Lameness work up?

[Kirstd33]

As a new owner I really need some advice, my new pony is confusing us all on the yard with his behaviour when going forward either out on a hack or in the school, when asked for trot he’ll seem reluctant and display signs of unhappiness eg ears back and grumpy face and then when asked for canter he’ll nap and even bunny hop and buck. Yesterday I took him to a small village show and tried the small clear round jumping into very small 30cm and he seemed excited but his behaviour was very stop start, backwards forward if that makes sense. A friend jumped on him thinking she could push him through it but he was even worse for her, and I’ve looked back at video today and he seems to even hop at 1 point holding his right foreleg. But he appears sounds in walk and trot. I didn’t have a vetting when I bought him but took experienced friends who trotted him up and didn’t see any issues. He is insurances but only last week, should I wait the 14 days and then get a vet out to him?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Have you done the necessary checks like saddle does it fit? Back physio check and teeth are always the main things to cover initially.

Have you tried him on the lunge without a saddle and rider?

It does sound lik3 it could be ulcers if his new to you the move can stress them.

In regards to insurance if you tell them he had symptoms before he was insured it's classed as pre existing so they probably won't cover you for and investigating or treatment.

 

[Kirstd33]

I should have said yes in the 8 weeks we have had him, he’s had a new saddle fitted, his teeth done and seen a physio once with another appt this coming week. Nothing was found in any of these visits aside from a slightly sore withers which we’ve doing exercises for. I have lunged him which was new to him but he’s settled nicely and lunges in walk, trot and a few canters. I try not to lunge him often as he is 14 yrs old and we only have a grass school. He’s only fed grass, hay and a small handful of chaff to take a joint supplement,

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would get the saddle double checked they can change in literally a few weeks and because is happy to lunge it does sort of indicate that might be an issue, if his had wither pain it could be that the saddle is a bit tight infront or sitting too low maybe.