front legs fall out beneath him

[florry]

I’ve owned my horse for 7 years. I bought him knowing he had veterinary X-rays with unknown cause of rear lameness on a circle. I wanted him for hacking, so took a chance on him. but he has been a stumbler, (I thought)and until now I’ve been trying to explain what happens to specialists, saddle fitters, osteo, I’ve had everyone look at him, over 7 years, and tell me nothing is wrong. I’ve had more X-rays and its all inconclusive .Finally after ending up on the ground again and nearly being rolled on again, and after hours of trying I got it on video to show what’s happening to my poor horse. This was the final time I rode him, Intermittently his front legs just give way, it’s more common going downhill. He isn’t lame, (specialist says not) ive been telling them I feel is not right, and it’s obvious there is something severely wrong. Has anyone else had this problem.? video shows horse walking down a steep hill.

 

[SpotsandBays]

Have the vets ever pointed towards it’s being a neurological issue? I’m no vet and have no experience with this but if everything else seems to be ok then maybe it’s something to do with the brain signals not reaching where they need to. I’d get a second opinion too if you haven’t already had one.
Either way I definitely wouldn’t be riding this horse until you have a clear answer

 

[Red-1]

Could you post a photo of his frog? Is there a crack in it, where there could be bacteria?

If he is reluctant to weight the heel, and is more toe first, I think they sometimes simply don't lock out in the leg during the leg swing at walk.

 

[Zoeypxo]

Has his neck been x rayed ?

 

[Highmileagecob]

How old is he?

 

[Lady Jane]

Yes - it was contracted ligaments/tendons front legs (sorry can't remember which it was about 20 years ago). Was given physio exercises which included trotting poles on lunge to encourage him to stretch the legs. When he went trippy I would back off riding and do the lunging. The problem I had was he needed exercise for the tripping and not too much excercise as he had an enflamed annular ligament on the back. He was about 24 by this time and we managed another 3 years of relatively gentle exercise 3-4 times per week

 

[Beausmate]

I'd have him checked for a neurological problem. Does he back up ok?

 

[angel7]

Could you post some pictures of the soles of the feet, side on hooves from the floor and both sides?
Could be neuro, heel pain, arthritic changes, ligament pain all sorts.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Arthritis can sometimes cause that among other things.

 

[Michen]

This is exactly what I occasionally see from my (retired) horse with neck arthritis and ataxia. I see it only at slow speeds.

 

[CastlelackSportHorses]

My old boy who was diagnosed with Kissing spines showed no other symptoms apart from this and stumbling when ridden. And his KS was so bad the vets were amazed he never showed pain or aggression.

 

[Exasperated]

I’ve owned my horse for 7 years. I bought him knowing he had veterinary X-rays with unknown cause of rear lameness on a circle. I wanted him for hacking, so took a chance on him. but he has been a stumbler, (I thought)and until now I’ve been trying to explain what happens to specialists, saddle fitters, osteo, I’ve had everyone look at him, over 7 years, and tell me nothing is wrong. I’ve had more X-rays and its all inconclusive .Finally after ending up on the ground again and nearly being rolled on again, and after hours of trying I got it on video to show what’s happening to my poor horse. This was the final time I rode him, Intermittently his front legs just give way, it’s more common going downhill. He isn’t lame, (specialist says not) ive been telling them I feel is not right, and it’s obvious there is something severely wrong. Has anyone else had this problem.? video shows horse walking down a steep hill.

watched this with interest, currently having one that does the same, although not (probably) as often as yours, and never actually been down on his knees.
Generally downhill, off fore, takes a ‘misstep’, maybe two, and usually early on into the ride. Definitely not lame, although has very mild arthritic change in his hocks, which he can totally override and absolutely power round with outstanding extension when lit up (Sec D entire, likes to show off).
Vet and farrier can’t see any issue. The odd misstep is not uncommon, but with such regularity and actually falling, is. I suspect neurological.
Am not investigating mine further at present, I’ve decided to ‘ignore’ it, ALWAYS ride in knee boots in case he ever does go down, but use them generally for roadwork, anyway.
I do think getting them loosened / warmed up before expecting much helps, and try to avoid steep downhill until he’s got going - not always possible! Good luck.

 

[planete]

My pony with a muscle myopathy (negative for pssm1) went down on his knees sometimes even just walking by himself on the flat before I put him on the appropriate supplements and diet. The vets suspected neurological issues but nothing was found at a loss of performance exam in hospital and he never does it now.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

We had an old mare at the RS I used to work for and she started this in the summer I left. It was as though she didn't lock her knee out. She also had spavin so dragged her hind feet. She was retired soon after I left thankfully.