rehab advice

[EVR13]

hi, i have a 11 year old ex-steeplechase horse, who finished racing due to a fall he has has 2 years rest and last year hacked out. we are trying to get him schooling but he is having problems engaging his quarters, and is not using himself as much as his conformation would suggest.the vets have found nothing clinically wrong. does anyone know of any rehab techniques that they think might help?

 

[Izzwizz]

Have you tried a Physio to take a look to rule out any problems? Otherwise a Pessoa may help with this. I use one on my horse and it has helped him no end, especially with no rider on board. If you have a good Instructor to help you it may help things along. Its a big change going from hacking out and straight lines to bending and doing circles.

 

[AndySpooner]

Make sure he is fit and has developed muscle. What you are asking requires athletesim and he needs to be fit and warmed up or you may have ligament issues.

 

[gunnergundog]

Do you know or can you find out what specific injuries/traumas resulted from the fall?

 

[AmyMay]

A lot of the schooling you want to do can be done out whilst hacking. Remember, he's very much used to straight lines, so will find school work hard generally. But by starting some general lateral work whilst out hacking, you should start to help him become more flexible and supple.