Problem horse - WHAT TO TRY NEXT?!

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AnnieM&M

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I brought my 11 yrs 15.2 thoroughbred 2 years ago with the view to event. He had done PN but had a few months of just hacking due to his competative rider leaving before i got him. I was aware he was grumpy and had a sensative back. He found being brought back in to full work far too exciting and developed many problems - trying to bolt/ rushing fences/ bucking / constantly changing his hindlegs & carrying his quarters in, in canter but this is now getting worse - on hacks and sometimes even in trot. His back sensitivity is also getting worse. I have had the saddler and physio out etc - we found he has chronic back pain but with stretches he is ok to ride up to PN/N level still and we brought him a new saddle. His problems have persisted and he is getting grumpier and seems low in himself. I have tried re-backing him/ ground work/ giving him time off/ grid work etc- WHAT DO I TRY FROM HERE?!
 
To be fair if he has back pain I'm not surprised he doesn't enjoy being ridden. Have you had an x-ray to check for kissing spines? One of the girls on our yard had very much the same problems as you and when her horse was x-rayed he was found to have very bad kissing spines. It does sound as if he is in pain and you can't expect any horse to enjoy work when it hurts.
 
Hi Annie,

Sorry to hear that you are having problems. Have you tried having Bowen Therapy on him? Bowen Therapy and other alternate therapies are good as they can help muscles in different ways to physio (I dont quite understand, although I know it is competely different). My horse has just had his first session of Bowen Therapy and the difference in him is amazing. He is also having Craniosacral done too.
 
Retire him?

Give him some time off?

Or just use him to hack until he starts to settle down and gradually introduce schooling/ jumping?

Could you try some ground work, like pessoa to build up his muscle and that way he isn't carrying the weight of the rider?
 
Yes i've always been very concious of hurting him but the vet could not find anything severe - just said tension and soreness is common in thoroughbreds especially ex-race (which he was trained as but too small)
 
I would defo want to investigate further TBH, poss x-rays just to rule out KS, also look at his feet to as this may have an effect on his back.

My 5 year old really benefits from having a session on his Equilibrium massage pad before ridden work, when he was just broken this was a 'must do' before getting on him, now 6 months down the line it's more of a treat than a necessity!

The comment re feet was because my horse had poor hoof confirmation which lead to sore spots through his back. Again 6 mths on and he is really good in his back as his feet are an even shape and level. Good Luck :)
 
I honestly think it sounds like KS symptoms, my mare had the op for ks 10 weeks ago. If you can, I would suggest getting a vet to x ray the back. It is quite a common problem now but treatable in most cases. At least that way you would know if there is a problem.
 
I would go for lameness work up followed by back and neck xrays as that is the only way to diagnose if he has kissing spine, if all those are clear then try scoping to see if he is uncomfortable through ulcers.
 
I agree about the kissing spines but test for kidney function as well, or before, because it can cause the symptoms that your horse is showing, particularly the grumpiness when not actually ridden because the horse feels slightly unwell all the time.
 
Thanks, i think i'll get the vet out AGAIN. Everyone who knows the horse thinks something is wrong yet the vet never finds anything and must think im a severe hypercondriac ! Here we go agian haha
 
Follow through with suggestions re Ks & feet to try & locate the problem (may be able to help if you know the cause). If not, retire him. The 'excitement' is probably pain (not saying this is your fault, done your best to help him), so if he is getting worse, probably means pain getting worse. He may be very intolerant to pain if he has been in it most of his life, only thing that matters is that he is feeling it. Have used Bowen & accupuncture on myself for neuropathic pain, both helped but not permanent cures.

Being a tb who was in training, have you also checked him for ulcers? May be acid sloshing in his stomach causing pain when ridden. High intensity/low fibre diet of racres makes them very prone. Recently saw a horse (who had high fibre diet) treated successfully for ulcers, he's a changed animal (including being ridden), obviously so much more comfortable with himself & life.
 
I would be questioning a vet that is happy for a horse in pain to be ridden. There are some really good equine practices in Surrey and I would be surprised if many of them would be so quick to dismiss this in a competition horse. Most are only too keen to investigate:rolleyes: If you want recommendations pm me .
 
pip6 said:
Being a tb who was in training, have you also checked him for ulcers? May be acid sloshing in his stomach causing pain when ridden. High intensity/low fibre diet of racres makes them very prone.
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That would be my starting point - given that research suggests at LEAST 90% of racehorses in training HAVE ulcers! And they're relatively easy to rule out/treat!

Deal with one thing at a time.

1. Ulcers.
2. Back - good chiropractor should be able to give you some clues as to how bad - or otherwise - the back is. If chiro thinks there is a serious problem, then x-ray.

And STOP riding him until these investigations (and any necessary treatment) are done. He is obviously in pain - continuing to work him without getting to the bottom of his problems will just ensure that he is permanently screwed up in his head!
 
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