Resting hind legs

[Hormonal Filly]

Is it a result of pain? or just relaxing?

My welshy has always rested his hind legs a lot, he doesn't favour a leg and he done it before he was even backed. Hes sound, trots up nicely and shows no problems. He had the physio yesterday who said hes in excellent shape, condition, good muscle tone and only found a slight sore area on his bum.. but noted he rests his hind legs a lot and it could be due to hock spavin. He was resting a hind as she worked on him, she'd make him stand square and he rested another.. but he always does this and does it in the field too if stood still obviously not when grazing etc.

 

[Goldenstar]

It can be an early indicator of hock problems and back issues in fact lots of things .
However in order to keep your sanity if you horse is sound and well and the physio is checking him so she can pick up changes I would not worry too much .
Hunters often rest hind legs a lot during the season they are working hard and doing big mileages and they get tired .

 

[Red-1]

I think chilled out horses rest a leg most of the time.

I certainly would not worry as long is it is both legs, the horse is working sound, and can back up etc.

I asked a vet once about one that rested a leg so far his fetlock tops rested on the floor. The vet was not worried, and the horse was a working horse, who worked until he was 18, working 4 hrs a day most days.

 

[blitznbobs]

I dont think ive ever had a horse that didnt rest a back leg when chilling... I've had horses in hard work til 25 who have done this all their lives... I never even considered it could be an issue.

 

[Neversaydie]

I have never noticed it to be indicative of issues. Interesting thought though.

 

[Sussexbythesea]

The first horse I bought as an adult rested his hind legs a lot so much so that I mentioned it to the vet at the vetting ( I’d had him on trial) which he passed, it was a 5-stage. He was 6 months later diagnosed with wobblers and by that time other symptoms had manifested. I’m convinced it was an existing issue.

 

[dixie]

Same here. My horse constantly rests his legs and can’t stand up square for the life of him and he’s been diagnosed with wobblers ( some time ago now).
However his resting is very exaggerated and quite often the leg is pushed outwards.
But horses do rest for various reasons and if he’s otherwise fine I don’t think you should worry much.

 

[SnowandSunshine]

My old girl always used to stand square so I knew when she started alternately resting her back legs that her arthritis was getting to her.

 

[Mule]

Mine does it a fair bit but it's when he has his eyes closed and he's dozing.

 

[Corbie]

If it's unusual for YOUR horse could be pain, and if switching very frequently between legs. Hope he's okay .

 

[Summit]

I have never noticed it to be indicative of issues.

Nor me, always considered it as normal resting/chilling behaviour