Advice on Ex-Polo Horse

[carlynews]

Hi everyone,
I've just rescued an ex-polo horse who has only been out of the sport about 4 months. He was pulled out of the sport due to an injury on his back leg and sent off to be pts, I took him from the house where he was waiting. He is a lovely boy, lovely nature but wasn't happy when I got on him, currently trying the McTimoney method as I'm pretty sure its his back that's the problem.

I'm after advice on anyone who's taken on Polo horses or anyone with experience in polo from suggested feed and nutrients to put him on following his career to any recommended exercises or just general advice on domesticating an ex-polo. He's covered in lumps and bumps, teeth haven't been looked after so all I'm keen on doing for time being is absolutely pampering him back to health before needing to ride, and even when I do I think I'll keep him as a light hacker.

As always TIA for advice

 

[SEL]

We have a lot come through the yard where I keep my horses and one friend still has hers going strong at 22 and the other has just introduced his 15yo ex polo horse to little jumps for the first time. Every one I've met has been pretty quiet to handle on the ground (personally I think they're a bit shut down, but that changes with TLC) and good to hack.

Firstly - vet check and then probably physio. I've seen everything from sore back that sorted with time to pelvic injury that meant the horse was only good as a companion. Food wise - both my friends have their horses on joint supplements, but apart from that pretty much treat them as you would any other horse.

Lovely that you rescued him - best of luck to you both

 

[carlynews]

Thank you Me, my mum and little sister all came home with ex-polo rescues that were all going to be pts (we only went to collect an orphaned foal!). Theirs have been fine to ride but like you said personality wise so shut down and withdrawn, its really sad but they seem to be coming out of themselves in time.

Had the vet, physio and farrier, dentist next and he's having massages every fortnight for the next few. Joint supplements are great advice, he's such a do-gooder with feed so just wanted to make sure the right nutrients were getting in him!