Options for pony with SI

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Fizzandfun

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I posted about our gelding two years ago. He has advanced SI and we retired him 10 months after buying him (He had 5 stage vetting. After extensive rehab and physio we couldn’t get him sound for anything other than light hack and even then it was risky).

I just wonder what others do re: turnout? Do you still TO 24/7? He still likes to make shapes when he goes out so when it’s wet he’s a risk to himself. Mind you, he rolls so hard in the stable he’s likely to be a risk to himself there too. He’s happy at the moment, moving ok and so far, there’s been no need to carry on with steroid injections. Having another on full TO, I just wonder if it might be more or less beneficial for our boy to do the same, but I’m concerned that it could cause him more issues.
 
sbloom said:
Absolutely I would turn out 24/7, movement is medicine, or at least maintenance. He's less likely to turn himself inside out if out 24/7, friends and enrichment help of course
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That’s what I know to be true but I’m so worried that he’ll have a relapse. The only issue is at his current yard, he’d be the only one out 24/7. He’s never been worried about company - he’s pretty chilled in that respect- but it’s change. I might build it up over time…
 
As the owner of wonky horses I’d turn him out and either he copes with retirement or he doesn’t. I wouldn’t hot house a broken horse.

Has he had his SI injected? I’ve found the jabs to be very effective as long as any other related issues eg hock arthritis are also treated.
 
My mare has been diagnosed with SI issues since the age of 6, kept her going with steroids for a while and tried mesotherapy. Now retired. It is a balancing act. She does go out every day and always has done, whatever the weather.
 
Tiddlypom said:
As the owner of wonky horses I’d turn him out and either he copes with retirement or he doesn’t. I wouldn’t hot house a broken horse.

Has he had his SI injected? I’ve found the jabs to be very effective as long as any other related issues eg hock arthritis are also treated.
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That’s a good point re: him coping. He’s been a heartbreaker that’s for sure. I’ve tried everything to keep him sound. He had injections at the start but vet felt it wasn’t needed going forward if we could manage him without (given that our aim was to keep him field sound). He has nothing anywhere else (the plus of fully exploding everything with him before the SI diagnosis).
 
Fizzandfun said:
That’s a good point re: him coping. He’s been a heartbreaker that’s for sure. I’ve tried everything to keep him sound. He had injections at the start but vet felt it wasn’t needed going forward if we could manage him without (given that our aim was to keep him field sound). He has nothing anywhere else (the plus of fully exploding everything with him before the SI diagnosis).
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If the SI was in dysfunction for some time (to be honest, even if it wasn't long) then he'll be compromised elsewhere, though it may not be at a clinical level. It may be worth looking at doing a little connection and postural work with him to help his body and mind, see the thread on "Slow Walk Work" that was started recently for one example.
 
It’s interesting. Vetting was all clear and three months later, completely changed and was utterly dangerous to handle. Blockers did nothing and eventually, after trying everything else, he went to hospital for scan. Showed boney changes which suggests it was historic- and the worst case she’d ever seen apparently.

We did lots of physo with him, daily for months and now three times a week which is why I think the vet feels he no longer requires the injection. The slow walk was fantastic. He always carried himself high and over time got him to stretch out and relax.

We’ve come a long way and I do believe if it’s not broken… but I see our other pony out 24/7 and how happy and chilled he is and I wonder if broken pony could benefit. Is it too risky?
 
The slow walk work I mention is a bit different and not about stretching out but I do hear you. I just see the difference in horses, mind and body as I say (that reactive silly streak in the field, even that can change with changes in movement).

Is there no way he can be with your other pony? I would be wary of solo turnout when everything else is inside.
 
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