Stiffness after injury?

[LouiseG]

My horse was on 2 weeks box rest following a suspected soft tissue injury to his upper hind leg, he then had a week and a bit of turnout in a small paddock for 4 hours a day and I have now started bringing him back into work (he is out for 8 hours per day at the moment). I rode him monday night and he was so stiff and lethargic. I thought after a month of no work he would be a bit perkier! I got the vet back out as I was concerned. He looks completely sound when trotted up and on the lunge he doesn't look lame but looks incredibly stiff, more stiff than expected given his age (5) so I'm feeling a bit worried about this, although given that he hasn't done much for a month it's not surprising that he is stiff.

I walked him in hand last night and tonight i rode him and walked on a soft surface for 15 minutes in straight lines and will build it up really gradually. he just in general looks and feels uncomfortable.

Can anyone offer any reassurance that this is normal? And can anyone recommend a plan to bring him back into work? Originally the vet thought within a few weeks he should have improved massively but after she saw him this week she thought we should take it even slower.

Thanks very much!

 

[be positive]

You dont really seem to know the exact nature of the injury although it seems to have resolved with rest, I would get a physio out to have a look, he may still be sore and need a treatment to help get him back on track.

 

[LouiseG]

Until the physio appointment is there anything I can do meantime? The vet said just walking, straight lines etc and getting him long and low.

 

[be positive]

The stiffness is rather worrying as he is only 5 so plenty of long low stretching as you are doing, some light massage and carrot stretches daily may help until the physio comes, just dont ask too much of him if he feels uncomfortable.
I have seen very stiff horses transformed by a good physio, in just one treatment if the issue is not too far along, the stretches can also make a real difference in the meantime.