Bad Backs and all !

[cruise91]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to know if any one has any ideas on how to help me and my arab gelding.

He has also been cold backed. Had time off recently due to personal circumstances.

But more recently he hasn't been himself. Just very flinchy on his back and always seems to rest his back feet.

Everytime I have tried to ride him he just throws a fit and rears up grunting. He has never been this bad.

I am going to call the vet and see what they say and then what is the next step i should take ? Osteopath? Equine Physiotherapist? Shiatsu??!!

So many different opinions, not enough time lol!

Help , i wanna help my boy out

Thanks x

 

[ChocoCornflake]

I would see what the vet has to say, and ask what they recommend as a next step!
Be very very careful of people adverising themselves as a ''back man'' there are so many out there who do more harm than good.
Equally there are many who do an excellent job but do get the vets's recommendation, and check out the therapist credentials.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Have you done the usual back/tack/teeth tests HH? After that, I'd see if he does it every time he's asked to work or only when ridden. So try lunging and long reining him and try a different rider and/or different tack on him. Is he showing different behaviour in any other ways eg leading, in the stable, eating, with other horses??? Has he lost/gained weight/condition?? I think you're gonna have to be a bit of a Sherlock Holmes here to work out what's going on.

 

[VictoriaC]

I imagine you have done a bit of feeling and pressing with your hands to see if he is sore anywhere?
If he has had lots of time off it could be that he does not have the muscle to carry a rider for more than a few minutes without getting sore, try carrying a backpack yourself, ouch!
Vet will know what's best if you have a good one.

 

[paulineh]

After doing the normal things such as saddle, teeth etc I would get a good Chiropractor to see him.

Where do you live I can recommend a very good one (He is also a vet)