syndrome can hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of symptom recurrence. Treatment may comprise:

  • joint mobilization or manipulation
  • cuboid padding
  • protective taping
  • soft tissue massage
  • electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound)
  • anti-inflammatory advice
  • the use of crutches
  • the use of a brace
  • the use of heel wedges
  • ice or heat treatment
  • exercises to improve flexibility, strength and balance
  • footwear advice
  • orthotics
  • education
  • activity modification advice
  • a graduated return to activity program

Other intervention for cuboid syndrome


Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, a small percentage of patients with this condition do not improve adequately and require other intervention. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may involve further investigation such as an X-ray, CT scan, bone scan, ultrasound or MRI, pharmaceutical intervention, corticosteroid injection or a review by a specialist who can advise on any procedures that may be appropriate to improve the condition. A review with a podiatrist for the prescription of orthotics may also be indicated.

(This section has been taken from http://www.physioadvisor.com.au/13594750/cuboid-syndrome-subluxed-cuboid-physioadvisor.htm)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Family and raffle

Due to family issues I will not be posting for a while. I might be out of state for a few days. But on the bright side I have started Katie's saddle. In fact I had a saddle done for myself but ended up not needing it so the saddle is partly done. I am hand stitching the saddle right now. It is nowhere as good as the braymere saddles but I hope one day they will be! All of my buckles are fricton buckles meaning they don't have a tounge. But the work just as well. Also the girth will have elastic on it as well. We decided on a conture girth. So far the saddle is the only item in the works as of right now.


I should also add I will be at the Stone County Fair in Shipshewwana, IN! I will be competing in the show! as well as stalking the sale!

Friday, March 8, 2013

I know it's early!

Ok so what I've decided to do with the give away is that I heard it is someone's birthday on the 16th! I think because she is my number one supporter that she deserves something special! I was thinking the krypton seni II horse with an english tack set to fit him! It would be either brown or black, with adjustable stirrups, a girth with elastic, a working bridle, and laced reins (This is a premium option). I will also include a pad. This set will be good for lower level dressage, jumping, hunt, equitation, trail, and halter.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Hoping for and IMEHA

Hey All!

So I've been watching Tiffany Purdy's Blog and there is a horse of hers that she has that I'm trying to get! Waiting to hear back from her!  Found out it's sold (Not really suprised)



It was a Totilas Breyer traditional that she changed to a Working trot and to have a loose mane. I would show this as an Azteca and want it in a Grulla. Super hoping It's still available!

Also for all showers, have you heard of IMEHA? (Below is copied from thier website talking about them)

IMEHA is the oldest and longest running model horse photo association in US and Internationally. It's history began in 1984 as a mail in photo club. With the advent of the computer IMEHA was the first photo club to go online using a PHP program to run the shows. In 2013 we are holding our 17th year of running online model horse photo shows.

IMEHA offers a Judges and Showers Guidebook for competing in model horse performance events and an extensive matching class list. Please check for the Guidebook listed over in the menu column. It has a lot of photos and diagrams to improve your performance horse entries.

IMEHA offers a Judges and Showers Conformation Evaluation Guide for studying, judging and competing in model horse breed conformation classes. Please check for the Conformation Guide over in the menu column. It has a lot of photos and diagrams to improve your breed conformation horse entries and to educate you in evaluating and judging model horses in relationship to real horses.

IMEHA offers a Color Guide, complete with photos and links to illustrate just what color your model is. It compliments the Color Class Shows that IMEHA offers. We are the only club online to offer color classes in their own shows, separate from a regular show.

IMEHA also sets a new precedence in online model horse showing by offering Mold Shows which gives all molds, even those that are not often placed, a chance to compete in even territory as the molds are judged against their own mold and not against an assigned breed.

IMEHA also offers a Doll Handler Show, Diorama or Scene Show and a Saddle and Tack Maker Show. Check those out under the Miscellaneous Class List link.

We currently have 1091 members showing and run 69 divisions of shows every month. There are over 83294 models competing. IMEHA offers free monthly photo shows but does rely upon donations and benefits to keep the site up and the shows running. IMEHA is a non profit association and has a board of directors.



Not only is IMEHA a cool photo show that runs hundreds of classes every month, but I personally love the guide book and the color guide! Everyone is so helpful and the pictures are amazing!    Please join thier site (100% free) http://www.imeha.org/      Over the next few days I will be talking about thier program and the benifits of showing with them!



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

come on people! I know Katie isn't the only one reading! Get in on the give away!

Fun with photos

Draft Harness by D and H designs

Finished harness by me!


Bella mid Canter ( I like this one because breyer has a mold just like this!)

TROT!

Julie Goodnight teaching a dressage clinic on bella's back!

Bella's frame!

Ear massage

Rolly Polly Pony!

Western pleasure!

Monday, March 4, 2013

500!

Thanks to everyone that views my blog! I'm thinking of a give away for my 1000! Please email me at ratsdogsforever@gmail.com with your name, address, and why you believe you deserve an item. List your preferances of items. List your top three (Must be different) and I will choose out of those three items. I will not do a western show saddle! or if you prefer I have two horses for sale that I could give away! I have a Duke American saddlebred with embroydered bag or a krypton Seni II with bag. All items are live show quality

Friday, March 1, 2013

Draft show harness



The only thing that really seems different to me is the addition of a collar and ornamental accents.

Draft Horse Show Parts


A- Traces
B- Breeching
C-Hip Drops
D-Breeching straps
E-Crupper
F-Carrier straps
G-Breeching Spider
H-Shaft Tugs
I-Show saddle
J-Reins
K-Girth
L-False martingale
M-Draft show hames
N-Hame straps
O-Draft show collar
P-short tugs
Q- Connecting strap
R-Chain type martingale
S-Scotch housing
T- Connecting strap