Horse not wanting to canter anymore

[Apercrumbie]

With young horses it can be a strength and balance issue, particularly if they are only being worked in a school as cantering in circles when you're learning to balance with a rider is really hard work at first. In these cases, straight line cantering up a gentle slope is the perfect cure while they learn to balance and build their strength.

However from your description, this case sounds physical to me and hopefully the vet will be able to shed some light. I agree with the suggestions made so far about what it could be - I hope it's something fixable!

 

[Marigold4]

If you haven't already, also get a good farrier to check his feet out in case it's balance issues to do with that which remedial shoeing could perhaps put right.

Thanks for that thought about feet. I have been worried about foot balance for months. Changed from trimmer to well-thought-of farrier. I feel his heels are under run and toes a little long. Anyone want to comment on balance for me?

 

[Marigold4]

If you haven't already, also get a good farrier to check his feet out in case it's balance issues to do with that which remedial shoeing could perhaps put right.

Thanks for that thought about feet. I've been concerned about the balance of his feet for a while. Changed from trimmer to farrier. Still think toes are a bit long and toes under-run. Anyone want to assess the balance of the hinds for me?

 

[Marigold4]

Is he going through a growth spurt? Friend's youngster is off at the moment as he's gone quite bum high, struggling to balance and doesn't want to canter as a result. I'm not discounting the possibility of anything more serious, just wondering if (hoping) there could be a more simple explanation.

He is indeed growing. Not so much up as filling out width wise. He's never been bum high and has grown evenly throughout.

 

[I'm Dun]

I've experienced both sides of the coin. Previous youngster was hopeless in canter; reluctant, always on the wrong leg, unbalanced, funny transitions. He turned out to have hock and SI issues.
Current youngster has just turned 6 and has only just got the hang of it. As a 4 and 5yo she was useless and also reluctant. Initially the alarm bells went off and I was convinced it was history repeating itself. It was not! Lack of strength and balance and a naturally laid back character (she's a Dales). I agree with Annagain that growth spurts have an impact too. As it happens just this morning I really felt she had finally got it and we had some smashing canters. I may still test for pssm at some point purely because of her breed but I'd be surprised.
One thing - I have never worked her in a school.
We do everything out hacking (almost always solo) and I honestly think she would hate schooling in an arena with a passion. Hill work and very varied terrain has been our friend.

I hate to break it to you but PSSM is terrifyingly common in Dales ponies. I know there have been people working out which lines are the main ones affected so may be worth joining one of the Facebook groups and asking. It seems to be type 2 as well, which is the nasty career-ending type. Iknow 4 people with dales ponies, 3 have PSSM

 

[Marigold4]

I hate to break it to you but PSSM is terrifyingly common in Dales ponies. I know there have been people working out which lines are the main ones affected so may be worth joining one of the Facebook groups and asking. It seems to be type 2 as well, which is the nasty career-ending type. Iknow 4 people with dales ponies, 3 have PSSM

Mine is a warmblood though? I've just rembered I have a recent blood test that show CK levels normal, so I think not PSSM? But I could be wrong.

 

[Nudibranch]

I hate to break it to you but PSSM is terrifyingly common in Dales ponies. I know there have been people working out which lines are the main ones affected so may be worth joining one of the Facebook groups and asking. It seems to be type 2 as well, which is the nasty career-ending type. Iknow 4 people with dales ponies, 3 have PSSM

Um...you're not breaking it to me, I'm not a Dales novice. Which is why I said I'd consider testing in the future but as she currently has no symptoms whatsoever there seems little point at present. I did my research after the problems with my WB and her breeder is a well respected judge as well as longstanding committee member. None of the lines she carries bar one have yet been earmarked (so far). I'm already involved with the breed society, FB, etc.

 

[Lucky Snowball]

I had a horse with symptoms pretty much exactly how you're describing. He was also nappy and bad tempered. Vets could find nothing and he was 'fixed' by lots of hill work, stretching exercises, cantering up hill in straight lines. Took several months to improve. Good luck with your horse.

 

[blitznbobs]

Hocks, ocd… sorry but this rings huge alarm bells hope it gets sorted

 

[DZ2]

I had a 5 year old with very similar symptoms, suddenly started struggling in canter and changed from very agreeable and easy to serious bucker if pushed. Took a while to get down to the bottom of the problem, eventually got diagnosed with PSD in both hinds and retired. I hope it's something less serious in your horse.

 

[Marigold4]

Update: slight positive flexion on right hind that went away after lunging; sore over sacro-iliac and muscles around it; senior vet xrayed hocks and stifles - all in very good nick. Lower legs and hocks scanned - no sign of PSD or any other issue; Blood tests show nothing raised that would indicate a muscle issue like PSSM

steroid injection to sacroiliac joint given and homeopathic injections into sore muscles. Very expensive afternoon but hoping the little chap will be more comfortable soon. He was an absolute star throughout treatment.

 

[Marigold4]

I had a 5 year old with very similar symptoms, suddenly started struggling in canter and changed from very agreeable and easy to serious bucker if pushed. Took a while to get down to the bottom of the problem, eventually got diagnosed with PSD in both hinds and retired. I hope it's something less serious in your horse.

Thankfully PSD issues now ruled out

 

[Marigold4]

Hocks, ocd… sorry but this rings huge alarm bells hope it gets sorted

Thankfully stifle and hock issues now ruled out

 

[Marigold4]

I had a horse with symptoms pretty much exactly how you're describing. He was also nappy and bad tempered. Vets could find nothing and he was 'fixed' by lots of hill work, stretching exercises, cantering up hill in straight lines. Took several months to improve. Good luck with your horse.

Thanks for your reply - yes, I think we have to stop the schooling for a while and back to groundwork and hacking