Tripping

[beryls2001]

We are leasing a pony for my daughter at the moment. We call him Wonder Pony because he is just so perfect in every way. But lately, he has started tripping. His toes aren't long, he does it at all stages of the shoeing cycle, so don't think rolling toes will help much. I'm worried that its navicular, but suspect it is probably just ageing joints and decreasing flexibility. He is on a joint supplement and gets Legend injections every six months.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Any ideas on what is causing it?

I will be getting the vet out, but I am hoping someone might have a flash of brilliance and an idea of what I can try first.

 

[BethH]

Quick gut instinct reply would be - which feet are tripping? - front or back & look at foot balance or hocks. Video him moving and see whether he is heel first or toe first landing. If it's toe first look at the foot balance/are heels properly underneath heel bulbs or have they run forwards? Also consider stress on the hock joints. Might be completely wrong, but I would start at the foot and work upwards.

 

[beryls2001]

Quick gut instinct reply would be - which feet are tripping? - front or back & look at foot balance or hocks. Video him moving and see whether he is heel first or toe first landing. If it's toe first look at the foot balance/are heels properly underneath heel bulbs or have they run forwards? Also consider stress on the hock joints. Might be completely wrong, but I would start at the foot and work upwards.

Thanks, Beth. Its the front feet, but not sure which lands first. Will video.

 

[NZJenny]

Also check your saddle fit. I had a mare who tripped (front feet) and it was the saddle being a bit tight around her shoulders, she wasn't wanting to move out properly and consequently tripped over her feet more than you'd expect. Better fitting saddle and the problem went away.

 

[BethH]

If you are able to post the video & shots of the sole there are some good people on this forum who might spot something. Also look at whether the leg twists in it's action or whether it's straight. Often if they can't use the hind end correctly it means the front legs can't stride out and they sort of shuffle/stumble. Slow the video right down so you can have a good look.

 

[Goldenstar]

Lots of things can cause tripping .
It's was one of the symptoms of my horses kissing spines .
Navicular syndrome also comes up as tripping sometimes
Various and numerous soft tissue issues as well .

 

[wyrdsister]

To add to the ideas above,get his heart checked too. One of my ponies, in his later years, developed a heart murmur. The vet noted tripping could be a symptom and for him it was.

 

[Zuzzie]

There are lots of reasons for tripping but whatever the reason, one of the best things you can do is buy a pair of Shires combined knee and brushing boots. They cost about £25 normally but this is peanuts compared to how much you will pay for a vet call out to a horse with broken knees. Been there and got the T shirt so to speak. My horse never goes out without them now.