Fine horse / heavy rider

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Flicker

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How much would you expect your vet to say?
I was chatting with a friend today and we were both mulling over a horse / rider combo that we know. Horse is very fine, rider is quite heavy and rides quite heavy too.
Horse has intermittent lameness problems - shoulder and back-end related.
Horse also holds its head and tail in odd positions when working.
The owner is extremely diligent and always gets veterinary treatment for the lameness. The vet treats the condition, the horse improves and then goes lame again.
Now, I am no vet, but I can't help wondering if this rider is too heavy for the horse and whether it is the role of the vet, as part of their overall treatment of the horse, to mention this.
What is the role of the vet - to treat the ailment or treat the horse?
Opinions welcome.
 
Hmmm, interesting one.
If it is a welfare issue I think the vet should say something. But if it isn't then I can see why the vet is continuing to treat this horse, at the end of the day it is more money for the vet. If the vet (or someone else) did say something, the owner could easily change vets or stop getting the horse treated.
 
I used to know someone just like this! It always amazes me when she said oh she bucks and carries herself strangely when i ride her - i used to think to myself 'its because your too heavy' but would have my head severely taken off if i had said a word - i was a mere neighbouring livery but if i where treating the horse i wouldnt think twice about mentioning it to the owner.
 
Well if the vet thought this *was* the problem surely it is up to them to say, as otherwise they are not doing their job... treating it afterwards isn't really doing their full job if they think the rider is causing the problem, the vet would have to offer advice on how to stop the problem persisting if this was the cause. Worrying about the feelings of the rider should not come into it. (that of course though goes along the lines of if the rider *was* causing the problem).

So I should imagine it's not because they haven't said anything.... (at least I hope so)

x
 
Yes, these are the issues we've been mulling over too. I would certainly hope that, if my vet thought that I was somehow responsible for my horse's discomfort (or at the very lease wasn't helping the situation) that they would say something. But it puts them in a difficult position, I suppose, because would they then have to prove it?
It is easier with people doctors - I have a GP who lays it to me straight if she thinks I'm straying too far either side of a healthy BMI, but yes, harder for vets.
 
I find it odd her being heavy she is not concious of it herself. I am not a lightweight and I have always been worried about Ols and asked the Chiropractor often her thoughts and many others, I asked for a no BS straight answer and hope I got it lol. Never asked on here though, I might have been eaten alive :eek:

I love TB's and the lighter breeds but I know they are out for me and being heavier I do prefer a bit of a heavier build horse as then I feel less perched. I have gone very heavy this buy as I am so concious :o

I find it very odd she has not thought about this herself :confused:
 
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