Pony Started Tripping?

[HunTheBun]

I have a 14.1hh cob who is 17 years old.

He is working at Medium level and is continuing to improve despite his age.

In the past four weeks though I have begun to notice him stumbling or occasionally loosing his back end.

He is a healthy chap - in 7 years we have only needed a vet for an insect bite.

He is normally very sure footed.

He is now working with much more self carriage so I'm hoping its just him getting used to a slightly different way of going but I am aware it could be something more serious.

I'm planning on monitoring it for a couple more weeks and possibly getting our back specialist to take a look.

Does anyone have any experience or advice?

Many thanks!

 

[Mince Pie]

I'd also be looking at his feet

 

[Tammytoo]

Could be early stages of navicular or bone spavin? If it persists I'd be looking at a visit to the vets to pinpoint the problem before it gets any worse.

 

[Wagtail]

Is the stumbling behind aswell? The only horse that I have known that occasionally 'lost her back end, had suspensory desmitis of the hocks. However, it could also be hock arthritis, as this can manifest itself in the horse dragging its toes and therefore tripping behind.

 

[Shysmum]

Agree with wagtail - it might be best to get this checked out, as it could be the start of arthritis. A friend's pony does this, and that is his diagnosis.