Bringing a horse back into work...

[nomini]

Had my vet out about 3 weeks ago to re-assess alisha, he said she is sound so to introduce turnout and gradually bring her back into work, was already walking her for at least 1/2 hour a day before he came to re-assess her, so have gradually introduced trot, however, today a couple of other liveries were up in the school and said she didn't look quite right on the left rein on the corners. I stopped trotting and walked her round, then wanted to see if it was my weight on her that wasn't helping so put her on the lunge just to see, she looked completely sound on both hard and soft surfaces

could it be the extra weight? (i'm only 9 stone ish) someone also mentioned she could just be bridle lame?
Am going to phone the vet anyway tomorrow to speak to him, but just wondered if anyone else has had experiences like this? and if this could just be normal after 7-8months off and 5months box rest? Hoping she's just stiff and hasn't re-injured her foot

Any advice would be great

 

[ErinDoig]

She probably just jarred something or like you said was feeling a little stiff.

I always try and get mine walking up to and hour on hard sruface before i start trotting or working in the school. Just so i know everythings hardened up. Would it help to do some hill work with her to strengthen up her back end? This may help if it is related to being bridle lame.

Fingers crossed it was just an 'off' moment.

 

[nomini]

Thanks, I am hoping it was just an off day and she was just feeling a little stiff, don't know what i'll do if she's lame again!

I have only been taking her in the school cos she is a bit hyper out hacking, but think I will have to be brave and start doing some road work with her to build up the strength in her legs. Thanks for your advice

 

[hadfos]

If she was on complete box rest for 5 months it could be muscle fatigue!!she wouldnt have been using herself the same as if she was turned out for 5 months resting!!I would stick with the walking excercise and increase the amount of time you are out in walk,also agree,hill work will help build up her muscle tone again,i would also get her using her back and get her stepping underneath you whilst hacking to build up the muscles again,just introduce everything slowly,dont be in any rush to progress!!hope this helps?Let us know how you get on with her!!

 

[Shilasdair]

If you are rising to the trot, sometimes that can make the horse appear unlevel when it's unfit/unbalanced. Get your friends to watch again in half seat in trot to see if still unlevel.
But most horses are not even on both reins - and I'm sure you're not ambidextrous either, so don't worry too much unless it gets worse.
I'm sure it'll resolve itself as she gets fitter and more balanced.
Good luck with her
S

 

[nomini]

Thanks for your advice, will start hacking her out in walk so she can build up her strength. She looked level on the lunge so hoping it is just me rising. Thanks again, will let you know how I get on