Don't know what to do...

[Firewell]

My horse had 6 weeks off with a bad back because of a badly fitting saddle that used to slip forward. She has had an osteopath who is very good out a couple of times and is now back in work with a nice properly fitted saddle company saddle. She also has had her teeth done a few days ago (they were very sharp aparently). So all should be sorted... But its not!!!!!

When i got my saddle she loved it so much and was going so amazing, my back man said she was 80% better, not quite there but good enough to start proper schooling. so I booked myself my first lesson on her for 3 months for today.

It was a disaster from the start, she was swishing her tail and all tense and stiff. We did some flexing on a circle to get her to soften down into the bridle. Instead of making her better it made her worse and worse especially on the left rein (which is usually her best rein) untill the point I had to stop. She had her ears flat back and started bouncing on the spot. We then put her on the lunge for 5 mins to see if we could see anything, she was perfectly sound but she was holding herself tightly and didnt look relaxed at all.

My Instructor felt all over and said her back was fine 'phew' but that she was extemlly tense down her shoulders, ribs and over her neck. I dont know what on earth the matter is now, am so upset

Last week she was going so well in her new saddle like a completely different horse and I was so pleased and this week its all gone down hill.

The thing is before she had a badly fitting saddle I never had a problem with her back. Her osteopath is so busy he cant comeand see her untill July 17th. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I can do with her in the mean time? My Instructor reccommended massaging her and doing carrot stretches and maybe getting a mctimony chiropractor out. I spoke to the vet and he says theres 'nothing orthopeadically wrong with her'.

Im so upset, I had high hopes of doing BSJA this summer as she was jumping so so well before all this happened. Shes an ex racehorse and its taken me 3 years to get her to be at this level. shes an amazing horse so talented and brave and its so frustrating watching the summer season pass us by. I just dont know what to do, shes in pain and I dont know why

Sorry this is long

 

[Madasmaz]

Oh no!!!!! If she is tensing, it could possibly be through fear. It hurt before so she may be tensing to prepare for pain again. You could try lunging and long lining in the saddle for a while until she relaxes into her saddle, and then climb on board. Sadly these things take time to help them get over, but as long as you are quiet and kind with her I'm sure she'll try for you. Don't give up. Sheepskins I'm told are quite good at preventing bruising and creating comfort, but be aware that they can alter the fit of the saddle.

 

[Oldred]

You poor thing. I would get the vet out. You need a diagnosis so you don't spend more time trying this and that - even if it means a referral. If it was me I wouldn't spend money on back people and massaging unless the practitioner diagnoses an actual injury and is certain they can 'treat' it. It might be an idea to work her on bute for a few weeks to see if that helps in case its some spasm or damaged muscles.

 

[teabiscuit]

i've not had any personal experience of saddle company saddles, but i've read that they aren't suitable for all horses, and some horses never get on with them no matter how often they are tweaked

also read of people getting new ones and the stuffing settling too much and leaving too little padding, and this can happen really quickly from what i've read of others experiences with them

i've read lots of positive things about SCS, but the odd horse who never gets on with them keeps cropping up now and again

 

[jumpthemoon]

I'd definitley second the McTimoney. I've had problems with my horses back and he's gone from napping/tail swishing/disunited canter etc to perfectly happy in a few days after a McTimoney. It does depend on what's causing the problem as to what treatment will work, but I think McT is a v good place to start. I've also had it on myself with near miraculous results (no exaggeration!) Can't say enough how much I rate it

I'm sure you'll get it sorted out soon. I know how frustrating it can be though. Do the carrot stretches as well - they will help keep her flexible etc and hands on massaging won't hurt - just don't go near any bones/joints

Good luck

 

[Firewell]

thanks for your comments. I tried the vet and he said there was nothing wrong with her, her flexion tests were fine etc. In an orthopeadic sense she was perfect so I think its muscular. The back man treated the muscles over her back but maybe theres been a knock on effect elsewhere? The bute is an idea though, maybe i'll try that.

She is very sensistive so she could be anticipating pain, but then she wasnt anticipating the pain last week as she was going really well last week. It just seems we take 2 steps forward, 2 steps back. Oh dear, I dont know. I wish she could talk to me

 

[Flame_]

My last two horses have been "mysteriously difficult' for a long while before anyone could find out why. Both had front feet pain and one had arthritic hocks. If the lameness is subtle and in more than one leg, even the vets often can't see it. The horse could be good at compensating throughout its body, which often causes recurrent back pain. Sue Dyson got to the bottom of my horse's problems with the help of an MRI scan, and I can't recommend her highly enough. Physio's/chiro's are great IMO but if the horse doesn't improve, or improves then deteriorates again after two or three sessions, go to the experts, everyone else will just keep taking your money but you'll keep going round in circles. Good luck.

 

[JM07]

try Bowen..its not as physical and "rough" as mcT.....

My pony hated McT...found it very stressful..but the Bowen..it worked for him!!