Disunited canter - possible physical issue?

[Bea_millard]

My rising 6 year old is quite weak, but even on the lunge he is struggling to pick up the correct lead and to stay “united”. He’s better on the left rein than the right, but even then he is often disunited.

In peoples experience, is this more likely to be a training/strength/balance issue or do I need to get the vet out? If the former, do people have exercises/tips?

 

[horsesense]

My rising 6 year old is quite weak, but even on the lunge he is struggling to pick up the correct lead and to stay “united”. He’s better on the left rein than the right, but even then he is often disunited.

In peoples experience, is this more likely to be a training/strength/balance issue or do I need to get the vet out? If the former, do people have exercises/tips?

If he is a weak 6year old it would be better not to canter him on the lunge. Canter him out hacking to build strength and develop the muscles, etc. he needs to carry a rider in canter. Cantering in circles is much harder for the horse than straight line work so leave circles until he has established reasonable balance when cantering out.

 

[TotalMadgeness]

What is he like cantering around the school by himself (freeschool)?

 

[SEL]

It was an old sacrum injury with my friend's ex-racer when he did this - apparently he'd had a fall in the lorry before he came to her.

So I'd agree with the above posters. If he struggles in straight lines or on his own then its likely a vet issue.

 

[pixie27]

My 5/6 yr old struggled with canter in straight lines and in the school/on the lunge. Disunited behind, was weak and so on. Turned out to have serious damage to his stifle.

 

[RHM]

My 5 year old also presented like this, sent him for a loss of performance work up and he had PSD. Hopefully yours is ok! Got everything crossed!

 

[Branna]

Does he have regular physio/chiro/back person?
If it was an older established horse disuniting I'd be more concerned, but when mine were 4-6ish usually it meant they needed an adjustment or treatment.
I have used both a vet physio and a mctimoney chiro at different times. With both I found a treatment would set young horses back to correct lead. As they get older and stronger it happened less often.

 

[Bea_millard]

If he is a weak 6year old it would be better not to canter him on the lunge. Canter him out hacking to build strength and develop the muscles, etc. he needs to carry a rider in canter. Cantering in circles is much harder for the horse than straight line work so leave circles until he has established reasonable balance when cantering out.

Ah okay - I got told to canter him on the lunge so he can figure himself out before cantering under saddle. I will stop cantering on the lunge!

 

[Bea_millard]

What is he like cantering around the school by himself (freeschool)?

I’ve not freeschooled him yet. I’ve turned him out in the school and he basically just walked around the entire time

 

[Bea_millard]

My 5 year old also presented like this, sent him for a loss of performance work up and he had PSD. Hopefully yours is ok! Got everything crossed!

Thank you

 

[Bea_millard]

Does he have regular physio/chiro/back person?
If it was an older established horse disuniting I'd be more concerned, but when mine were 4-6ish usually it meant they needed an adjustment or treatment.
I have used both a vet physio and a mctimoney chiro at different times. With both I found a treatment would set young horses back to correct lead. As they get older and stronger it happened less often.

He doesn’t, no. But I am definitely going to look into it. I think I’m going to get the vet out to have a look - then at least if there’s nothing, that crosses that off the list and I can hopefully work towards finding the solution. I’m praying it’s not as serious as some of the issues mentioned in this thread and that like you said, it’s just an adjustment and strength building

 

[Bea_millard]

Just watched a video of him cantering in his field and for the first half he’s disunited and then he changes his front legs and he’s okay. I’m very worried now. Call to the vet tomorrow!

 

[Gloi]

What breed is he?

 

[Bea_millard]

What breed is he?

Connie x

 

[Gloi]

Connie x

I was wondering if he could have had standardbred blood in him or something with pace affecting the canter.