Inconsistent Running out. Is it from hock stiffness?

H

Horseperson432

Well-Known Member
Joined
29 December 2016
Messages
80
Visit site
My horse has been running out at competitions recently (sj) , he’s had his teeth, back and saddle checked and the thing I find hard to understand is that a) he never does it at home and b) it’s so inconsistent. He’ll fly around one week without me even needing to ask him and the next week I’ll find myself having to ride extremely defensively to get him over some of the jumps, having said that he’ll usually only stop at 1 or 2 (fillers etc aren’t an issue it’s totally random). I was at a stay away a while ago and after running out and throwing me off in one class he jumped a beautiful clear in the next!) He is a cheeky pony and known to take advantage of his rider (if he can get a way with a “trick” he will) but before I resort to claiming it’s bad habits I want to rule out any form of pain as I would never forgive myself if I kept competing and “pushing” him into jumps when he’s hurting. He’s currently on an 8 week jumping break and is on a good joint supplement. He’s not showing signs of lameness (and wasn’t before) I’ll then start building him back into jumping slowly and if the stopping continues then I think it will be a call for the vet. Until this time, just so I can stop worrying and have a slight idea of what may be happening I was wondering would the inconsistent running out be a sign of pain/ stiffness behind(in his hocks). He isn’t exactly a “spring chicken” but I’d have thought If he was suffering from stiffness he’d stop at home/ in every round but I’m honestly thinking maybe not. I will do anything to ensure he’s not in pain! Thank you!
 
I’ve learnt that not all pain shows with lameness! Also I have a friend who had an old mare that Had a similar issue and she ended up having dental issues that had gotten worse in between her yearly checks
 
horselover11 said:
What about a bute trial to rule out pain?
Click to expand...
Yes thats a good idea, as I said I’ll see what he is like when I get back out competing... if I see no change I may trial some Bute so see if It makes a difference and if it does have a chat with the vet :( Thanks so much for ur suggestions, really helpful!
 
Hey no worries hope it helps. Let us know how you go.

A completely random thought but I used to work in an equine vets as a vet tech and we had a few horses that had similar issues and had poor performance work ups that ended up being gastroscoped and did have ulcers. With some peptizole and sucralfate they seemed to stop the behaviour.
 
horselover11 said:
Hey no worries hope it helps. Let us know how you go.

A completely random thought but I used to work in an equine vets as a vet tech and we had a few horses that had similar issues and had poor performance work ups that ended up being gastroscoped and did have ulcers. With some peptizole and sucralfate they seemed to stop the behaviour.
Click to expand...
Will do and ooh I never would have considered that... I will certainly be looking into that!
 
Running out/stopping was probably the first sign something was up with my horse. We used to have jump lessons at hone and most of the time he’d be fine but started running out at shows. He basically broke down a month or so later and after lots of investigation it was his hocks
 
I had one who started running out randomly at the second part of combinations, sadly shortly afterwards he was diagnosed with navicular. Following treatment and shoeing with bar shoes he went back to jumping succesfully and stopped running out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top