Foreleg suspensory injury

pinklilly

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I bought a 3 year old ex-racehorse last April with plans to turn him away and re-start him as a 4 year old ( which he is now ), I bought him off a dealer, he was sound and legs were clean.

After doing a bit of digging, the former owner ( he belonged to the stud that bred him ) said that he he had no serious injuries that would prevent him becoming a riding / sport horse.

His former trainer however said he'd had mild suspensory strain to a foreleg. I don't know any more details than that.

My vet has looked at him and couldn't find anything, no thickening etc.

So, he's had a year in the field come next month, would you give him any longer off?

I'd be avoiding lunging him, doing a bit of long-reining then hacking in walk. Anything else I should avoid with him?
 
Well assuming that the injury was prior to April 2010 - he's had a year resting and recouperating.

I wouldn't hesitate to start walking him now. But road work - not school work.
 
Sounds like plenty of time off to me, i've had a few ex-racers with suspensory injuries and they've all gone on to full (hard) work. Just build him slowly to start with and give him lots of road work if you can.
 
yep totally agree with everyone but gentle road work to re harden the legs is quite essential then as long as you are aware of any changes and dont go galloping thru bogs you will be fine just feel legs every day and keep a diary if you think not right get a scan to prevent you doing any further damage , if you have a spa near go to that but it should be ok as long as you keep an eye on it xx
 
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