Odd use of hind legs in left canter (ridden and on lunge), what could be going on?

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primrose123

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I have noticed that my pony chooses to skip into canter on the left rein by loading the inside hind first and then hopping over onto the outside (right) hind and then cantering normally. Its a bit weird don't you think?
He has had stifle issues in the past which were medicated a year ago (even after treatment he was still often starting his canter like this), so I'm not sure the stifle jabs (both stifles were done) did much.
He will sometimes switch his hinds mid canter on the lunge (disunite behind?), and then fall back into trot. He doesn't switch his hinds when ridden in canter but will often fall back into trot (child riding - but she should be competent enough to keep him going!).

Any ideas what could be going on?

Vet examined him last year and found that he had tiny meniscus damage in right stifle and even smaller area in the left, also slightly off in the left fore (possibly compensatory).
He had his back and neck looked at and vet was happy that he does not have SI issues as no pain was shown when manipulated. Back was xrayed and no kissing spines present.

I have no budget for further investigations, but wondered if anyone else has had experience of this and if you have any ideas about what could be causing this - and what I could do (physio/exercise wise) in order to help him.
He's enjoying walking, trotting and cantering out hacking, but daughter would like to do some low level dressage really so cantering a full circle and not doing weird leg things is kind of up there on her bucket list!
 
Does he do it on straight, on a circle, out hacking or whilst turned out? You need to 100% rule out existing pain. If pain is ruled out, then I would be looking at it being a weakness and/ or habit as a result from the previous issue you’ve described (get a good physio and use poles to help build balance/ strength and regulate the stride)
 
lizziebell said:
Does he do it on straight, on a circle, out hacking or whilst turned out? You need to 100% rule out existing pain. If pain is ruled out, then I would be looking at it being a weakness and/ or habit as a result from the previous issue you’ve described (get a good physio and use poles to help build balance/ strength and regulate the stride)
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I haven't seen him do it on a straight (he would probably do it if he spooked or something on a straight - if he was on the left rein on the straight). I haven't seen him do it in the field but it could be that he would just choose the right lead? - not sure as haven't seen him canter enough in the field on his own).
 
A lot can change in a year, changing legs behind in the canter is often a sign of SI joint issues…mine did that during his lameness investigation on the lunge line…which is how the vet knew something was up. He often loses the back end when he’s cantering on circles and corners. He’s just had his SI injected, too soon to know if it’s helped or not. Fingers crossed you get to the bottom of it soon x
 
What was done about the meniscus tears? Was any cause found for them that has been able to be avoided since?

Ime, new behaviour of "weird leg things" in canter is always lameness from somewhere. Especially changing legs behind while in canter, and bunny hopping into canter. The horse really needs looking at by a vet. I'm very sorry, but I think if you can't afford it then you should really stop riding the horse until you can.
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