Slight lameness in right fore on right rein in school? (also in NL)

ribena73

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I've had my 6yr old TBx for about 6 weeks and have been schooling him regularly as his flatwork is awful and his head was like a giraffe. We've managed to bring his head down and get him working more from behind and more rounded, but since doing so we've noticed that he is very slightly lame on the right foreleg when on the right rein in the school, but sound on the left rein, I assume its cos there is slightly more weight/pressure on the inside legs when going round on that rein. He's the same on the lunge, more noticeable in fact but then I lunge him in a Kavalkade HO aid to get him working long and from behind. Out hacking he is fine and completely sound.

He is pretty unbalanced and quite weak and so I'm wondering if he's just tweaked something while he's been working or if its due to his lack of balance and weakness and will improve with more work? Or could it be another underlying problem that I've not thought of? Any advice/ thoughts greatly appreciated.
 
His feet are fine (but small) but it is a new farrier for him and he put him in sideclips on the front to stop his hooves spreading so much. He's being shod again after Easter, I guess it would be worth mentioning this to my farrier?
 
Well, you first think of feet, especially with an intermittent or subtle lameness. Another possibility is back or shoulder, which is now visible because you are getting him to stretch over his back more.

If I were you, I'd speak to my vet about trying him for a week on Bute to see if it gets better. If it does, then you will know for sure that it is pain related, and the vet can then start investigations.
 
Agree with Halfstep in that it's likely to be the feet especially with TBs. I'd talk to your farrier - get him to check she doesn't have bruised soles (common occurence with TBs), if he's happy then I'd get the vet out. I'd definitely investigate fully as TBs are known for having rubbish foot confirmation which can result in problems.
 
Thanks for your replies, they have given me a bit more hope that it is not a serious problem. It is so intermittent and only when he's not working correctly that I think it is a balance thing, possibly a bit of bridle lameness. Have emailed for that workbook, will be some bedtime reading there for me I think!
 
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