Gelding peeing when ridden which he has never done in 6yrs

chops-labelle

Member
Joined
17 August 2011
Messages
12
Location
Worcestershire
Visit site
Hi folks, I have a 23yr old TB ex-racer who is generally fit and well and worked around 3 times a week for 1.5hrs hack or 1hr schooling (including warm up & down). Over the last 3 months we have been doing some pleasure rides and he has taken a pee whilst out. Now this is something he has never done in 6yrs of knowing him. Okay that's fine, I put it down to a more relaxed way of going. Now the last couple of times I have ridden he has not wanted to move forward all that willingly in the school, so we hacked out Sunday and he was great, however he stopped for a wee about 500yrds from home. He has never peed on a general hack from home before so I am a little concerned now. He always passes urine when he takes the stance and doesn't seem to struggle doing so. It's normal looking and doesn't smell. He is eating and drinking as normal. Am I starting to get my knickers in a knot here or has anyone experienced this in an older horse and it's okay? He's very well otherwise hence I have not rushed to the vet yet but I think a sample testing is required at least when I have constructed a device to capture some. Thank you for reading and any knowledge offered. Sarah
 
That was the first sign that mine was developing Cushings. He went on Prascend and his peeing went back to normal within days.
 
Nothing wrong with having him tested, at that age. But I have one who has learned that peeing is a way to essentially nap. It's an excuse to stop. He will then have a wee most of the time, though sometimes he can barely produce a few drops! He clicked on to this quite suddenly and went from never peeing on a ride to virtually always peeing on a ride. Since he wees in my presence a lot, I do notice that volume goes up quite a bit in spring with the fresh grass coming through. So, there might be a benign explanation too. Though if your TB isn't the type to stop/nap, then I guess it's not likely.
 
Thanks supsup, he's not the type to be lazy he's more of a common lets get the job done mom. Peeing so close to home was the clincher for me really that something is definitely different/wrong. He hates another horse getting in front on the home stretch so for him to stop he must have been very uncomfortable. I hate to think I am asking him to work when actually he doesn't feel 100% but he's such a willing horse he pulls out all the stops and I don't want to be ignorant of his mild requests. I am just waiting for my vet to get back to me to discuss it and take it from there.
 
No mine isn't a TB, but he's in his 20s too. The only other sign was that he was getting later shedding his coat in spring but he seemed fit and healthy. He still is fine now he's on meds for it. Certainly worth having him tested. Even if the test is negative it can be worth doing a trial of Prascend as the test results aren't always accurate.
 
Last edited:
Top