Pony fell over

I

I don’t like mondays

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On a hack today my daughter’s pony fell over twice. Both times from walk on a sandy track with dappled shade and tree roots. First time I assumed he’d tripped on a tree root. Second time he went over (like a rotational fall), the front end end down and he face planted, thankfully my daughter rolled over his neck, but terrifying what could’ve happened. Pony seems ok (was a soft landing as a very sandy path in the woods),

Should I be worried?? I know tripping can be ortho issues. But it’s out of character as he’s never tripped before. He’s an older pony but in great condition, enjoys work. Daughter is on the cusp of growing out of him but still well within the correct weight percentage (he’s been on a weigh bridge). I know one day she’ll be too big or he’ll need to retire.

He has a work up every year and sound.

Had a different farrier a week ago and the toe looks longer than our usual farrier.

I’m in 2 minds, could this be a one off (hot day, sandy paths) or could this be something serious? I don’t know what to do. Whether to see how he is or get the vet out? Worried for him but also worried about him falling onto my daughter.

Please be kind. Thank you
 
I would get him checked, too. My 23 yr old mare with Cushings appeared to slip in winter mud in the field, one day. She got up, seemed to be fine and carried on as normal for a few weeks but she fell again, I got some bute for her and booked the vet for the following day but by the next morning she was obviously ataxic and we had her pts.
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I would get him checked, too. My 23 yr old mare with Cushings appeared to slip in winter mud in the field, one day. She got up, seemed to be fine and carried on as normal for a few weeks but she fell again, I got some bute for her and booked the vet for the following day but by the next morning she was obviously ataxic and we had her pts.
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Oh gosh, sorry to hear that
 
My son’s pony started falling, as you describe it was almost like a rotational fall at walk.
She was retired immediately, far too dangerous. I did consult the vet who said yes she could go for a work up but she was old and in his opinion best to retire. She had a happy paddock retirement.
 
Clodagh said:
My son’s pony started falling, as you describe it was almost like a rotational fall at walk.
She was retired immediately, far too dangerous. I did consult the vet who said yes she could go for a work up but she was old and in his opinion best to retire. She had a happy paddock retirement.
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Yes this is exactly what is happening here. It was so out of character as he’d hacked somewhere else the previous day and no tripping. It does feel very dangerous if it could happen again
 
I don’t like mondays said:
Yes this is exactly what is happening here. It was so out of character as he’d hacked somewhere else the previous day and no tripping. It does feel very dangerous if it could happen again
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Whatever else, please do let your daughter ride him again until you have ghe all clear from A vet
 
I remember I Bailey fall on me on a fun ride once. It was very odd. We were going downhill slightly across a field and it was if her left front and back leg just slid out from under her, she was flat out on her side, luckily I was thrown clear.

A steward was at the gate waiting to direct us through a gate and had seen us fall and didn't understand what had happened either. It all happened so quickly, I was very shocked. Luckily we were both unhurt and I put it down to a one off. i walked her around a bit but as we only had another five miles to go I remounted and we continued the ride without further incident. She never did it again but I was worried she could have.
 
Birker2020 said:
I remember I Bailey fall on me on a fun ride once. It was very odd. We were going downhill slightly across a field and it was if her left front and back leg just slid out from under her, she was flat out on her side, luckily I was thrown clear.

A steward was at the gate waiting to direct us through a gate and had seen us fall and didn't understand what had happened either. It all happened so quickly, I was very shocked. Luckily we were both unhurt and I put it down to a one off. i walked her around a bit but as we only had another five miles to go I remounted and we continued the ride without further incident. She never did it again but I was worried she could have.
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That’s reassuring it was a one off. Our pony has never done anything like this before. I’m worried sick we might have to retire him, he’s so jolly and loves his work (has been known to jump out of his field when bored).
 
I think you need to address the long toes ASAP. Ideally before the vet sees the pony. Long toes and tree roots isn't a good combo, you might be lucky and it might be the only cause, but you really need the toes shortened before the vet does anything so it doesn't muddy the water either way.
 
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