Help swollen leg what to do?

[StellaArtois]

I have just been up to my mare and her front left leg is slightly swolen down ther cannon bone on the left hand side. From the back it doesnt look swollen but when you compare it against the other leg there is no definition of the bones(if that makes sense) There is a bit of heat on the left side and the inside of her leg is not swollen. I have cold hosed and put ice tight on it to keep it cool and she is now in her stable. She is not lame as such trots out but just looks sore when coming back to walk. I am hoping this is just a sprain and if it doesnt look any better I will call a vet. I spoke to two experienced friends one thought it was a tendon and to keep her on box rest and keep cold hosing the other whose horse did a tendon on the back leg quite badly said to keep her in the field to keep her mobile and swelling down. Any vets out there have different opinions she does not react to pressure or me gently squeezing her leg as if in pain.
Why does this always happen when you have dressage comp coming up and cross country. I just dont want to do her any damage. I knew I shouldnt have just bought that new jumping saddle last night!!!!

 

[JanetGeorge]

Get the vet! It could be something serious - or it may just be bruising - it can't be diagnosed on the internet. If it's a tendon or a check/suspensory ligament, then the wrong treatment will delay recovery considerably.

 

[NaughtyMagpie]

I had something similar last week & it turned out to be a foot abscess. I used Ice Tight & cold hosed as I thought it was a sprain but he got worse so called vet out who diagnosed an abscess. Might be worth calling your farrier first? Save yourself the £150 it cost me in vets fees!!