Lame on hard ground, sound on soft??

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Daisy2

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My old boy who is used as a hack has a cyst on his Nav bone. He has had it for some years and for many has not caused him a problem however he went lame 10mths ago but with rest he is now sound on soft ground in all gaits but noddy on the tarmac. He is very happy to walk out on hard ground and you would not notice he had a problem until you ask for trot. WWYD, still ride where he is comfortable to do so or retire, which I don't want to do because riding is my passion. He is such a s tar in so many ways its very difficult to know what to do for the best all round. My friend said he is getting on in years so bute him and take it easy but ride him so that he has a future and useful life. This sounds kind of acceptable to me. I would never ride a hopping lame horse though and that he is not WWYD?
 
I would suggest that in making your decision, you should take your wants and needs out of the equation. In other words - decide what is best for your horse (and perhaps seek veterinary opinion as well). That is what I would do.
 
My vet is an old school Irish vet and he said very sympathetically bute your horse so that he is comfy and enjoy him.

Is it really wrong to keep him comfortable but useful at the same time?

I have given him almost a year off and now its decision time.
 
He was an imported horse I bought from a dealer. His passport said 11 which would make him 15 now, however when the dentist came out he said he was 25+:eek: My vet said he was about 18 and another said his passport age was about right..so who knows. Like I say he has had the cyst for sometime and we have had great times with no probs so it could have been something else but I think that is wishful thinking. He is a heavy type.
Its just so difficult when you work hard and do all he right thing, he is barefoot, low sugar diet etc he is very much loved.
 
I would bute him and watch him like a hawk to make sure it is not affecting his liver too much, and put him down when he can't cope on a low dose any more.
 
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