Suzie94
Active Member
Hi everyone! So long story short, I’ve been struggling with my 6 year old hackney mare for a couple months now.
I got her in September last year and she was great. When I tried her she was good and I saw no red flags.
When I got her home she was a little tucked up for a couple days and I put this down to stress. However she was settling well and was good to tack up, mount and ride. Then things started to go downhill. She started being reactive to being tacked up, rugged and when I’d try to mount. Biting kicking, getting extremely tight and tucked up and spinning (genuinely being stressed).
This has got increasingly worse and Some days I’ve just been unsuccessful as it gets dangerous. The farrier also commented on how tight her hamstrings were and had been struggling with her a lot. It’s worth noting that when I do finally get on her, she’s fine to ride, but a bit lazy. And when I get off, she puts her head right down to stretch out and looks very sleepy, even if she’s only had 10 minutes exercise!
So.. Ive had her teeth done, saddle fitted, seen by the physio and she’s also been checked for stomach ulcers. The physico and vet agreed they think there’s something more.. she said her muscles were tight but more in response her to working them.
My vets now suggested a bute trial. But a friend of mine has said her horse had similar symptoms and ended up having PSSM. First time I’ve heard of it and after a google I think it’s possible but not sure!! Can anyway give some advice if they’ve had experience with PSSM. She’s in light work (mainly because of the issues). Lives Out 24/7 and only on grass, happy hoof and a low cal balancer.
I got her in September last year and she was great. When I tried her she was good and I saw no red flags.
When I got her home she was a little tucked up for a couple days and I put this down to stress. However she was settling well and was good to tack up, mount and ride. Then things started to go downhill. She started being reactive to being tacked up, rugged and when I’d try to mount. Biting kicking, getting extremely tight and tucked up and spinning (genuinely being stressed).
This has got increasingly worse and Some days I’ve just been unsuccessful as it gets dangerous. The farrier also commented on how tight her hamstrings were and had been struggling with her a lot. It’s worth noting that when I do finally get on her, she’s fine to ride, but a bit lazy. And when I get off, she puts her head right down to stretch out and looks very sleepy, even if she’s only had 10 minutes exercise!
So.. Ive had her teeth done, saddle fitted, seen by the physio and she’s also been checked for stomach ulcers. The physico and vet agreed they think there’s something more.. she said her muscles were tight but more in response her to working them.
My vets now suggested a bute trial. But a friend of mine has said her horse had similar symptoms and ended up having PSSM. First time I’ve heard of it and after a google I think it’s possible but not sure!! Can anyway give some advice if they’ve had experience with PSSM. She’s in light work (mainly because of the issues). Lives Out 24/7 and only on grass, happy hoof and a low cal balancer.