Louie's not 'right'- am I doing the right things?

Kokopelli

Kokopelli

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Normally I turn to my mum for support over my descions regarding Louie. I just need someone to say I'm not going to break him anymore then he is.

So issue number one is he is sleeping a lot. He has done since I've had him at first we thought it was because he was growing and using energy for that but he is now 7 and is gone most of the time, day and night. Yesterd and I was almost late for work as he wouldn't get up for me to muck him out. I'm a little concerned there may be something more sinister going on that is making him tired all the time? Is this a speak to vet issue or try him on a supplement to see how he gets on?


Issue number two is slight muscle wastage where the back of the saddle fits. I'm at my wits end with this saddle and probably just going to sell it. Apparently it does fit him but I'm doubtful. Problem is selling it I will lose out a lot. Paid £800 second hand then on top of that bought extras so probably nearer £900. Looking online I think I'll be lucky to get £700.

Then the other issue is what do I replace it with which won't make his back worse. I would prefer something adjustable and need a dressage but not many places do adjustable dressage saddles in the size we need other then wintec and the shape doesn't suit him

Whilst he has no saddle should I be lunging him to try and get that back muscle built up?

This relates to the final issue which is the amount of muscle tension he has all over his body but the worst place being his hind quarters. You can easily feel where he is tight. This is why he wasn't working well enough from behind in the video I posted and probably has something to do with the muscle wastage (but still not happy with my saddle).

I have a deep mistrust for back people, I had a lady out about 4 months ago and if anything she made him worse. Complete waste of £40. My YM has started doing massages on him which is great as we get mates rates but the first one was last week and he just didn't relax into and just fought it. Towards the end he started relaxing but I'm mot sure if this is what he needs or if he needs something better? He's having his second one today.

Everything is just falling apart, my dad wants to take me out competing but I don't see the point with a broken pony and a saddle that is going to be difficult to sell.

Right rant/ moan/ whatever this is over. Can someone just tell me I'm doing the right things or if I'm doing the wrong things point me in the right direction. This is where I should add I don't have a lot of money so can't afford a lot of these fancy treatments.

Thanks and sorry its so long :)
 
I'd consider having him blood tested to see if he is mildly tying up, hence causing the tightness in his hindquarters and perhaps linked to the lying down issue too.
 
If he has muscle wastage there will be a reason, most likely due to the saddle but not always, "back people" sometimes do make matters worse, especially if done without a vet referral, if there is an underlying reason, the work following is inappropriate, the saddle is a problem etc. A one off treatment is rarely enough if there is a lot of work to do it needs several sessions with correct work between to make everything right, unless the underlying cause is still there.
Massage will help him feel better but again the underlying issues will not be dealt with so unless it is just minor tension he will go back after a few days to where he was. Physio is much deeper and treats the whole animal in what should be a thorough way.

Lunging should help get the back up but he may need treatment to release the tightness fist, otherwise he will hold himself in the way he has become established carrying the saddle.

If he is insured I would start with the vet, if you can then get him referred for physio it should be covered so you can have a proper course rather than a one off but there is a possibility that something else is going on and it all links so getting him checked, bloods done can all be part of the same claim.
 
Poor you, I would get the vet first, physios/back people whatever you want to call them shouldn't do anything to a horse without speaking to the vet first. Get some recommendations for a good saddle fitter and ask them if they would take your saddle as a trade in towards a new one that's what mine did. I would e loath to work him or lunge until he had been looked at by a vet though, hope things look up for you soon dolly
 
I would personally speak to a vet and get bloods checked - sleeping so much sounds unusual. Failing that revealing anything a good physio or chiropractor would be my next port of call, it may not be the saddle causing the muscle wastage but something further back ie headquarters, pelvis or hocks. I'm sorry you're having these worries on top of everything else but I'm delighted your dad wants to take you out competing. Once Louie is sorted it's something to look forward to and I'm sure both you and your dad will enjoy it.
 
Thank you all, I'm going to take him to where I work and get their vet to have a look at him.

He has his second session with YM today and he was great much more relaxed and fell asleep. He seemed a lot less tense afterwards so we'll see.

I had my RI look at his back today after the massage. I can't believe how blind/ stupid I have been but the muscle wastage isn't that at all it is fat. I'm so embarrassed and I don't want people having a go at me but I'm normally so good about weight but I think where I didn't ride for a long time after everything that happened my brain wasn't working enough to think cut his feed back. This was also confirmed by YM.

Diet starts today and exercise regime starts as soon as I get his shoe back on.
 
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