pulled ligament on back

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cdh1

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Hi,

Just wanted to see if anyone has had a horse who has pulled a ligament on its back before. I would like to know if your horse returned to the competitive level it was at before the injury, and any problems you may have had. I have a horse who pulled a ligament on his back, and has had 6 months off turned out in the field , am currently bringing it back into work, currently doing walk work out hacking in straight lines, initially i long reined first. He is very keen, and is starting to jog , im worried he may injury himself again if he messes around. As he has previously pulled a ligament will he always be at risk from re pulling it? any advice greatly appreciated.
 
Your key to success will be getting his topline built up as strong as possible and keeping it really well muscled, regular physio as prevention rather than cure and a good saddler to keep the saddle balanced.

I would try and stop the jogging it will cause him to work himself in completely the wrong way, upside down rather than the desired long and low, if he is difficult I would use draw reins or something similar to enable you to keep on top of him, a means to an end, if used properly they will only be a safety measure and will be less harmful than him damaging himself again.
 
I agree always get them to work from behind.

You could use a massage pad before you work the horse, this warms up the muscles , less likely to be damaged.

Once that your horse is warmed up I would do large circles making sure the back is bent into direction. Change direction frequantly and do some serpentine movements.

Find a good physio and get them to teach you some stretching exersices.
 
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mine has desmitis of the ligament between the processes she has had 8 weeks off and is re scaned in 3 weeks to see how healing she is to remain doing something horse walker/ light lunging and long rein to keep the mucsle as that is the key to the rehabilitaion. i would be looking at lots of long reining with the help of a chambon or running reins to ensure the right mucles are working but with out forcing as this will create tension. I would also get lots of physio is you horse insursed as they will pay for lots of this.
I would think it is much like any ligament damage there will be a weak link there but with good rehab and careful working after the risk of re injury is less
 
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