Dressage - ‘just a little irregular in the trot behind’

[starbucker]

So I entered a new loan horse at unaff. dressage, and one of the comments has me worried ‘just a little irregular in the trot behind’. translations welcome. We overall got mid 60s and didnt score less than 6.0 but on two change of reins ‘irregular steps’ is noted. I am aware he has arthritis and can get a little stiff until warmed up, but of course don’t want to compete a lame horse others have reassured they would have stopped the test but it is a concern. He is a driving horse / hacked out so not the most schooled minus the work we’ve done for the few 6 months

 

[Calluna]

I have only done a little bit of writing, so not the most authoritative to reply, but one judge declined to let a horse even enter the ring (that went down as a withdrawal) and the sort of comment you describe relating to one particular movement would be a weakness I think, rather than “hopping”

 

[Red-1]

A little lame, is how I would interpret it. But not enough to stop the test (especially if it was just some steps when changing rein).

 

[millikins]

He's not a standardbred is he? I follow a SB group on FB, they get all sorts of odd comments due to their individual way of going.

 

[christine456]

deleted

 

[starbucker]

feathered cob type, owner is keen for me to enter again but unsure if only servicably sound for hacking. Retired from jumping

 

[TheMule]

He's lame enough to be commented on…. He needs to see a vet

 

[starbucker]

How do i broach topic with owner if that is how comments to be interpreted?

 

[Tiddlypom]

He's lame enough to be commented on…. He needs to see a vet

Agree. Dressage judges are now very wary of stopping a test unless the horse is absolutely crippled, but that is dressage judge speak for 'lame'.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Yes I agree, dressage speak for lame. I despair at judges not saying lame. I know they are not vets but should be able to tell a sound horse from a lame one!!

 

[AmyMay]

How do i broach topic with owner if that is how comments to be interpreted?

Just tell her. He’s uneven and you’re getting the bet out to look.

 

[Pinkvboots]

It means lame so horse needs a vet I wouldn't enter again with a comment like that.

Is this horse on full loan to you or do you share the horse with the owner?

 

[starbucker]

Share so Im not 100% in the loop with previous vet appointments etc. I did briefly mention it after the test but the owner seemed to think it meant something else. I will mention again

 

[Pinkvboots]

Share so Im not 100% in the loop with previous vet appointments etc. I did briefly mention it after the test but the owner seemed to think it meant something else. I will mention again

So you have to rely on her getting a vet which sounds like it's not going to happen if she believes the comment means something else.

I personally wouldn't ride the horse anymore.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

So you have to rely on her getting a vet which sounds like it's not going to happen if she believes the comment means something else.

I personally wouldn't ride the horse anymore.

I certainly wouldn't enter any more tests or work in an arena with him. He will probably benefit from gentle hacking.

Share so Im not 100% in the loop with previous vet appointments etc. I did briefly mention it after the test but the owner seemed to think it meant something else. I will mention again

 

[starbucker]

Spoke with owner today getting farrier and vet to take a look this week then go from there, if gentle hacking is where hes at then that is what we will do

 

[doodle]

I write a lot for dressage judges. They are not allowed to say “lame” but that is what is means. They are not vets and so can’t say it. If they are properly lame then the judge can stop the test but if “just” some unlevel steps they won’t.

 

[Wizpop]

Yes I agree, dressage speak for lame. I despair at judges not saying lame. I know they are not vets but should be able to tell a sound horse from a lame one!!

As dressage judges, and not vets, we are not officially allowed to say that a horse is lame, hence having to write things like, irregular steps, stepping short, a little unlevel etc. . Believe me, there have been many times I would have liked to say “lame” And I know I’m not alone!

 

[starbucker]

I'd personally rather them use the word so I don't have to hop on google to translate and can be investigated asap, I've not ridden since until investigations done - I would not want to be hurting him! He has since been footsore in walk awaiting vet/farrier should be coming today to take a look