Noisy when lunging – respiratory issue?

[dappleapple]

Hi there,

I recently viewed a horse with intention to buy and he was lunged in walk/trot/canter with tack on, then ridden in walk, trot and canter. All paces were nice and he was alert and happy but there was a noise that bothered me.

In trot and canter there was, around his barrel, a noise like a wobbleboard. I know that’s a poor description, but I can’t think how else to describe it!!

It only happened when he was lunged in tack without a rider, once the rider was on his back he was fine, so perhaps it was just the tack flapping and creaking about a bit but I can’t shake the thought that it might be a respiratory problem.

I remember hearing the same noise coming from a few of the (ridden) show jumpers at Hickstead last year, but can’t find them on you tube…

I would be getting him 5 stage vetted of course, but in the mean-time, does any one here have any experience with a noise like this?

 

[hairymolly]

I think I know the noise you are talking about, if its what I think it is its not to do with their respiratory system and is something to do with the horse bearing down with abdominal muscles. Was it when he was trotting and in time with his trot? If it is this I am pretty sure its nothing to worry about. But I am no expert and you are doing the right thing by getting him a 5 stage vetting.

 

[dappleapple]

Thank you hairymolly

It was in time with his trot... and I've just found out that it’s his sheath making all that noise! So you’re absolutely right - nothing to worry about. My horse-expert friend just explained and asked if I’d had the birds and the bees talk yet… very embarrassing, but a huge relief!

 

[Nailed]

Yes its his sheath, he needs it cleaning.
Lou x

 

[Spook]

The noise you refer to is known as rumbling (Never has made sense to me) but thats what it's called

 

[lamlyn2012]

It is a sheath noise and is normally a sign of tension in the horse, so be careful. Tense horses more spooky and highly strung.

 

[ribena73]

Mine has a noisy sheath sometimes, but he's not spooky or highly strung. Have to admit I was concerned when I first heard it as didn;t know they did that

 

[dappleapple]

It’s very interesting you say that, because he was extremely tense that day. As he went on and relaxed the noise stopped... I wondered why. Thank you for your advise!