Horse resting his back legs more than usual

[Natassia]

My horse has always rested his back legs a lot, but he seems to be doing it more often now, he'll rest one for a bit then switch over to the other one, but he does stand properly as well. Theres no heat or swelling and nothing appears to be wrong apart from a tiny mud-fever related cut on one of his heels, this is basically healed though and is not infected. He is sound, I trotted him up this morning. He does have osteoarthritis in 1 pastern and is symptom-free at the moment, but he does have a v. good supplement with MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin in it so his mobility isn't a problem, I'm just concerned that he's resting his back legs more for a serious reason.

 

[gothdolly]

My boy has a touch of arthritis in the hocks, and does go through phases of resting them more than usual, when the weather is damp or cold. I bet thats all it is.

 

[kanter]

If he is switching legs regularly and resting each leg roughly the same amount of time then probably no cause for concern

 

[Minnies_Mum]

My boy has always done this, never stands square on the yard. Nothing wrong with him, just something he does.

 

[Natassia]

Thank you for reassuring me, I don't think I have anything to worry about now, especially after seeing him prance around the field when he didn't want to be caught this evening!

 

[emmah]

My oldie started to do this and after discussing it with my vet due to her age/arthritis we put her on 1/2 a bute a day. 2 years later she is still on 1/2 a day and better than ever

 

[annie0bigC]

my 16 year old does this. he rests really quickly, i think he's just chilled out!!!