Something not right or paranoid?

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Dizzle

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I have a long history of being very paranoid when it comes to my horses health.

I've had him three years and he's never been keen on jumping, he ducks out no matter how much practice goes into it. Last time we jumped the following day he didn't want to be caught (practically unheard of). He's an ex-racer and he never looked comfortable jumping then either.

I also find it hard to get him tracking up when schooling. But then again I find schooling boring so don't make that much effort!

This weekend when the farrier came I noticed although he was very good picking up his front hooves, he wasn't so keen with his hinds.

Also when in the field I notice he usually rests one hind leg, I've got it into my head that it's the near side hind.

So... what do I do?! If I get a vet out and they look at him and find nothing, will that screw up my insurance? What about getting a physio? Chiro? I hope I'm being paranoid but in a way it would answer a lot of questions re: jumping.

He's only 8 and fit and healthy, is 8 too you for things like this? Could it just be because he's an unschooled ex-racehorse?

Should I do a bute test or would that be unlikely to work (was thinking re: jumping) as it's such an ingrained habit?. Even last summer when we had a jumping lesson every week he still wasn't easy.

Answers on a postcard please forum!
 
He may have a stiff back or saddle issues?. My ex-racer (you know Belle) is very sensitive to saddle issues and last weekend I had a lesson in her new saddle and she was almost a different horse as she was so calm and responsive (her usual dressage saddle I have been told fits well but on this occasion I didn't use it). The resting the hind leg would only worry me if it is a new thing.

I don't think you are paranoid.
 
Have you had lessons? What does your instructor think? Might be worth putting a video up here to see if it looks like there's anything the rider could be doing. I would have to say a vet visit would be a good idea, it will only affect your insurance if they find him to be lame-whats to lose?
 
I think he's trying to tell you something!

I would get a chiropractor out to check his back - racehorses do sometimes have falls and if he's reluctant to pick up his back feet and to jump I could almost put money on it being related to pain. Horses can be amazingly tolerant to pain, but when it gets too bad, they let you know one way or another.
 
Hi, I don't think you are being paranoid. Especially when you mention the issue with the farrier.

It may be as simple as him not having the strength in his back to support himself. If his back is weak he may compensate by using other muscles.

How fit is he? has saddle been checked lately?

Could be a number of things, it is good that you are looking at it now as the sooner you help him the more chance if him coming right.

If this were me then I would get the vet first, then a physio or chiro and check the saddle. How much do you trust your saddler and farrier?

IMO he should not be doing any jumping, if he isn't tracking up and has hind limb issues then I would check this all out first. Looking further ahead...you mention you do not like schooling...you can do exercises with him whilst hacking or if you get back to jumping then do some strengthening exercises after you have warmed up before you go jumping.

Hope this is helpful...I would get a vet to look at him
 
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