Bit help please :)

[nicolenlolly]

I need to bring my cob back into work. We were having broncing (sp?!) issues and so had new saddle as the one he came with was too big, had back man check him and said he had a problem with hamstring. Rested for a bit though still turned out and then he was hacking very nicely. I was slowly building my confidence and loving it
Then the silly sausage got cast (we think) day before saddle check-cue broncing again, big bruise on hoof wall, rub marks from fillet strap on rug etc. vet came, back man came and we were told to rest some more.
The horse has been rested pretty much since June now and he looks dire, can't figure out how to post pics but he has no top line and his croup is very angular.
He now has quite bad muscle wastage on one side and trots up lame, this I have been told is now solely down to muscle wastage so I am to lunge him daily in walk and trot for about 6 weeks before I even contemplate getting back on.
To start with I have done this in his head collar but next week I would like to tack him up and lunge him. I have him in a slotted kimblewick to ride but I am worried this is too harsh to lunge in? What bit would you use or recommend, he is quite lazy and leans a little but I don't really need to hang on for grim death. Oh also he is only 7 but had the work of a 4 and a half year old really so quite green.
sorry to ramble but any other advice experience anyone has would also be mega appreciated.
thank you thank you and thank you for your help xx

 

[Pinkvboots]

The lack of top line and muscle is due to the muscle wastage, was this caused by the saddle? I would just lunge in a snaffle bit, carrot stretches are really good if his got muscle wastage, so is pole work on the lunge you need him to use his back end to get it built up, thats probably why he pulled a hamstring if his being blocked by the saddle they move differently and build the wrong muscle mainly down the back of the hind legs and they get a lump on top of the hip with a hollow bum on top either side of the croup, it takes time but as long as you get him moving correctly he will improve.

 

[nicolenlolly]

Hi pinky boots thank you for your reply. No the muscle wastage was down to the box rest and not being able to do anything with him. The saddle was replaced at the beginning of the year and he was being ridden at least 4 times a week but then pulled the hamstring so rested, then got cast in about June so 6 weeks rest took us to beginning of August. Then I was away and he was lame again but that has all been answered in theory with the muscle wastage!!
He is brilliant at the carrot stretches, I love doing them with him. I have been told each day to stretch his neck by making his nose touch the point of his elbow and stretch out front legs, hold for a minute to help strengthen those muscles and improve balance and then stretch backs to almost touch the front legs and hold. He likes his stretches and is responding well to lunging, so hopefully it will answer all our problems xx