can anyone help me out with diagnosis

[cellie]

My youngster rising 5 has just started lessons , I have previously been hacking to build up his strength.I have started little more work recently in school.Yesterday I lunged first he was sound then after ten mins ridden work noticed slight nod only on left rein and he didnt want to go forward so instantly jumped off.Tonight I put him on lunge to check out for lameness and there is slight nod for few strides when we started lunging ,I called my instructor to check out and by time she walked round he was fine ,I changed rein and all ok on right rein. Went back to left rein and I can see very subtle shortness.He was bit wired(tea time and horses coming in) and instructor couldnt see it.
He was lame with splint 8 weeks ago but its all settled down although instructor thinks he could have knocked it ,I feel its unlikely as its on outside of cannon bone.He is happy to bend and stretch in walk back seems fine and recently been checked. I did find nick out of one of his splint boots so could have over reached on his lesson and my instructor does push on with youngsters.Im also asking for more contact which he obviously finds harder.
Im not sure if hes stiff or tweaked something from change of work as I expected lameness to get worse on lunge not better,this is whats confusing.
Obviously checked legs for swelling and heat and will check again morning.
Anyone have any ideas ?

 

[spacefaer]

Not being a vet and not having seen the horse. .....

Two things spring to mind to consider - I'm assuming you felt/saw the nod in trot? In which case, are you sure it was the front limb and not the diagonal hind limb?

Also, if he got sounder on the lunge, could it be rider weight in the saddle that is causing discomfort? If he had a slightly pulled muscle in his back, it might not be evident until he's asked to carry a rider and work in an outline.

 

[cellie]

thanks for reply , ridden I felt and saw nod immediately, I felt him draw his hind leg up and noticed tail swishing ,when I asked for trot he almost lifted hind and arched tiny bit. Being youngster I wouldnt force issue as he is fairly unargumentative type and when he had splint he showed similair signs(not going forward) which fortunately I read quickly .
It could well be rider weight being unbalanced (Im not heavy weight lol) and green. Hes co operative hacking .It could well be hind limb as he was working from behind in school and although he does some hacking its straight lines and much easier on firm surface than deeper school.I have considered contact being issue and will be booked again for dentist very shortly .