Question on bone spavin, & limitations for future

[piggyinablanket]

OK, so I may be jumping the gun a wee bit but..
I have had a 14.1 NF aged 16 for 8 months.
He is a lovely boy if a little stubborn and backward thinking lol. In the Autumn he was schooled a little, and jumped, but he was a trekking pony before and doesnt school as such. We have no riding surface at home so have hacked all winter without fast work.
So..
Last few months, since Xmas I have been slowly fittening him & now he is being worked about an hour, 6 days a week. Introduced more short, fast work and began schooling.
I jumped him last Sunday, only 2' max and hacked a short way but with lots of trotting on Monday. I had to have 2 days off then Schooled Thurs.
On Thurs he was lame behind. My Sis happened to be there and was filming, and it looked so stiff! I was shocked TBH, as he is not very forward or straight, it has been hard to notice any problem. He has no lameness on the front at all.
Watching the vid, and using knowledgable Sis and research, it looks very much like osteoarthritis of the hock.
Now, Of course I will get the vet, dont shoot me lol, he has NO swellings, heat, sores, will turn tight and bring both back legs under well, will back up, lift feet etc.
Warning signs perhaps...he likes to stretch a back leg when you pick his feet sometimes, noticed this more when out of work, slightly increased muscle development on one hip, a tendancy to lean toward the fence on one rein... these all being v slight.

SO. I am giving him a week rest, he has just been turned out for summer. will look at him Wds-Thurs and of no improvement will get a vet diagnosis. I am praying its just a sprain or something

Anyway, to cut short. I have this boy forever, and am GUTTED that he may be compromised work wise. I cant afford to keep 2, and I was hoping for several years RC type work, hacking etc. What limitations do your horses have of they have this..apart from the obvious things like not trotting on hard ground/tight circling etc. I love jumping even if they are only tiny, and so does he. Im sad

 

[happy_talk]

firstly- one day of lameness and video analysis is certainly not conclusive for bone spavin. It can only be diagnosed with x-rays & nerve blocks.
My horse has bone spavin (currently being treated for it) which showed up as back end stiffness and then more a lameness. but after days/ a week off she was much better, but after 1 day riding was lame again. If he is better after time off, that's good, but see if it gets worse after exercise. mine also improved throughout a schooling session as stiffness wore off.
If you are concerned, obviously get your vet and a diagnosis. The prognosis for mine is very good- just need to fuse the lower 2 hock joints and she should be as good as new, with no limitation on use/capabilities. She was working elementary/medium dressage at home and jumping 3' plus. however with new shiny hocks she should improve as obviously no pain & stiffness hampering the work.
don't panic!

 

[piggyinablanket]

Thank you! I know Im being too quick to think all doom and gloom, like I say, if he is still the same this week I will get a full MOT done bless him. I suppose its just thinking the worst and worrying we wont be able to have fun in the future, he would be so bored with plods round the block (as our hacking is naff round here!) Mind you I would always do the best for him, I would keep him even if he is a lawnmower for 10+ years!

I did read into the joint fusion, very interesting. Good to know, thanks

 

[EAST KENT]

Keeping them moving is the answer,it aids the bone fusion and stops them stiffening up.Try not to stable,rather out ,rugged up in winter of course. You have to "ride them through it" with roadwork ,and work up to stronger work like cantering/jumping as they get freer.Many horses go on to continue competing or hunting.