Horse constantly changing legs behind...

[PapaFrita]

Was watching a lesson today and noticed a horse (that is on loan to the school) didn't look comfortable behind in canter; he kept changing hind legs, giving a bit of a skip and changing again. Also, he's not cantering properly in that he's almost pacing (as opposed to trotting). I suspect back/sacro illiac pain. What do you peeps think?
I know this horse from before and he's getting on a bit (18) but didn't use to be like this and he worked for 3 hours this afternoon (might've worked this morning as well) Needless to say I think this is totally excessive and have alerted owner (also about pain) Seems a pretty good thing that the instructor is leaving, eh?

 

[scotsmare]

I would hazard a guess at a back / hip problem - not fair to keep using him in the school if he's sore.

 

[hellybelly6]

Poor horse, you did the right thing and he needs to be seen by a vet asap and rested until then.

 

[kerilli]

yes, definitely a sign or discomfort/pain.
must admit though, i've seen quite a few top-level showjumpers do this, plus plenty of fly-bucks, and as long as they keep jumping, the riders and trainers seem to ignore it.

can be a saddle issue as well, of course.
you definitely did the right thing, reporting it to the owner. (i'm busybody enough that if i were you, i'd ask the owner in a week's time what the vet/physio/back person/whatever concluded about the horse... just in case they've not done anything about it yet!)

 

[CrazyMare]

Could be a pain thing. Worth getting that route checked.

I have known a couple who skip and change behind if they aren't going forwards enough.

 

[Marchtime]

I'd suggest it was a pain thing. A friend's horse always behaves similarly when his kissing spines is bad. I'm by no means saying that is what is wrong with this horse but I do think if such behaviour isn't normal then it should be investigated.

 

[Alibear]

Mac did this when his suspensories went.

I know vets aren't the same over there as here but if it were possible to get him checked over I would.

Poor lad.

 

[ihatework]

My horse also did this with his hind suspensory, did it a bit in just medium canter but lots in counter canter.