Ex racer dragging back feet down steep field.

[Lisa joanna]

Hi, my 4 yo ex racer is kept on a steep field i notice she’s dragging her back feet when coming down, more one than the other, she’s not lame and fine on the flat, do you think this could be just laziness as always been on the flat. I’ve been told to maybe do pole work with her? Anyone else had this problem please?

 

[ycbm]

I've had a few 3 or 4 year old ex racers and put them on a steep hill and I would say that this is completely normal until they strengthen up.
.

 

[TPO]

Your best bet is to call your vet and book an appointment

Toe dragging can be an indicator of more serious things but it can also be a phase as she is young and will still be growing.

In your position I'd get the vet out

 

[Barton Bounty]

My boy sometimes dragged his toes but had a full check and was fine, my boy did race for a good few years.

 

[Lisa joanna]

Your best bet is to call your vet and book an appointment

Toe dragging can be an indicator of more serious things but it can also be a phase as she is young and will still be growing.

In your position I'd get the vet out

Was thinking about it, but was out few weeks ago and she was sound, may ring them again, Thanks?

 

[SantaVera]

I had a mare who did this, but she wasn't lame she was very light on the forehand though. It was just her way of going.

 

[TPO]

Was thinking about it, but was out few weeks ago and she was sound, may ring them again, Thanks?

To be blunt you don't know what's happening and that's why you've asked on here. But something is different/out of the ordinary and that's why you've noticed it. No one on here can advise because they haven't seen your horse. The best anyone can offer is their experiences but there's nothing to link them to what your horse might, or might not, have going on.

Basically if you don't know what something is you need a professional to diagnose and the only professional that can diagnose is a vet.

Hopefully it is nothing and just imbalance with growing. If so it might be worth engaging with a physio and asking for some exercises to do in between visits, they do make a big difference when done correctly and regularly.

 

[Kat]

I think it is pretty common for young weak horses on steep hills. My sister's ex-racer does it, my not ex-racer did. Our back lady recommended backing up on the flat and progressing to backing up a hill (start with a slight one) as a good exercise to strengthen the back end and get them lifting and placing their feet correctly. Poles too of course, particularly walk poles.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Your best bet is to call your vet and book an appointment

Toe dragging can be an indicator of more serious things but it can also be a phase as she is young and will still be growing.

In your position I'd get the vet out

Out of interest anything in particular?
I just ask because friend has a horse who’s not 100% (imo) and I notice he often but not always drags a hind toe, I *think off side but I’ve not ridden with her in a while and can’t quite remember.

 

[TPO]

Out of interest anything in particular?
I just ask because friend has a horse who’s not 100% (imo) and I notice he often but not always drags a hind toe, I *think off side but I’ve not ridden with her in a while and can’t quite remember.

Generally speaking it could mean anything from a weakness or slight imbalance, to joint issues, musculoskeletal issues to neurological issues.

 

[suebou]

We’ve just had seven year old put down due to multiple issues, including wobblers. One of his symptoms was his inability to walk downhill properly…..dragging toes….

 

[Horseysheepy]

Could be a sigh of hock troubles, but who knows? Could be anything.

Often newly broken or green horses struggle to place their feet ridden downhill, particularly if they live their live on a flat field. Often we forget that!

Sometimes you have to spend time, letting them pick their way down hill in their own time, but picking then up with little half halts every few strides just to gently ask their hocks to begin to take the weight and step under more. It takes time, but they get there. Yes reversing them uphill a few steps in hand is very beneficial too!.

 

[Annagain]

Sometimes they're just lazy. Monty always dragged his toes going downhill both under saddle and in the field. He retired at 25 having damaged a suspensory ligament in a foreleg in the field. He was still out jumping (sparingly and in perfect conditions) before that happened. Never any trouble behind.