Reasons for walking on three tracks

Rider is possibly twisted or crooked
Horse might have back issues, or hock problems that are more evident with weight on the back
Depending on training level of the horse rider may inadvertantly be giving aids for this
 
Hi thank you.
It happens with another rider too. Also he walks straight when saddled up so it's a problem of some sort caused by weight. It's been happening for about a month now, maybe a bit more. He saw a physio not long before that who said she found tightness in that hip and that he had a weakness in his stifle/patella area and gave me exercises to do which I have been doing. I wondered if he's suddenly started using muscles he hasn't used for a long time and stiffened up? The only other thing I've noticed is a slight outside bend on the right rein on the lunge and he doesn't lift his back as much as on the left rein. The physio is coming out again on the 17th and I'm going to get his saddle checked.

Forgot to add that he's 10 and working probably novice level. We jump probably once a year and haven't for about 4 months.
 
My horse did this when he had a hock/stifle injury, I first noticed the saddle was slipping, and that he was relutant to canter on one rein, which got worse, and he went disunited at every corner. He never looked lame, but when viewed from in front/behind, he was walking on three tracks. Keyhole surgery found frayed tendons or ligaments (I can't remember which, it was a while ago!) in his joint. He had 6 moths off work, then brought back slowly and he was fine.
 
I have a 5yo that was very similar to this, straight until the rider was on. She was particularly bad on the left rein and it turned out she had a slight issue with her pelvis and was carrying herself crooked when a rider was on, as it made it easier for her to bring the hind leg through. A couple of sessions with a McTimoney physio and a lot of stretches and strengthening exercises have sorted it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top