Inch By Inch...

Chester was outside all day today. 
Instantly, he was happier.  He saw me coming and came to greet me.
Farrier was there - tested his hooves...no reaction.  Not a flinch. Not a muscle moved.  He IS still pointing a little with his left and the stiffness is still there - but it is considerably better then a week ago.  It is more apparent when he is going around a corner. Farrier will come back on Friday and put shoes and pads on. The pads are packed - with something, but I don't remember what - and the frog remains open.  I will try to remember to take some pictures.  He showed me the pad this afternoon and it looked pretty cool.  I will also get a better explanation of what it is that is packed in there...Thinks it will help a LOT and he won't become dependant on it.  His hooves all feel the same in terms of temperature.
I think now, it is going to be a mix of making sure he MOVES as much as possible, the amazing Dr. Cove and my ability to remain patient and not push it.
That said, if we have significant improvement by the weekend, I am going to get on him and make him stretch...walking only.  That said, at this point in time next week - if there is no significant improvement, then we are going to upgrade to the dreaded Mystery Lameness Stiffness and I will have to reassess the situation.  (Let's hope it doesn't come to that as my pockets pretty much have holes in them.)  The Electrolytes are doing their thing - he is drinking almost 1 1/2 more buckets a day!! 
Day by day, inch by inch, I am getting my horse back. 
I haven't been happier in weeks...neither has Chester.  And THAT is more important then anything else.