Is it possible for a horse to "overdo it" and become stiff or is it something more?

Nickles1973

Nickles1973

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I've had two lessons this week with my ex-racer. Both of them flatwork one day after another. I would never usually do this but a friend had asked me to share a lesson with her at a local dressage center as she wanted her mare to get used to working with other horses around and I'd already booked the next days lesson with my regular instructor. Although this is not what I'd usually do I didn't think it would cause a problem. However, today my boy is looking very stiff behind. Tbh you could almost say lame.
Our first lesson was in a 60x40 arena and we did loads of transistions getting him to go really forwards and then working on him softening. We never made it out of trot but we covered a lot of ground. Our next lesson was in our usual arena and again we did lots of circles and transitions including walk to canter, again trying to get him working over his back and soften.
He is built downhill and is very straight behind and does find the work we are doing quite hard but I haven't rushed him along and thought we were making good but slow progress.
So my question is, is it possible that I have just asked a bit much of him and that the stiffness will resolve? (A bit like if we over do it in the gym) Or should I be worried that he has an underlying issue that will need the vet out. Obviously I won't be booking two lessons so close together ever again as I now feel really bad :-(
 
If the muscles aren't used to the work laod then yes, he'll be stiff. Acid build up in the muscles causes aching and stiffness, jsut like us. If he is not back to normal in a couple of days then it could be soemthing more serious.
 
It is possible that your horse isn't fit enough or supple enough to carry out the workload you've asked of him. When we say 'he's a little stiff behind' or 'he's a little sore' what we are really saying is he's lame. We can wrap it up however we want but that's what he is.

Of course he can get himself right. I would not work him for a couple of days, don't leave him doing nothing though, it's best for him to walk this off in straight lines & see how he is after a couple of days. If this shows improvement then inmcrease the work & start on some 20mtr circles, gardually increasing the workload when he comes right. If there is no improvement then you should have a vet out to check him. I expect, from what you have said, that there will be an improvement & he'll get right.

Remember though, don't ask your horse to do more than he is capable of at any time, you are just inviting problems. This has more than likely happened because you were wanting to help your friend out...remember your horse comes first. I hope all goes well. :)
 
I agree with Classicalfan, but wanted to add that I find if they've been stabled overnight they'll come out a lot stiffer that if they were allowed to stay turned out if it's muscular. Also as they move around the problem tends to ease in my experience.
 
Thank's for your replies. I have to admit to having reservations about having 2 lessons in such quick succession but when I talked it over with the instructors they didn't see a problem. But in future I will obviously go with my gut feeling.
He is turned out 24 hrs so hopefully moving about will help him.
I feel very guilty for having caused him to be so sore. I can't help thinking though that because of his conformation and back ground that I might have uncovered a problem that isn't going to go away :-(
 
Hi

It's probably just stiffness from increased work load over a short period, that coupled with a drop in temperature over the last couple of days will have probably added to the stiffness, being turned out and getting him moving should loosen him up over the next couple of days. If no improvement is seen then look to the vet.

I wouldn't blame yourself if it results in you finding out about an underlying issue it is something you then know about and are able to deal with to make your horses life more comfortable.

If I did two days hard exercise I'd not be moving at a quick and fluid pace, it would more likely be slow and stiff (I'm only 26 as well!)

Robert
 
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