Planting front legs straight and dropping rear with rider

Kpinson

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My new best friend has some weird behaviours going on. Whilst riding out on him today he planted himself with his front legs straight and his rear going down to the ground, he then managed to get back up. This has happened now on three occasions as if something locks up on him and he can’t move! Further on today whilst also on a lunge line and being led whilst I was on him, he freaked out and started to go to rear and wanted to head back to yard. He’s an ex dressage master and highly strung. He’s a BWB 25years old! Any ideas would be great. TIA
 

be positive

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You are calling him your new best friend but no info on how you have acquired him, he is not young, will have had a busy life so are you sure he is fit to be ridden, do you know his veterinary history, is he on loan or have you bought him?
 

Tiddlypom

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Is your new best friend the ex entire Catherstone Dougal, who you have posted about elsewhere on the forum today? This is a former competition horse with a known sharp temperament.

At 25 years of age, I would expect him to be showing signs of wear and tear. This sounds like a potentially serious vet issue. Was he in any sort of work with whoever you bought him from?
 

Kpinson

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Yes it is Catherston Dougal, they are adamant he’s good to ride and no illnesses, however, he certainly shows signs of narcolepsy for a start. The vet came out yesterday Re his back and that seemed fine but possibly muscular so on Bute now. I will have to call them out again tomorrow. Thinking neuro.
 

Mrs. Jingle

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Is it just me that finds this post very sad and demeaning to a 25 year old horse that has obviously given excellent service (in more ways than one). What were his previous owners even thinking of selling him on, almost certainly with huge health issues they would have known about - Disclaimer, I base that personal opinion purely on the posters description of his issues.

So very sad and to me it is often typical of the complete disregard for older horses. Not aimed at you OP - but the morons who sold this old timer on regardless. :(
 
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PinkvSantaboots

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I definitely wouldn't ride him he could fall on you I would get the vet back and find out what is wrong, chances are he won't be able to be ridden anymore.

I also find it quite sad his been sold to someone at 25 as a fit riding horse, op you do realise at 25 he is coming to the end of his ridden days, especially if his done top level dressage it's a lot of wear and tear on his poor body.
 

Kpinson

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Thank you everyone for your replies. I have the vet coming out tomorrow. He was being ridden for short hacks a couple of times a week and that’s all I was intending to do with him until he needed to retire, but wasn’t expecting that within 4 weeks of having him. He is a lovely boy and I want what’s best for him. The vet wasn’t concerned Re his age etc as he seemed in good health apart from his behaviour! He certainly doesn’t look 25 and very strong willed! I will do what I can for him as already have been as fallen in love with him and he deserves to enjoy the remainder of his years being pampered and loved but my safety is a priority and need to get to the bottom of what’s going on with him. I can’t find any past medical history, I even contacted the previous vet who did his jabs and obviously they can’t disclose information as confidential so will have to start from scratch to find out what’s going on with him.
 
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