Eggshells
Well-Known Member
Hello - sorry for the long post - trying to get in all the information!
Just been for a second viewing of a horse I really like and am hoping to put a deposit down on, pending passing 5 stage vetting - during which which I would mention to the vet all I am about to say below!
First - I noticed the horse pulled a face when the saddle went on and when the girth was initially done up (not so much when it was tightened, just when going round his belly the first time). Owner/breeder said he'd always been funny with the saddle/girth from when first backed. No problem when mounting that I saw/felt.
Second - When we went for a hack he changed his walking gate whenever we went even slightly downhill. You could stop him doing it by asking for a touch of shoulder in and then straightening, but after half a dozen steps he would go back to what was almost a 2 beat walk again. Owner said he'd started doing it a couple of months back and she'd found it amusing at first (it does feel like his is waddling under you) and failed to correct it before she realised he'd picked up the habit and he was doing it whenever he went down hill.
Otherwise lovely to ride, very smooth paces and transitions. He's just turned 7, spent 3 years hacking with a novice and the last 8 months learning flat work and competing BD dressage.
Thinking about it now (when away from the soporific effect of the beautiful horse
), I am getting worried. I know vetting cost is not vast in the grand scheme of things, but it isn't pennies by any means.
So really I was just wondered whether anyone had any experience of horses doing this? I.e. is this a well know warning signal for kissing spine or any other horrors and should I steer well clear and not even think of spending money getting him vetted?
Thank you for persevering!
Just been for a second viewing of a horse I really like and am hoping to put a deposit down on, pending passing 5 stage vetting - during which which I would mention to the vet all I am about to say below!
First - I noticed the horse pulled a face when the saddle went on and when the girth was initially done up (not so much when it was tightened, just when going round his belly the first time). Owner/breeder said he'd always been funny with the saddle/girth from when first backed. No problem when mounting that I saw/felt.
Second - When we went for a hack he changed his walking gate whenever we went even slightly downhill. You could stop him doing it by asking for a touch of shoulder in and then straightening, but after half a dozen steps he would go back to what was almost a 2 beat walk again. Owner said he'd started doing it a couple of months back and she'd found it amusing at first (it does feel like his is waddling under you) and failed to correct it before she realised he'd picked up the habit and he was doing it whenever he went down hill.
Otherwise lovely to ride, very smooth paces and transitions. He's just turned 7, spent 3 years hacking with a novice and the last 8 months learning flat work and competing BD dressage.
Thinking about it now (when away from the soporific effect of the beautiful horse
), I am getting worried. I know vetting cost is not vast in the grand scheme of things, but it isn't pennies by any means. So really I was just wondered whether anyone had any experience of horses doing this? I.e. is this a well know warning signal for kissing spine or any other horrors and should I steer well clear and not even think of spending money getting him vetted?
Thank you for persevering!
