So technically, per a doctor, I am hypermobile and "too bendy" but due to my ongoing strength exercises and general tendency to be active, I'm fine. It rarely causes an issue for me, but I'm not a horse, so I wasn't sure about similarities. If I get weaker or am inactive, then things start to crop up. I have the very rare "day or two" but it's uncommon.
I also have too much arthritis for my age so like to keep moving as that seems to help. Or so I tell myself
I think, in general, hypermobility is going to be the same across all species.
I can go into my GP/A&E with a shoulder hanging out and they go ... gym/strength exercises ... no sling
Usual population goes in with a shoulder hanging out and it's all hands on deck, rest/ice/painkillers
I'm mucking out with a wrist that I popped this morning.
My thoughts then…
Excuse my ignorance. What are DSLD and ESPA please?Yeah, when the weather allows I try to fit some trails and outdoor riding in. I also take him for a fair amount of handwalks. Our terrain isn't too extreme, but it's not riding circles in a school at least.
Some days I am ok with it being what it is and recognize that even horses with very good or textbook conformation can still go wrong, lame, retire early etc. Other days I'm not sure what the point is and doubt any sort of longevity with him.
The vet said he doesn't look as though he'd have DSLD/ESPA but he also said I should enjoy his movement
I think that’s normal. The drop in a jumper landing is huge!
If he long reins, enjoys activity, and could do with that to build strength and muscle, why not consider harness work? No weight to carry, and a lightweight sulky/ exercise trap to keep him occupied - if you stick to surfaced roads and tracks, wouldn’t ‘sink’ either.I do a groundwork and liberty work with him. We do a variety of maneuveres from the ground. He's very intelligent and receptive to it all.
He's already been backed and that occurred with zero issues. He isn't ridden extensively though. A light ride once or twice a week. Sometimes no rides and just from the ground. I try to stick with variety. We hand walk, do ground work, posture work, liberty, trick training, and he can longline too. The thing is that he loves something to do and always seems so content with himself afterward. I wanted to leave him turned away longer, but every time I came to the field he whinnied, came to me, and seemed desperate for something to do. So I try to give him different things to do without it being too much. He does get days off of course.
Finding that type of home would be extremely difficult here. On top of that I've looked for other riding opportunities and I'd have to drive 90+ min in the opposite direction from where he is and 60+ from home. So it ends up time and cost prohibitive.
We're in a dead zone of sorts and there aren't many local opportunities, if any. I've basically accepted the demise of my riding and skill level
he wants to get into things, put things in his mouth, visit with everyone, and just be interactive. I mean, baby boy horse I guess 
he does have manners, but he's just interested in all things. it was interesting to watch though!I would honestly stop worrying based on this and just see where life takes you. He doesn’t sound too bad at all, and will muscle up significantly with work. Crack on, put the foundations in, see what he shows ability at. Then you will have a nice horse that you can always sell on if he doesn’t turn out to suit you.That's interesting. Mine jumped normally the one time he popped over a trail obstacle.
He's never felt discombobulated under saddle. It took a few rides to find a good balanced trot with a rider, but we also didn't trot much, and I think that's normal.
He doesn't feel like he needs to be held together. He's rather light and balanced. He often postures himself nicely and correctly. He feels great to ride. If I let him walk along on a loose rein in the fields, he does well and is in a nice long "frame" of sorts.
He's always been quite balanced with good body control. Even as a yearling out in the field. He impressed our last YO when he first went out at her place. For whatever reason, people tend to fall in love with this horse. He's a nice guy, but I find him annoying at times
He was loose in the school and spooked at an item that's not normally in there. He spooked away twice and then approached it on his own because he HAD to find out more about it and touch it. He'd probably die in the wild
That's interesting. Mine jumped normally the one time he popped over a trail obstacle.
He's never felt discombobulated under saddle. It took a few rides to find a good balanced trot with a rider, but we also didn't trot much, and I think that's normal.
He doesn't feel like he needs to be held together. He's rather light and balanced. He often postures himself nicely and correctly. He feels great to ride. If I let him walk along on a loose rein in the fields, he does well and is in a nice long "frame" of sorts.
He's always been quite balanced with good body control. Even as a yearling out in the field. He impressed our last YO when he first went out at her place. For whatever reason, people tend to fall in love with this horse. He's a nice guy, but I find him annoying at times
He was loose in the school and spooked at an item that's not normally in there. He spooked away twice and then approached it on his own because he HAD to find out more about it and touch it. He'd probably die in the wild
All the things that annoy you about Ronaldo I find enchanting about Atlas