Pony suddenly panicking about the girth and bucking

PoppyAnderson

PoppyAnderson

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7 yr old just back into work following a suspensory injury. Started lunge work. Completely normal. Put her saddle on and wowee, explosion time! Took me so by surprise cos I backed her myself and she was completely normal (had the usual humping and farting but got over it quickly and knuckled down.) Anyway, I got on and she was fine. No reaction in any way and rode exactly as she always has. This pattern has repeated over the last few days. One other thing. I put her saddle on in her box a couple of days ago. Didn't over tighten the girth - I never do - and went to get my hat. Heard a massive scrabble. Rushed back and she was stood dithering. She has never ever had a reaction like this to being girthed. I've got Annabel Roberts (physio) coming out soon but any other thoughts folks? Could she be cold backed? Can this come on suddenly?
 
I'm afraid I suspect something which tends to go hand in hand with hindleg suspensory problems, kissing spine. The reaction you describe is exactly how my boy is. He was found to have hind leg problems and then started to react like that after being girthed, always standing trembling afterwards. He had severe kissing spine. There was no other sign of it, vet and physio found no soreness in his back at all. Hopefully it will not be something this serious, but it is a pain reaction, no doubt at all.
 
i don't know weather or not she could suddenly become cold backed but i'd get your saddle checked as she could have changed shape if she has been out of work and it sounds like she's reacting to something ,either girth or saddle
have a feel all over to make sure here isn't an obvious reason like a little rub or scab or anything first
 
Definitely no rubs or scabs or anything like that. Have checked and not a mark on her. Is going from bad to worse with this horse. Would like to bury my head in the sand :-(
 
Had forgotten that's she's also started mild head shaking too when ridden, again indicating some form of irritation/pain/distress. Not looking good is it. Got the vet coming this morning anyway, so feel am at least now addressing it.
 
Sounds like you're doing the best thing, getting the vet to check her over. Depending on what he says you can then ask other professionals for their opinion.

Good luck!
 
Do you know a good saddler who can take your saddle completely apart to make sure the tree is fine and it's all been finished off correctly? My old saddle was taken apart and there was a screw sticking out which explained why my horse only wanted to bend one way! Couldn't feel it on the saddle but horses can feel the smallest thing
 
fidleyspromise said:
How did you get on with the vet this morning?
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Hi. Thanks for asking :-) Pony displayed every symptom on cue, which allowed vet to see full picture. Vet's thinking let's start with muscular and work from there. 1 week danilon, look again on Friday and see what she's like then. Pain is also localised right above where kidneys are, so doing a urine test, just to eliminate anything untoward there. Vet said if not muscular, then may be early stage KS but not presenting typical signs. Fingers crossed is muscular, cos feels more hopeful than the alternative.
 
Do you have a thick,proper,sheepskin girth sleeve? If you have one,and it will be preferable to be the genuine sheepskin and not artificial,just try it and see if you have the same reaction.
I was toldl,after an issue with my mare some mares have nerve endings very close to the surface of their skin,just where girth goes,and padding it out as described above may help.
It has for my girl.
I hope it maybe that simple for you,but you have nothing to loose by trying.
 
Get a physio to check between front legs - I seem to remember mine talking about a horse who'd torn pectoral muscle on one side reacting like this.

fingers crossed you get it sorted and find it's muscular :)
 
Brightbay said:
Get a physio to check between front legs - I seem to remember mine talking about a horse who'd torn pectoral muscle on one side reacting like this.

fingers crossed you get it sorted and find it's muscular :)
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Yes, hope so. She was very sore over her back though, just above where her kidneys sit especially. I will eliminate everything though, including trying the sheepskin cover, as you just never know what might help.

The sooner these flippin animals get their act together and start talking, the better!
 
Update - x rays being done this Thursday on her back. Hopefully, this will either find or discount anything underlying. Am hoping for the best but expecting the worst.
 
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