Dressage horse refusing to go forward?

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Cheiro1

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I am not really sure what I need guys, but just some ideas really

About a year ago I started riding a 16.2hh WBXTB.

He was always a quirky so and so, but with treatment of his ulcers and lots of work to build muscle to support "something" in his sacriliac he has been fab, he has gone from struggling to work at prelim level to competing successfully at novice, working happily at elementary at home.

Then suddenly just after xmas he planted one day in the school when I picked him up from warming up long and low. He was the same the next day so for a week I just worked him long and low, assuming he had tweaked something.

Had his saddle and back checked, the back lady found tightness around his poll but this might or might not be related as about 2 days before she saw him he paniced tied up and pulled back breaking the string so it could be that.

He had 2 days off and I got back on and I couldn't even get him into trot without a battle. He has been bute trialled which resulted in happy easy soft forward horse again :( :(

So...waiting for the vet to come see him, but I was just wondering what could cause this?

I am so scared about what the vet will say, he thrives on work and I am not sure I could put him through box rest....for either of our sanitys :(
 
Unfortunately horses are sent to try us. Hopefully the verdict will be positive and he can continue in work while undergoing therapy. I had one that would not tolerate box rest so just chucked it out as soon as I could and gave it a bit longer off to make up for it. Sometimes they surprise you and are remarkably resilient so it will all come down to vet advice and making sure they understand how the horse prefers to be managed so you can come up with the best solution.
 
We had this suddenly with our young horse . On scanning nothing showed but the vet recommended having elevated heart bars on and physio each week. Work was reduced to straight lines. She changed back immediately to a happy horse. Saddle was also rebalanced. Heels are coming back down next time although she has grown lots of heel of her own. I am hoping we caught her in time and didnt damage her in any way. Its the only way they can tell us there is a problem. Good luck finding your problem
 
My horse started this a few years ago, i gave her some time off (put her in foal) and when bringing her back into work before Christmas, she was still very reluctant to go forward. She had her hinds scanned which show extensive scarring of her suspensory ligament. I think she also has pain in her sacroiliac area and am going to get this looked into before deciding what to do next. Good luck to you.
 
What else do you do with him? Just a thought, but after working on a dressage yard, I saw a lot of horses become backwards thinking because they were just bored and fed up of schooling.

Assuming you do a variety of things, I hope its nothing too serious.
 
muckypony said:
What else do you do with him? Just a thought, but after working on a dressage yard, I saw a lot of horses become backwards thinking because they were just bored and fed up of schooling.

Assuming you do a variety of things, I hope its nothing too serious.
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Mucky pony - thank you :) he spends all weekends doing things like hacking/jumping/going cantering on the all weather tracks (unless he is competing :)) Unfortunately there is not enough light in the week as I work full time :(

Equibeau - thank you. :) I think that is what I am really scared of, suspensory damage :( Lots of vibes your horse comes back right as rain :)

Cart horse - thank yo :) he is currently barefoot, well he has been all his life, do you think that would have a difference?

LEC - thank you. :) Aren't they just! He has scared the living cr8p out of me before but I love the little buggar and when he is on song he just makes me smile.
 
Sounds just like my mare. Was going fab, really working her socks off in the school. Got her a new dressage saddle, made to measure and she started backing off, grinding to a halt and not wanting to go forwards. Swapped back into the saddle she's had for 4 years and initally an improvement then it all went downhill to the point where she was grinding to a halt and then threatening to rear. Better on hacks, but still a bit flat and lazy, and same on the lunge. On the lunge it is clear to see she can't step through in trot walk transitions and her canter is very poor. Physio came and said she was sore in her back, but even after treatment and follow up of tens/ equilibrium and massage she has failed to make much improvement. I am now sure her back is ok, so waiting for the snow to go before taking her up to our vets for a work up. I'm fearing hocks or suspensory.
 
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