Is it just me?

[Hullabaloo]

My horse came back into work in October after a back problem, compounded by a leg problem. We had months of him being ok, then not quite right, then ok again before we managed to get a proper diagnosis. He's back in full work and doing fine. We've done some local one day events, hunter trials and show jumping and he's going really well.

I seem to go through stages where I'm paranoid that he isn't right. I try to analyse every stride in case one is slightly shorter than the 200 that went before! My poor friend often gets roped into watching him til her eyes boggle.
We've got an event on Sunday so I was in paranoid mode last night when I had him on the lunge. I realised I'd asked my friend if she thought he was ok about 3 times and apologised (he looked fine to me but was in a silly mood and mucking about so hard to tell). She's very patient but said to me that most people taking to their horse to an event this weekend wouldn't be analysising their every stride and worrying this much.

So am I really odd, or does anyone else get like this too?

 

[LauraBR]

I'm the same! See things that aren't there all the time!

 

[Asimmons]

It is totally natural to be "paranoid" about the poss that your horse is not right but you need to find a way to pay more attention to the way he actually goes and performs rather than those pessimistic voices in your head! If he seems to be enjoying himself and is jumping etc...he is probably fine. You don't have to become blase of course...just a little more confident in your horse's recovery. Ever damaged yourself? You got better, right?!

 

[pennyh]

i've been exactly the same , my horse had a uneven stride due to a problem , even after he was signed off by the vet & physio i was always looking for it , i also have weekly lessons with a bhsii who assured me she couldn't see an uneven stride & it was my instructor who first spotted it

it must have been about 6 months of him being absolutely fine before i chilled out & stopped constantly looking for it

 

[Hippona]

Same here - a year after injury I'm only now relaxing enough not to worry (too much!) after putting my horse out or letting him stay out all night- hes galloping/ jumping/schooling/hacking all fine - best ever actually, but still i worry...only natural i suppose

 

[Hullabaloo]

Yippee - its not just me. Although you are right Apricot Fox I do need to look at the bigger picture, not just one leg!

 

[Flame_]

No its not just you. Its no wonder I'm paranoid though, I've been right that horses have something wrong with them when the vets have told me to go away and get on with it too many times. IME you tend to get a change in attitude to work and varying degrees of unco-operativeness long before you get anything like a limp. You'll probably pick up on when your horse is telling you he's not really comfortable way before anyone on the ground can see something's not right. Its better to be a bit over-cautious, how many people do you see riding around on horses who are clearly uncomfortable and often unlevel?

 

[Herbie31]

You obviously love your horse very much, and after the injuries that he has had its only natural to be concerned - it must have been heartbreaking for you when he was broken

I think he is a very lucky horse to have a lovely mummy like you - but don't let your worries spoil your enjoyment

As others have said he will tell you way before in his way of going before any true symptom can be seen ......... so relax and enjoy ...... oh and good luck at the weekend

 

[Hullabaloo]

[ QUOTE ]
You obviously love your horse very much, and after the injuries that he has had its only natural to be concerned - it must have been heartbreaking for you when he was broken

I think he is a very lucky horse to have a lovely mummy like you - but don't let your worries spoil your enjoyment

As others have said he will tell you way before in his way of going before any true symptom can be seen ......... so relax and enjoy ...... oh and good luck at the weekend

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you - what a lovely reply. You've put a big smile on my face

 

[Kenzo]

Your not the only one, I try to find things that are not there, I'm totally paranoid that about back problems, is the saddle right, is he comfy in his mouth, is the bridle comply for him.

OMG he's resting a back leg, is there something wrong, should I have him vetted ...again! I panic if I discover a little lump. He's too laid back, is he just lazy or in pain...oh the list goes on and on.

Everyone thinks I'm crackers

, always asking everyone what they think and for opinions and then of course you get a different one off everyone which complicates things even more and then puts more doubt in my own head and doubting my own knowledge and experience which has never let me down before ....think I'm loosing the plot

and treat my horse like baby lol and just worry about everyone, what if...what if ...what it? i drive my OH crazy!

 

[charlie80]

I worry that there is always something wrong with my horse!

I was talking to my mum about it and she gave me some good advice; "arnt you supposed to enjoy your horse?" she's right! Agree with other posts, you love your horse very much, its not worth getting all worried.

So enjoy it! good luck for the weekend im sure you will do great!

 

[charlie80]

Kenzo you are not loosing the plot, like you my horse is my baby! The amount of tack/rugs/grooming products he has.......................! He is a very spoilt chap! but I wouldnt have it any other way!