Only lame when ridden, concerned. (long)

quirky

quirky

Well-Known Member
Joined
3 January 2008
Messages
9,849
Location
Purdah
Visit site
I'll tell it from the start. When riding about a month ago, horse seemed a little unlevel behind just on the odd stride. Had lesson and trainer said he also appeared to do the same up front. Just happened every now and then, anywhere, not necessarily when on a corner.
Got physio out, had sore withers one side but nothing major. 3 days off and then lunge long for 3 days then back riding. In meantime, arranged for saddler to come and check saddle when back in work. Had some flocking in front of saddle to lift it a bit but generally it was still a good fit.
Now, got back on him this week and he still puts in the odd funny stride. I can mainly feel it behind but trainer who happened to be around says it is still up front aswell.
Physio said he may still think he's sore but she visitied on bank holiday monday (however long ago that was!) and he's done very little since. Would he still have referred pain??
Vet coming out Tuesday BUT should I try and get physio in the meantime again?
I have a really bad feeling about it all, just what could it be?
YO (very experienced horse woman) thinks it may be due to him losing topline whilst out of work and should prob ride him through it - doesn't explain why he was doing it before all the checks though.
Just to add, he is not lame when long lined (straight and on circle) with tack on.
So, what to do, ride, wait for vet, get physio again?????
confused.gif
 
Sounds like you've covered everything so far, so I would be looking for a veterinary diagnosis at this time.
 
I would wait for the vet and get him thoroughly checked.
My horse went through a similar thing last year where he was unlevel sometimes when ridden due mainly to back issues. Physio was great for him but because it wasn't treating the underlying issues the effect soon wore off.
Once we'd found the cause of the problem (which thankfully wasn't too serious) we were able to sort it out properly.
I wouldn't ride for now, but if he's happy being long-lined I'd carry on until the vet has seen him.
 
My initial though is ligament damage, but I could be/hope I am way off the mark.

Are you SURE he is lame in front, or could it be that he is not using his hindleg/s correctly and it is presenting as a bi-lateral lameness?

I would be looking at getting a full lameness workup, and only bringing the physio in with your vet's approval once there is a specific problem to be addressed.
 
[ QUOTE ]

Are you SURE he is lame in front, or could it be that he is not using his hindleg/s correctly and it is presenting as a bi-lateral lameness?


[/ QUOTE ]

No, I'm not sure he is lame in front and yes, I agree about his hind legs. When he first comes out, he never moves very well behind but does when he is warmed in. He has always been like this, even when I bought him just broken (5 years ago).

I have the best lameness vet coming from our practice , as I just have a gut feeling it's not going to be a straight forward diagnosis.
 
Vet is definitely the best route. Until you can narrow down the area to bacl or particular leg etc the physio will only be able to treat the side effects.
Agree with Bounty with regards to referred lameness. My TB was showing lameness in his right hind and ocassionally fore leg but lameness work up revealed the problem was stemming from his left hind. Let us know how you get on with the vet. Good luck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top