I have decided to give up on riding Gen. How are those two thoughts related? Well I am really proud of the fact that I have never fallen off of him. I kind of want to keep that record going.
The thing is that I was SOOOO excited to be riding Gen again. I had all these dreams in my head that once I started to ride him he would suddenly be normal again and we could go galloping off through the fields.
The reality of the situation is that is never going to happen. I am allowed to walk Gen and only walk Gen. If Gen could just walk this would have been a non-issue. Gen however does not like to walk. Gen likes to RUN and run fast. I love to go flying around on horseback also which is one of the reasons we worked so well. The problem is that now I freak out every time he even jigs for a step because I am so worried about him. That means that riding is not fun. And I have gone though too much with Gen to not have fun with him.
I enjoy him even as a pasture pet. I don’t want to ride him unless I can really ride him. Maybe someday, years from now, I will be able to walk trot and canter him. For now since all the vet cleared him to do is walk I am going to throw in the towel. Not all horses like retirement, but Gen does. Look at that happy boy trotting across his field. He knows how hard to push himself without getting hurt in the field. I don’t know how hard I could push before he breaks in the arena so to me it is just not worth the risk. If I am happy and he is happy why mess with it?
A Horse and a Half 
Since I have just started reading your blog and have not gone back through the archives, I do not know what has happened to Gen, but I DO understand your very selfless wishes to be happy with him where HE is–meaning in his “pasture pal” state–rather than selfishly try to “ride the dream.” As you say, HE knows what’s best and because he has been such a special part of your horse family, he deserves his retirement. As you say, why mess with something that is obviously the right thing to do.
I’m really proud of you for making such a noble decision.
Gen still loves you, and you him, and that’s all that matters. He’s happy, and I know that his happiness means the world to you.
You’re such a great horsewoman, and an even better mum to Gennyboy, and I really enjoy reading about the two of you and your fun times =)
At the end of the day you have to do whatever you believe is right for you and your horse. Sounds like you know what that is, and you know what they say… if it aint’ broke don’t fix it!
You know..your horse, your choice. 🙂
You may decide to get on again, you may not and either way it A-Ok.
He looks very happy and is lucky