So we did a few easy trot laps to see if he would work out of it - he wasn't lame but he just felt short in the hind and I gave him the benefit of doubt that he really is uncomfortable not just being lazy. So we just did a little walk work, which we actually needed to do anyways. I tend to let Cupid get lazy at the walk, or try to get him more forward by what my trainer calls shoving him with my hips. So I tried to keep my seat lighter and use my leg (and small tap-tap with the whip if necessary). We did some medium walk and free walk, and then a little leg yielding at the walk, quarter line to wall. This ride and last for some reason it's been easier leg yielding on one long side of the arena compared to the other. The easier side does not have a wall, but I don't know if that's the reason. I would think the other side would be easier because we're going towards the gate! We ended with practicing a little turn on the forehand.
Then we had our chiropractor appointment, which couldn't come at a better time! I told the Dr. that something seemed to be off. She said his lower back was out, and also made some adjustments to his neck. She showed me a new stretch, basically standing behind Cupid and cupping his ilium (what I think of as the point of the hip) and lean back. Cupid seemed to like it when she did it. She recommended giving him a few days off, and then taking it pretty easy the next week with no jumping or collection. I feel bad that I made him do anything at all the last few days, even though we took it easy I should have listened to him. :(
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