Horse injuries

Question
QUESTION: A month and a half ago my TB Gelding went through a barb wire fence and
cut his front legs open. His right leg in three places and about three inches of
his left leg exposing the bone. Everything is going good so far but his
muscles are wasting away and I am not sure what to do to bring them back.
He was going to be a showjumper but not sure what to do now if he can still
do it. I was going to start him walking over poles on the ground to get him
used to them but not sure if that is a good idea because of his condition.

I could really use some help so anything you could suggest would be great.
Thanks Maddi

ANSWER: Hi Maddi,
Walking him a few times a day is best. by now the stitches should be out and the wounds healing. let him walk around up and down hills a bit. if the wounds start to open again then give him a break. if the wounds are still leaking then the exercise will help the fluid come out. keep it clean and walk him and it should do just fine. once there healed then do more hill work and your horse will regain the leg muscles. going up works the quarter muscles and going down works the chest and front leg muscles. trotting also does good too. thats what i did with all of the racehorses and riding horses i trained. trust me it does wonders. good luck and im sure he will still be able to be a showjumper.
Amanda Groff

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Because the owner of the property were I had him did let me know my horse
almost died. He was left for so long that there was nothing left to stitch together
the wounds were just to far apart. I am still doing a bandage change once a
week so should he still do this?

Answer
hi Maddi,
well the bandage should be changed more then once a week if its still bloody. if its healing then take the bandage off and let it kinda dry. keep ointment on it and make sure the flys don't get to it. keep it clean and you should probably have the vet give him a tetanus shot if the barb wire was rusty. but yeah keep it clean and still walk him. if i could see pictures i could tell you more but from what you said take the bandage off and let the air get to it, put ointment on it daily, and get that shot in him.
Amanda Groff