Lameness

[Skylarm_2245]

I just got a new horse and while at the rescue I rode him and he was sound, but when I rode him at my barn he was lame. He is only lame at a trot, and the more he trots he works out of it. He even sped up when I didn't ask him to. It doesn't seem to hurt him at all, there is no swelling or heat anywhere on his leg. I think he is sore from the frozen ground but I'm unsure. If he is still lame next week I plan on calling the vet. Does anyone know what this might be because, and is there a way to help him, by winter shoes or something else?

 

[be positive]

As you have no real idea of the cause of the lameness no one can give you advice as to what will help, it could be anything from a brewing abscess to something like arthritis, both may be helped by movement, to something such as a strained muscle or ligament which need very different treatment.

I think his history and age may be relevant, why he was in a rescue also could give a clue, most mature riding horses do not end up in rescues if they are sound and sane so it could well be a chronic condition that shows more when in work, the fact he is willing to go faster is not a sign he is in no pain, lameness is pain or at least discomfort so you need to get him checked over and find out what is going on, if it was simply the hard ground it is likely to be bilateral not just one limb affected.