Bad backs :-(

[merry mischief]

Poor Jim has been a bit shirty for a few days, on sat I had a lesson where he threw his head a lot I got off and my instructor checked him over, he seemed ok but tense through his back. No soreness evident, just tense. Yesterday I checked him over and back seemed fine, so I lunged him and he tossed his head again. Had vet today who lightly toutched his back and was nearly double barrelled for it! (very out of character) Also tried to do the same to YO and me when we touched him, so clearly in agony :-( vet has recommended bute for a week, 2 weeks off and have back woman out at this point (if he is less tender, if not call him back out for further investigation) as he feels it is muscular. I think it's a bit odd that it has been progressive? But in my 20 years of horses this is my 1st bad back so I'm not 100% sure has anyone else got any experience like this? Choccy hobnobs in return for advice

 

[classicalfan]

No not odd. He may have been uncomfortable for a while and it has now reached the painful point.

 

[Cadfael&Coffee]

i don't think it's odd either, tbh, it sounds more like he's got to a point where he's just had enough and is telling you more obviously than he was!

mine has extensive muscle damage, including being seriously tight across his hips (right one in particular)

i got around it by loosening him up with my fingers every day before i worked him- took 5 mins, and worked a treat. i then concentrated on building his muscles up, and after a while you wouldn't know the damage was there.

one thing which is a complete life saver is an equissage machine- even the handheld is absolutely brilliant, and was all i needed to patch rob up when he got very sore.

if your vet is sure it is definitely muscle damage, i can strongly recommend getting someone out with the full equissage machine- well worth it!!

other than that, just lots and lots and LOTS of hill work and lateral movements/ flexing to build him up.hopefully yours is just a temporary thing, unlike rob!!

stupid question- does your saddle still fit comfortably?

 

[merry mischief]

Phew feel a bit better now! Saddle was fitted 12 weeks ago and still looks ok to an untrained eye but I'm going to get it checked as he is only 4 so may have changed in that time if he's had a growth spurt poor lad certainly told us today, however he is overjoyed that he now has breakfast for his bute to go in, lol.