RaYandFinn
Well-Known Member
Hi everyone,
As some of you my know, my horse Finn was diagnosed with hock spavin about 4 years ago.
Up until this summer he has been in more or less regular work sometimes with the help of some bute.
However I feel like I'm having a crisis of confidence that I'm doing the right thing by him.
Generally when he starts to work, he is downright hoppy, no other word to describe it. After 10-15 mins gentle work on the lunge or free schooling he is virtually sound (I try and warm him up before I ride him). This is with no bute.
My vet came out to see him about a month ago and did a full work up on him. We did a steroid injection (which has helped) and she said ok to work him ensuring he was warned up slowly as to use bute as needed. She was pleased with how sound he came considering how hoppy he started off. Plus she commented on how he obviously loves his work - he still out walks any other horse I know!
I guess I'm just worried that I'm being cruel. I know it's good to keep arthritic horses in light work. But I don't want to be unfair to him.
I was just wondering about other people's experiences. Please no nasty comments... I'm trying to do the best for my boy!
A G&T for all who got this far!
As some of you my know, my horse Finn was diagnosed with hock spavin about 4 years ago.
Up until this summer he has been in more or less regular work sometimes with the help of some bute.
However I feel like I'm having a crisis of confidence that I'm doing the right thing by him.
Generally when he starts to work, he is downright hoppy, no other word to describe it. After 10-15 mins gentle work on the lunge or free schooling he is virtually sound (I try and warm him up before I ride him). This is with no bute.
My vet came out to see him about a month ago and did a full work up on him. We did a steroid injection (which has helped) and she said ok to work him ensuring he was warned up slowly as to use bute as needed. She was pleased with how sound he came considering how hoppy he started off. Plus she commented on how he obviously loves his work - he still out walks any other horse I know!
I guess I'm just worried that I'm being cruel. I know it's good to keep arthritic horses in light work. But I don't want to be unfair to him.
I was just wondering about other people's experiences. Please no nasty comments... I'm trying to do the best for my boy!
A G&T for all who got this far!