Pony falls when riding...

[Lg88]

Just looking for advice/support please. I have the vet coming out so just after some others experiences of this?
My 13.2hh Welsh X mare 23 years young, always forward going etc. We just hack & occasionally fun rides. At 12 years she became lame on LH and was treated for a bone spur in her fetlock. Was brought back into work no issues, never lame ever again and loving life! Until recently... in July we were on a fun ride, at walk her hind legs gave way which resulted in her falling down on her knees, she managed to scramble herself back up with only scuffed knees to show of it. I managed to jump off and walked her , which she proceeded to pull me round as was full of beans. Did feel odd in canter approx 10 min prior - "bunny hopping" gait but put this down to being over excited and was only a few strides then she was fine.

Discussed with vet, put it down to the fact she lost footing? and was being a bit silly(she does get very excited and forward going on rides). Few days of bute and rest then brought back to work no problem.
However, yesterday 2m after that inital incident and without any warning in walk again (had just been out for a gentle hack) it happened again, this time her hinds went and she went completely down where she struggled to get back up. Felt like a lifetime but it was only seconds, looked like she couldn't get her hinds engaged. She got up, walked it off and again didn't seem obviously lame.
I have the vet coming to investigate but just wondered if anyone has experienced anything similar?
Thanks in advance.

A very worried owner x

 

[Gloi]

It sounds like something is causing her sudden pain I hope the vet is able to help her.

 

[millikins]

Rather less dramatic than your mare but I had similar with our Eriskay. She was 22, in the yard mooching when she turned quite suddenly and went down on her knees, leaving both of us looking very surprised. She lost her balance and almost went down on her knees on another occasion when I was picking out a front hoof. In her case it was arthritic hocks.

 

[Shay]

There are a number of potential reasons - many of which are treatable. Most of which are manageable. You've done the right thing by getting the vet. Try not to worry any more than you can help until they can assess her.

 

[shergar]

Does your horse have Cushing ,only ask as it can affect the ligaments ,and this can improve once the horse is treated with PRECEND ,at this time of year we are in the seasonal rise ACTH levels . Worth checking if you have not already done so .