Horse keeps throwing on to different trot diagonal? Does anyone know why?

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Rudoodthedood

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Since Easter my horse keeps throwing me on to a different trot diagonal! it doesn't matter if being schooled or hacking out. we start off ok then she flicks her head up and changes the diagonal!

Has anybody encountered this before because I am completed baffled as what to do and what avenues to take?

I've spoken to vet, who said rest for two weeks, which I have done. Schooled today and it started again! Please help!!!!!
 
What do you mean - changing to a different trot diagonal? The legs move as diagonal pairs in trot - do you mean that both legs on the same side are going forwards and backwards together as in what a trotter would do?
 
Holly Hocks said:
What do you mean - changing to a different trot diagonal? The legs move as diagonal pairs in trot - do you mean that both legs on the same side are going forwards and backwards together as in what a trotter would do?
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This ^^
The horse doesn't change diagonal..you do.
 
I think it will be because you ride unevenly and the other diagonal is uncomfortable. My old mare does this and I have been riding her since a child. During my teens I developed a scoliosis (s shaped spine) which wasn't diagnosed till later and now she can only really go on the one diagonal while hacking. I think both my and her muscles must have developed lopsided without either of us noticing! with my youngster because I was aware of the problem before I backed him I have made a special effort to work both the "easy" and the "hard" diagonal all the time.
Could you have any back problems or hip/leg slightly out?
 
I know what you mean it is making you change onto the more comfy diagonal, often a sign of stiffness in the back or hindlegs. Either get the vet out to do a work up or start by getting a physio, it could also be a problem with the saddle.
 
My horse has done this on the left rein for years. My instructor(list 1 judge) just says he does it because he's more comfortable with me on the wrong diagonal. He's very quick when he does it, sometimes he's done it before I've realised!
 
be positive said:
I know what you mean it is making you change onto the more comfy diagonal, often a sign of stiffness in the back or hindlegs. Either get the vet out to do a work up or start by getting a physio, it could also be a problem with the saddle.
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This is what I would think as well. On a very well balanced horse you can ride on the wrong diagonal and not feel it wrong and conversely if the horse is very stiff it can throw you off your rise. I would get the vet out for a lameness and back work up.
 
I know exactly what OP means. I've had 2 ex-RS horses who've done this. It's a schooling issue. My current mare used to 'trip up' which put me onto her preferred diagonal. When hacking I change the diagonal frequently. She is becoming much more supple, mind you the diet is helping as well! I also find that frequent diagonal changes stop her pulling in trot and falling onto her fore-hand.
If it is something that your horse has started doing recently, I suggest having her back and saddle checked.
 
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