Lame steps on corners of one rein?

Charla

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Has anyone ever experienced lame steps in front, on corners of one rein?
I’ve had the vet out to examine her. Told she is sound walking and trotting on a straight line and on a concrete circle. But has loose stifles. You can just about make out some odd steps when lunging in trot in the school, but not consistent and I was told by the vet to just get on and work her.
When riding, she feels sound, except on the left rein, round the corners I feel the odd few lame steps on the left fore. This improves if I pick her up through the shoulder and get more inside bend, which she has a tendency to drop on that rein. She’s only young, not been in work consistently yet.
Instructor thinks it’s a balance/training issue rather than anything else. I’m so concerned as read so many sinister things.
It started about 2 weeks ago that I noticed, after having 4 weeks off work with saddle issues.
I’m baffled!
 

SpringArising

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I actually had the same thing (on the left as well, funnily enough) about a year ago. It was nigh on impossible to spot/feel, but I was sure something just felt a tiny bit off on the left rein, and only on one particular surface. He was an extremely unfit 4 y/o at this point and I wasn't riding him into a contact at all, as I started him doing nothing but long and low on an extremely loose rein.

I spoke with my vet and a few experienced people whose opinion I value and they all felt it was most likely a schooling issue and that because it was so slight, it was more beneficial to work him and see what happened. If it was a lameness of sorts, it would only get worse, and if a schooling issue, it would get better over time.

I could still see virtually nothing at this point so also wondered if I was just imagining things - no one else could see it either.

Anyway, not to ramble but don't worry too much. I found that with consistent work and getting him fit, along with a saddle check and a few massage and chiro appointments it completely went. You have to remember that horses, like us, will have niggles, be stiff and sore some days and might not be 100% on both sides all the time. My left shoulder is permanently on fire for a start...
 

Charla

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Thank you SpringArising. My next call with be to get the physio out for some good treatments and continue working her. Your story sounds positive and I hope this improves also as it’s so minute. Most people feel I’m making a fuss, but an experienced eye can see it and I can certainly feel it! Fingers crossed.
 

Goldenstar

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Yes I have seen almost exactly the same thing except it came up on the right fore leg when it was on the outside of the circle .
Very subtle very intermittent.
It blocked to that foot then a very clever vet blocked half the foot only and we managed to narrow it down to the outside of the foot .
It was a injury to the DDFT .
The horse had shoes removed twelve weeks box rest a barefoot and very controlled return to work .
I think we lead out for grass right the way through the box rest .
 

hopscotch bandit

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Has anyone ever experienced lame steps in front, on corners of one rein?
I’ve had the vet out to examine her. Told she is sound walking and trotting on a straight line and on a concrete circle. But has loose stifles. You can just about make out some odd steps when lunging in trot in the school, but not consistent and I was told by the vet to just get on and work her.
When riding, she feels sound, except on the left rein, round the corners I feel the odd few lame steps on the left fore. This improves if I pick her up through the shoulder and get more inside bend, which she has a tendency to drop on that rein. She’s only young, not been in work consistently yet.
Instructor thinks it’s a balance/training issue rather than anything else. I’m so concerned as read so many sinister things.
It started about 2 weeks ago that I noticed, after having 4 weeks off work with saddle issues.
I’m baffled!
Mine had this when she did a suspensory branch, was lame on right rein circle although injury was on n/f.
 
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