Dragging alternate hind legs.

[Hoof_Prints]

I told my friend I'd ask on here about this as it has me quite confused!
I was out hacking with my friend today and she told me to watch her horse trot from behind, he dragged his right toe , she then perfected her balance and he stopped dragging, feet still low but no drag along the tarmac. She then changed her diagonal and he then dragged his other toe. Every time she changed her diagonal he swapped and dragged the new "inside" toe (if he were in a school) . The horse is only 4 and she broke him herself, he used to drag in walk but stopped doing that and apparently doesn't drag on the lunge, but will drag either toe when trotting up the field on his own.

I couldn't give her any ideas other than he is just unbalanced, anyone else?
Thanks !

 

[be positive]

He sounds as if he may be very weak not just unbalanced to find carrying the rider hard work on both diagonals, I have known some become weaker on one side for various reasons usually fixed with physio and careful riding to ensure they work evenly, it is possible the saddle is restricting him in some way and worth getting that checked but he probably is just immature and will grow out of it as he gets stronger.

 

[ycbm]

My EPSM horse used to be very unbalanced if the rider moved at all, and also dragged his hind toes. Treating him with the EPSM diet, and now with alcar, sorted him out completely. If he tires easily or has tight muscles or false colic, she might consider it.

 

[Hoof_Prints]

Thanks for the replies, didn't pay much attention to the saddle but I'll mention it, always a tricky area with young horses changing shape anyway . I thought he looked quite long in the back so I imagine he is very weak, she is just worried her young horse she's had from a 2 yo has a serious issue. Off to google EPSM !

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I was out hacking with my friend today and she told me to watch her horse trot from behind, he dragged his right toe , she then perfected her balance and he stopped dragging, feet still low but no drag along the tarmac. field on his own.

QUOTE]


You have pinpointed the reason, he is reacting to her balance, or lack of it. She needs to make sure that her position is as near perfect as possible all the time. Riders often seem to forget that they influence their horses' way of going in many ways not just with the direct aids that they are conscious of giving.