Pseudo research- weight % and horse 'happiness' and soundness.

rara007

rara007

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 April 2007
Messages
29,005
Location
Essex
Visit site
A quick poll, obviously some of these are more directly related to the topic than others but I think all will be interesting!

1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
8: stand to be mounted
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
12: nap
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking

16: Require any form of medication

17: Do they show any stable vices?

nb. I realise any results will be hugely biased as I assume people who are over the 15/20% mark are not going to come and comment that their horses are now sour wrecks!

If we get enough answers I'll to collate a little (with the knowledge that a HHO survey needs a good serving of salt to be taken with it)
 
I will do 1 of my liveries to get you started.
1 not sure exactly but at a guess 12% if it is essential I will get back to you with a more accurate %
2 He is 9 so 5 years as I assume he was backed at 4.
3 Dales

4,5,6 NO
7,8 YES
9 NO
10 YES
11 Cavesson
12,13 NO

14, 15, 16, 17 NO, pretty much perfect in every way!!!
 
Oh, I thought this was going to be about the (non-pseudo) research project that was advertised in HH the other day!

Will make good reading anyway...
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. 17.4% - condition scored 3/5 when measured on a weigh bridge by Baileys - in "fit dressage" condition, i.e. well muscled but slim. Rider weight includes tack etc.

2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work 8 years to date, still in work


3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not highland pony, fairly traditional riding / show type

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression No (touch wood, to date)

5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect) - No, again touching wood, only lameness to date being an abscess issue.

6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset - No

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up - Yes
8: stand to be mounted - Yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions - No
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice - Yes
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? Cavesson for all, if anything
12: nap - No
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about) - can be spooky to hack, but I'm fairly sure I know the reason for this and it's psychological...

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) - No, feedback always very positive

15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking - no, fluctuations only due to level and nature of work

16: Require any form of medication - no

17: Do they show any stable vices? No, he's practically perfect in every way.
 
1: rider/horse weight ration 15%. Based on horses weight estimate/weight tape
2: a. length of horses working career - 11 years. Semi retired at 15

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression. Yes. Around 10 years old - retired from copetition at 12 due to unsoundness
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury No
6: Kissing Spines No

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up Yes
8: stand to be mounted Yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions. Occasional issues with trot/canter transition
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice. Yes
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Cavesson
12: nap No
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about) Can be sharp and spooky. Spins like a demon. Does spectacular vertical leaps when prevented from going as fast as he wants to

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) No. Regular chiro, but usually fine
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking. No

16: Require any form of medication. Occasional tactical bute if ground is hard

17: Do they show any stable vices? No
 
1. 15% and working on it
2. 8 years - still in full work
3. Dam: Welsh D/Arab Sire: Holstein/Selle Francais
4. Suspected spavin - touch of arthritis on outside of hocks diagnosed via X-ray as a 7 year old
5. Patellar tendinitis in both hinds (30% lesions) as a 7 year old, was in regular work (Prelim level flatwork, hacking, lunging in tail bandage and bungee and doing trotting poles and the odd cross pole), 1.5 years off.
6. No
7. Yes
8. Yes
9. Yes - upwards transitions
10. No - extremely fussy but settling down and taking a contact with work
11. Loose flash for all (can squeeze in 2 fingers)
12. Yes out hacking alone and over bridges
13. Just very spooky (drops shoulder and spins) and is terrified of sheep
14. Only on last visit - scapula and atlas dropped to one side
15. Never needed altering in the 6 years I've had it, does wear a prolite front riser in winter as he loses condition to help it sit better
16. No
17. No
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
Currently around 14%. 12/13% when i'm fitter.

2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work.
In previous home, was 'backed' as immature 2 year old. Was passed to me at 3 1/2 and turned away to mature/ mentally relax. Is being re started as an 8 year old. Been in ridden walk work since febuary. Will hopefully start trot soon. Will be a very long process. Inhand showing since april to gain experience/ work mentally.

3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
Looks like a tb x native (maybe connemara). Is a 14.3hh riding horse type.

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
As per early work career, has sacroiliac injuries and hock/ fetlock arthritis.

5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)

Has scarring on the top/ side of his neck, which could case issues with tension in more work. Approx 1 year old. Will have sore muscles over the pelvis due to the sacroiliac injuries.

6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
No. Was scanned/ xrayed at the same time as the sacroiliac was discovered.

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
Yes. Will slightly fidget if sore.

8: stand to be mounted
Now yes. Was previously allowed to walk away when mounted. Will try to, i think if sore.

9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
Upwards, especially if hind legs not underneath.

10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice

Not currently, is starting to come into the bridle for short periods, but is not very strong, so will come later.

11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
Cavesson for everything so far.

12: nap
Genrally no, but if his saddle moves at all will start to. Will stop once adjusted.

13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about
Yes. May 'hump' when first walking away, stand and allow to move forwards at his own pace and will sort himself out as he needs to. Spooky, can be large/ dramatic spooks but tends to recover quickly. More often because his attention wandered and he didnt see it. Hates the wind and rain and god help you if you forgot to put his fly veil on (only for this reason, not flies), will suddenly 180° and carry on away from it. Will talk to you and the world. Will nicker/ squeak/ squeal/ grunt his way round. You have to figure what he's 'saying' quickly and respond or hope you have sticky jods on 😅 i think he likes it when you talk him through everything. So just a few things....

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
Yes, more often his hindquarters than anything else

15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
Yes, can see it being at least every couple of months. He changes very quickly.

16: Require any form of medication
Bute as and when required.

17: Do they show any stable vices?
He does weave, more now for the attention (seen on camera rarely weaving when noone is around). Will weave if he has been scared by something, almost as a coping mecanism.

Sorry for the essay
 
1: Varies between 17-20%.
2: 7 years
3: Friesian

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progress.

No
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)

No

6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset

No
Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
Yes, no bad manners
8: stand to be mounted
Yes, like a rock
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
No.
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
Yes. Loves to stretch over his back long and low also.
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
Caveson
12: nap
No never.
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about
If you become off balance he will stop to make sure you are ok before proceeding.


Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
No, physio always comments on how well he is.
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
No, he was uneven before I got him, previous rider under 10%, is now much more even.

16: Require any form of medication
No

17: Do they show any stable vices?

No
 
I am 12% of my horses weight.He is 7 years old. he is a welsh cob x. Horse s used for hacking only. no medical problems or injuries and no vices. doesn't need physio or frequent saddle flocking/adjusting. No behavioural problems. good to tack up stands still. stands like a rock when being mounted. no noseband used.
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
20-25% over the years
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
24 years still going strong
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
Icelandic
Does he/she have or have had any of the following:
4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
Some signs of start of arthritis in hind fetlocks from about 26 but fortunately doesn't seem to be progressing much.
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
No
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
No
7: stand to be tacked up Yes
8: stand to be mounted Yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions Normally no but can start to race cantering in company.
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice No, likes head up to tolt.
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? None, but don't jump.
12: nap No
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about No

Maintenance wise do they
14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) No
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking No
16: Require any form of medication Prascend
17: Do they show any stable vices? No, but has always lived out.
 
1: rider weight - 14%
2: length of horses working career - approx. 19 years (assumes backed at 5 but I don't know)
3: horse breed/breeding - Section d x TB
4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem - No
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury - No
6: Kissing Spines - No
7: Stand to be tacked up - Yes
8: Stand to be mounted - Yes
9: Have any resistance through either up or down transitions - No
10: Work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice - Yes
11: What noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? - None
12: Nap - Sometimes
13: Have any significant quirks or habits - Wipes her mouth on her foreleg periodically when bitted
14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo - No (doesn't see either)
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking - No (btw no decent saddler will uneven flock a saddle; corrections should be done via shimmed numnahs)
16: Require any form of medication - No
17: Do they show any stable vices? - No
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.

I have no idea really, sorry but my vet has raised no concerns on all my horses I would be on the top end on one and middle on other

2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
19/ semi retired due to ringbone
11/ rehab from an undiagnosed injury, was in full work (leisure)
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
Shirexcob 15.3hh
clyde x 16.2HH

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
Shire x Ringbone: diagnosed 8 now 19 semi retired
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
yes issues related to arthritis/ringbone, time off 3 months returned to work, light hacking over, seen by Chiro vet
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
Nope

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
yes
yes
8: stand to be mounted
yes
need to be taught but yes now
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
no
yes, bogging off issues related to current unknown injury
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
yes,
was in process of developing this slowly
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
cavason/none
hack cavason,school drop
12: nap
no
yes
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about
nope
bogging off when in pain

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
yes to both but I do so through chioce becuse i think its good
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
I think all saddles need checking and that people ignore this and blame the horse for being naughty so yes
16: Require any form of medication
yes/ringbone/ danilon
no

17: Do they show any stable vices?
no
no
nb. I realise any results will be hugely biased as I assume people who are over the 15/20% mark are not going to come and comment that their horses are now sour wrecks!
They could be sour wreaks because I'm fat but how would I know , I think they are happy and well adjusted horses

If we get enough answers I'll to collate a little (with the knowledge that a HHO survey needs a good serving of salt to be taken with it)
 
I will do my last mare as current one only just broken in.

1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this. 12%
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work 12 years - then injured in field and was retired
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not WB x section d x TB

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression no
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect) no
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset no

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up yes
8: stand to be mounted not to begin with as a youngster but eventually trained to stand nicely.
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions no
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice yes
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? plain cavesson
12: nap had problems initially when hacking alone, but trained out of it
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about would sometimes buck when cantering in company

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) never needed
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking no

16: Require any form of medication not until she got cushings

17: Do they show any stable vices? no
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.

No idea on horse weight :eek3: I'd be surprised if we hadn't hit 20% though at times, owned by adults for 13 years, skinny teen prior to that

2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
assuming broken at 4 as owned by a 12yo at 8 20 years in full work including hunting, jumping and dressage, 1 year in hacking work.
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
welsh cob
Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
spavin on one side treated at 22? probably one on the other side now at 24.
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
barefoot rehab at 19, suspect soft tissue but no MRI and due to hoof balance issues, some cob-style annular ligament issues in the opposite hind to spavin but no lameness, only found on scanning.

6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
no

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up yes
8: stand to be mounted yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions no
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice very much yes

11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? nothing, more cleaning
12: nap no
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about) no

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) sometimes,
less as he got older as his schooling got better and he worked straighter
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
no
16: Require any form of medication
not regularly
17: Do they show any stable vices? no

nb. I realise any results will be hugely biased as I assume people who are over the 15/20% mark are not going to come and comment that their horses are now sour wrecks!

If we get enough answers I'll to collate a little (with the knowledge that a HHO survey needs a good serving of salt to be taken with it)
 
[

1: 14%
2: 14yrs - broken at 6yrs old as had congential malocclusion, which meant he had surgery at 4yrs. Gave him plenty time to recover. Very low milegae.
3: 3/4 tb, 1/8 Welsh Cob, 1/8th Irish bog pony

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: No
5: Damaged a tendon at 16yrs after hooning in a stubble field. 3 months off, then 16 weeks walking rehab. Wasn't a serious injury but gave him time because we was older. Never looked back
6: No

Behaviour wise do they

7: Yes
8: Yes
9: Downwards occasionally
10: Yes
11: Micklem, bottom strap so loose you could park a bus!
12: No
13: Loves a good spook, if you don't press the buttons, he won't do it! Take care in that open park, lol

Maintenance wise do they

14: No
15: no

16: Has a joint supplement and GLME - he's 20 and I want to support his joints.

17: No
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
Horses weight is accurate (scales), mine is accurate, kit is a guess (2.5 stone), 15%
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
6 years
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
WBx (old fashioned chunky one)
Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
No
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
No - he broke something in the field though.
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
No (hopefully!)
Behaviour wise do they
7: stand to be tacked up
Yes
8: stand to be mounted
Yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
T/C can be lazy!
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
Yes most of the time!
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
Cavesson, very loose!
12: nap
Occasionally, away from other horses - never used to though and I do know what caused this (and is improving all the time).
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about
Can have an occasional jolly buck at the prospect of fast work and hates horses coming up his rear whilst doing the same.

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
Not normally
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
No
16: Require any form of medication
No

17: Do they show any stable vices?
No
 
rara007 said:
A quick poll, obviously some of these are more directly related to the topic than others but I think all will be interesting!

1: 11% based on a weigh bridge reading of her.
2: 1 year so far - backed last year.
3: Welsh D.

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: No.
5: Yes. Sprained her medial collateral ligament last summer by sticking her foot in a hole walking out to the field in hand. She was 4, just backed and hacking out quietly in walk.
6: Nope.

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up - can be a fidget, impatient to get going. Working on it!
8: stand to be mounted - yes.
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions - nope.
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice - just starting to get that underway.
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? - Loose cavasson for all.
12: nap - no.
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about - only that she's green.

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) - regular visit are had, but she's always fine.
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking - frequent, yes, but she's still growing and muscling up, so that's why.

16: Require any form of medication - nope.

17: Do they show any stable vices? - no, she's very chilled.

nb. I realise any results will be hugely biased as I assume people who are over the 15/20% mark are not going to come and comment that their horses are now sour wrecks!

If we get enough answers I'll to collate a little (with the knowledge that a HHO survey needs a good serving of salt to be taken with it)
Click to expand...

Interesting survey. Will make for fun reading.
 
Last edited:
IF there is anyone reading this who weighs say, 30% of the horse wt and the horse has health issues eg kissing spine, arthritis I wonder if they'll post?
 
I'm just 10% ish of my horse's weight, but she has a tonne of problems!

Length of time under saddle - 2 years, general riding (when sound. more time off than being ridden)
Has hock spavins diagnosed at 6 years old. PSSM at 5 years old.
Generally OK to tack up but a nightmare to mount from the ground. Hates pressure in the stirrup until fully warmed up.
Canter transitions are still work in progress. Improving on the lunge, struggles to engage her bottom and strike off with a rider on board.
Not generally ridden in a noseband, just starting to work into the contact (to be fair I'm more interested in her moving off my leg than worrying about the contact right now)
Nap - yes, horrendous. Runs backwards at speed. Improving slowly.
Medication - ulcergold right now, but this is a flare up.

Sounds awful when I write it down like that, but she's a massive step forward from a year ago....
 
rara007 said:
A quick poll, obviously some of these are more directly related to the topic than others but I think all will be interesting!

1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
102kgs/760kgs 13% rider weight
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
8 years
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
Belgian WbxTb
Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
No
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
No
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
No

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
Yes
8: stand to be mounted
Yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
No
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
Mostly
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
Plain cavesson
12: nap
No
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about
No
Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
Yes
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
No
16: Require any form of medication
No
17: Do they show any stable vices?
No
nb. I realise any results will be hugely biased as I assume people who are over the 15/20% mark are not going to come and comment that their horses are now sour wrecks!

If we get enough answers I'll to collate a little (with the knowledge that a HHO survey needs a good serving of salt to be taken with it)
Click to expand...

Interesting Qs
 
1. In kit with dressage saddle and pad - 10.7%
2. 3.5 years - 8 now, backed at 4 but then didn't do anything until 5, and career has been mainly hacking to date.
3. PRE X hannovarian
4,5&6. No
7&8. Yes
9. No
10. Yes
11. Drop I suppose - micklem bridle
12&13. No (assuming fear of coloured jumps and wheelie bins doesn't count as a quirk)
14. Has physio every 6 months, nothing much ever noted
15,16&17. No
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this.
Around 11% - My tack is quite light but I erred on the side of caution as I don't know exact so it could be more like 10.5%

2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work
I would guess 11 years.... I've had him 2 and he's been in full work with me. The people I bought him off had him 6 months - 1 year and didn't really do much with him so he was only a light hack then. No idea beforehand but he knows how to be ridden so I assume he was broke at 4/5.

3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not
German Warmblood - old school heavier type - not the sporty type.


Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression
No (touch wood)

5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect)
No (touch wood), not that I'm aware of anyway

6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset
No (touch wood), not that I'm aware of anyway


Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up
Yes

8: stand to be mounted
Yes, mostly....

9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions
Sometimes with trot/canter transition

10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice
Not always but it is improving

11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in?
Cavesson for all

12: nap
Slighty, much worse when I first bought him but he has improved a lot.

13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about.
No, perhaps the napping, but he doesn't do anything mad!


Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)
So far, yes but only slightly and this was due to his ill fitting saddle when I first bought him and a saddler fitting a not so great saddle after...

15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking
So far, yes? He's had 3 saddles since being with me. I think his current saddle will need changing too at some point as he has gained more muscle... this is due to coming to me undermuscled though (and badly fitted saddles).

16: Require any form of medication
No

17: Do they show any stable vices?
No
 
1. 15%
2. 15yrs (got horse as 5yo, is now 20) and still in work,
3. Irish TB
4. None
5. Yes. Suspensory injury at 11yo/2008 (thought to be caused by wearing heel risers behind and too much work on a surface) and sesamoidian ligament injury at 18yo/2015 (treated with PRP and also op to cut annular), both on same leg (near hind). Both times the horse was fit and eventing to BE100 (2008) and BE90 (2015). ETA, in 2008 the weight ratio was more like 12%.
6. No
7 & 8. Yes
9. No
10. Yes
11. Cavasson
12. No
13. Not a fan of brightly coloured SJ/XC fences.
14. Routine treatment
15. No
16. No
17. No - he is a gent to handle in and out of stable.
 
Last edited:
1. (I worked this out on another thread but can't find it so to guess again)- going to say rider weight with clothes etc 65kg plus 5kg for saddle? approx 70kg. I used two different methods with a weigh tape and the results were vastly different , so mid ground would be 400 kg.
My maths is bad but I am thinking this is 17.5 % ??
2.I got my pony from a dealer aged 9. I have no history on her so don't know when she started her working life, but she is 24 now and still working. So at l
east 15 years, probably longer.
3.breed- unknown. supposedly a nf x. (the general consensus is probably some tb or arab in there)
4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- has had hock arthritis for last couple of years I started noticing it when she was in her twenties. no treatment needed so far though.
5: soft tissue injury -no
6: Kissing Spines - no

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up- yes
8: stand to be mounted- rarely !
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions- no
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice- I ride in a hackamore and don't really use much contact tbh, so can't comment
11: what noseband do they school at home in? s hackamore for hacking, english hackamore for endurance, kimblewick bit for hunting (normal/caveson noseband)
12: nap- no
13: have any significant quirks or habits- has been known to disappear into the horizon with a couple of people. So I do warn everyone about that! Generally though most people who have ridden her say she is forward going and fun to ride.

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment)- I had a back massage person out to her a while ago (as a follow on from below incident) but they thought the back was fine, but she was tight in the 'pectoral/chest' muscles.

15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking- I had have my saddle flocked/repairs done twice in 15 years, the second time all the flocking had gone in it (not sure if first job was bad or saddle just so old- second hand when I got it) this rubbed her back and as soon as I noticed the rub I had the saddle completely redone. This was a year or two ago. In hindsight I suppose she had changed shape as aged (this was in winter and she had also lost a lot of weight). Absolutely horrified with myself I did not notice it sooner. She had time off and then I rode bareback for ages. The back rub is now healed but white fur :( I use a sheepskin and a prolite pad, I had the saddle flocking checked again recently because I am now paranoid about it. but it was OK.

16: Require any form of medication- no

17: Do they show any stable vices? she will chew the walls/wood if shut in stable. One of many reasons I leave her out.
 
OMG! I just did the calculation and it came in way over 30%..... had a panic attack until I realised I hadn't converted my weight from lb to kg..... doh.

So.... take 2...
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. Is this based on horses weight on a scales, weight tape or estimate. If the horse was never truly broken in/had a career other than as a ridden horse state this. - 18%
2: a. length of horses working career to date if still in full work or b. age of retirement from full work and c. age of retirement to no/very light work - 20 yrs, (horse is 25 and hacking fit) last 10 yrs really only medium hacking due to soundness incidence when horse was 15 (and weight percentage was much lower)
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not - PBA - Arab x Welsh(unreg Sec C)

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression - NO
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect) - swelling in tendon sheaths in hind legs at 15 yrs while in medium work.
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset - NO

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up - yes
8: stand to be mounted - yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions - no while hacking (n/k for school work)
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice - we only hack and maintain a very light contact
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? - none
12: nap - no
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about - no

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) - no
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking - no

16: Require any form of medication - no

17: Do they show any stable vices? - lives out (box-walked when stabled up to 15 yrs old)
 
1: rider weight (in riding kit ideally) to horse weight (in ideal BCS) percentage. - 11%, weight tape.
2: a. length of horses working career to date - 5 yrs, in full work
3: horse breed/breeding if known, type if not - Irish sport

Does he/she have or have had any of the following:

4: DJD/Spavin/other degenerative bone related problem- if so age of onset and speed of progression - No
5: Any incidences of serious soft tissue injury (any tendon or ligament requiring over a week off)- if so age of onset, was the horse working at the time, if not working at the exact time of injury was the horse in no/light/medium/hard work at the time (thinking along the cumulative effect) - No
6: Kissing Spines (diagnosed via blocks and then rehabbed or had surgery)- if so age of onset - No

Behaviour wise do they

7: stand to be tacked up - yes
8: stand to be mounted - yes
9: have any resistance through either up or down transitions - no
10: work correctly to a stable elastic contact through choice - yes
11: what noseband do they school at home in? Hack in? Jump in? - cavasson
12: nap - no
13: have any significant quirks or habits (anything you've have to warn a 'guest' rider about) - no

Maintenance wise do they

14: Require 'tweaking' from physio/osteo when they come for maintenance visits (if you have regular 'back' treatment) - no
15: Require frequent saddle flocking changes or deliberately uneven flocking - no
16: Require any form of medication - no
17: Do they show any stable vices? - no
 
Downton Dame said:
IF there is anyone reading this who weighs say, 30% of the horse wt and the horse has health issues eg kissing spine, arthritis I wonder if they'll post?
Click to expand...

well although rara doesn't really do PMs I am happy to take them from anyone who wishes to remain anonymous but would like to add to the stats.
 
I've got too many horses to list but as a little aside, the horse I am heaviest compared to the size of it, have ridden for the longest out of all of them is the one who has never taken a lame step, seen a farrier or a vet (well she has but not because she needed to) in the time I've owned her (5 years).

The one I am lightest on compared to the size of him has been (not seriously) lame twice, seen the vet once, farrier every 5 weeks in the time I've owned him (5 months).

I've got every size in between them as well and in my own small study I conclude it's a crap shoot. You win some you lose some with horses!

I do think the surface ridden on, the way it's kept and the fitness of the horse has a massive part to play in long term soundness.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top