'Kicking' out?

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crystalclear

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Has anyone had any experience with a horse who randomly kicks out? I say kick but it's very gentle. I say randomly, when said horse is taken into stable for half hour or so, after being taken out of the stable she will walk a few metres then kick forward with back leg then kick backwards a couple of times. We thought it was at other horses, but even if no one is behind her she will 'kick' out.

On picking back feet up, you lift her foot up and she pushes back and forward with it then she settles. The kicking out coming out from the stable didn't use to happen and is only mild. She kicks out twice or so then walks fine. She's been checked over by chiro and sports massage and found no issues.
 
Might be worth checking with a vet? Sounds like she might either have some stiffness / low grade lameness which she is trying to resolve (like clicking a joint) or it might be the early stages of stringhalt.
 
Yes I was looking into stringhalt/shivers for some reason last night. This is the only time she 'kicks' out. She is fab riding and everything else
 
That's interesting - it doesn't seem to really bother her and like I say doesn't do it otherwise. Interesting to see others have similar things
 
Sounds like locking stifle to me. Have a Google at some videos (there are loads on YouTube) and compare the movement to what she is doing.
ETA -also google passive stay apparatus and patella locking mechanism- will help you understand what is going on in the joint if it is locking stifle
 
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I knew a horse who used to do something similar - he was in his 20s though and it was much more obviously stretching after being stabled (he'd pull each hindleg up before extending it back and sighing). I suppose it could be something similar, although the way you're describing it as kicking suggests perhaps not...
 
Thank you - I've just looked at locking stifle videos and that doesn't seem to be the movement she's doing. She bends her leg in then kicks back twice or so. It is good to learn about all these different things though. I will try and get a video so you can see
 
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Hmm. I would probably have the vet take a look anyway, as it sounds like a jerk reflex to something, rather than her actually kicking at something. Hope you find out what's causing it- report back as it sounds interesting to know!
 
She has rubber matting down with shavings. But I usually just bring her in the stable just to untack, then she munches on some haylage whilst I faff then she goes out. She lives out but if it's bad she come in. I just always notice it on leading her out the stable after a few metres
 
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