Bending

Lambkins

Lambkins

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Can someone help me pleaseeee .. My pony is really struggling on the left rein .. Slowly getting worse .. Teeth done end of April (so could call her back out) saddle done end of may along with back lady ( back lady said he was fine no work needed and she is one of the top ladys ) fast forward to 10 days ago ..different local recommended back lady came out .. Poked , prodded , and pushed him around .. Hacked 3 days later till i Schooled him this week and pony still reluctant to bend on one rein ( perfect on the other rein ) I have swopped bits around but tbh I really don't think it's his month ( could be wrong I guess ? ) he just either runs on a few strides or locks his neck .. He is fine in canter .. ( loose and bendy) but in trot blocking on a small circle / serpentine .. 20m circle not to bad ( less bend I guess ) walk has always been his worse pace but seems ok bending on both reins ( like the canter) so I have been working in stretching exercises .. And have asked back lady to come back out .. Any thoughts ? ( hope this all makes sense )
 
You do not put his age in which may have some bearing on how to deal with the issue but if he is totally sound and has no underlying issues I would be a bit surprised as not many horses are that one sided for no reason, I would suggest getting someone to help with his schooling, eyes on the ground may see something amiss and be best placed to help.

I would work on getting him to stretch down out hacking and work gradually on both sides in walk then trot, just asking for slight bend right, his easy way, then a little left before going back to his comfort zone but limit how much you ask for, think of his right side being stiff and unwilling or unable to stretch, rather than the left being stiff, he is most likely to be hollowing to his preferred side as it is tighter. Leg yielding is useful to help gain the desired bend, counter flexions may help as he could find bending left while going right more comfortable and that can correct any lack of true straightness.

If he does not improve it may well be physical and the back person should refer him to your vet for a proper check, assuming they had permission to treat him and have sent their report on.
 
He is 6 ( owned him since a baby) it's over the last month he has started this .. He is sound .. No health issues .. I bend him with a carrot each side ..seems only slightly tighter on the left .. I'm waiting for the back lady to call me back .. He can leg yield , shoulder in , quarters in , spiral circles , ( stuggles as the circle) pirouette ( walk) and only struggles slightly on the left ..it's more smaller circles , and serpentines and coming across the diagonal to a left corner .. :)
 
I would say if he is getting worse then there is an underlying issue. He may have changed shape over the summer so saddle bit tighter?? Pulled something in field?? Anything?? But if i was you I would be getting physio out again.
 
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