Getting back in the game (critique?)

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crazybootlady

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After battling though a six month bout of depression and almost giving up on horses completely, I've decided to get back into the game. Although life right now does not lend itself to me owning my own horse, I have the opportunity to free lease a 6 year old Quarter Horse gelding named Chet that I started under saddle as a youngster. He is being brought back into work after being treated for EPM in 2012. I would like to show him locally in the Hunter Under Saddle classes as well as possibly over fences. For now that's a pipe dream, because he is going to need fittening and schooling. He's stiff and uncoordinated still (probably because of the EPM and not being worked last year). I have a video of him from monday, trot and canter both ways, can you please tell me what you think and what you would do to help loosen him up and perhaps help him use himself more? The downside is, his owner rides him Western Pleasure, which I abhor, but i can't do anything to change that, I can only ride him the best I can. Please excuse the western saddle and no hat (I hopped on after his owner schooled him western, and I''m buying a new hat tomorrow since mine disappeared while I was overseas).

http://youtu.be/sMHCy2kfnM8
 
A Physio/chiropractor would be good to make sure all is ok.
pole work general fitening. To build up horse.

But from unclear video horse didn't look quite right, to start with
in front and then behind.
I may just be seeing things!
:-)
 
I've actually just asked to have a chiro appt scheduled, he was seen and adjusted in december, and is probably in need again, especially as his muscles are changing and his way of going hopefully getting more normalized.
 
he really looks uncomfortable - very tight and tensed. i would get a vet to check him to be totally honest, and in the meantime give him a rest from riding.
 
I very much agree that he looks stiff and maybe 'off' would be the best word, but I also honestly believe that a lot of it is him being brought back into work. he did get cleared by the vet to return to work, and we're not trying to push him. I do feel that some of his awkwardness in moving is from his Western Pleasure training, where he is made to go round like a robot with no impulsion or any kind of athleticism. Hopefully slow correct work will help some...
 
100% agree with having him checked by the chiropractor ... If all is okay then you need to get him moving forward. I understand this may be an uphill struggle if his owner is continuing to ride him in western pleasure. What are you planning to do with him as you may end up working completely against his owner. I know in western pleasure they like to see them just loping along but to me he looks like he needs to learn to move correctly from behind rather than just drag himself along. No disrespect to anyone who rides western pleasure but I don't like the way they have the horses go completely on the forehand with no impulsion. You may need to have a chat with the owner before you start changing the way he goes as she may not agree that this is what she wants from him.
 
With the medical go ahead I wouldn't do any more than plenty of walking to begin with. Get him hacking out with impulsion and then find the odd hill or two. Doesn't look right for trot yet.
 
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