amzy
Well-Known Member
I have had my pony for 3 years now. In that time he has been forward going and our hacking has mostly been alone, which he has always seemed to enjoy and behaved impeccably - a complete confidence giver. A few months ago he started finding hills quite difficult to go up and would stop for a rest before taking himself off again. I had him x-rayed which found bi-lateral hock spavin but was advised by the vet to keep riding him lightly and put him on a good joint supplement. Just recently he has started to nap with me when we try to go anywhere on our own. He will go out with another horse without any problems and I can lead him anywhere with a loose rope and he walks out freely. Everyone comments that he looks amazing for a 22 year old. When he naps he just plants himself and nothing I do will make him go forwards, he just seems to shut down. His teeth are regularly checked, the saddle has been checked by a master saddler and his routine hasn't changed. I am wondering whether his eyesight maybe impaired and he no longer feels confident by himself but that's just one of many things I can come up with. I am calling the vet back this week to check him but just wondered if anyone here has gone through anything similar. How can you tell when a horse should no longer be ridden? He seems normal and happy in every other way and still manages to trot and canter beautifully in the field!
