Is it normal for a horse to

[Floofball]

Rest a hind leg so much the front of the fetlock is on the ground?
Just curious if others have known horses that do it? Having been around horses for decades I can”t remember seeing it before ? It just looked odd to me as they usually rest on their toes. Horse wasn’t asleep and looked quite relaxed and content - maybe just the way it likes to stand or not aware what it’s foots doing ?‍

Anyone else come across it?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Yes now you mention it I used to see it a bit many years ago. Not seen a horse do it years though.

 

[Callieann]

Mine does that

 

[Lois Lame]

I've never seen a horse do it.

 

[Floofball]

Mine does that

Thanks for the reply - Is he/she sound?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

A horse that someone at the yard bought did this, and I noticed when relaxed that the hip of the relaxed leg dropped significantly compared to the other. Mentioned this to the owner and she got it looked into as I believe there were a couple of performance related concerns and it turned out the horse has irreparable sacroiliac damage if I remember correctly.

 

[Callieann]

Thanks for the reply - Is he/she sound?

Yes completely, but I noticed that it only happens if that foot is further back on the ground. Vet checked and all ok thank goodness

 

[Floofball]

Thanks for the replies. I’m hopefully just being a bit paranoid as potentially buying this horse ?? he’s being vetted on Monday so will mention it ??

 

[Scotsbadboy]

Yes a previous horse would rest like this, i hated it as it looks so weird! He was/ is a very flexible chap. No sound issues then and no sound issues now (was chatting to owner last night, we are now friends) and he is out (well was) eventing and doing SJing and RC stuff without issue.

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Thanks for the replies. I’m hopefully just being a bit paranoid as potentially buying this horse ?? he’s being vetted on Monday so will mention it ??

I wouldn't worry but have the vet flex and palpate the leg to look for signs of hyperflexion or soft tissue laxity if it will put your mind at rest.
Good luck with vetting!! Photos are a must once he arrives!

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

Yep there is a horse on our yard..show jumper...who completely rests his foot ..puts fetlock to floor.

 

[Pippity]

Mine has done it a couple of times, including once when the vet happened to be visiting her for something else. I mentioned it, and queried if it was something to be worried about. After a quick examination, the vet reassured me it was just a sign that the horse was very relaxed and not to stress about it.

The horse does have fairly mild hock arthritis, but is medicated, in work, and showing no signs of lameness.

I hope the vetting goes well!