Unbalanced young horse or pain

[I don’t like mondays]

When asked to trot my young horse has started hopping up (like a jump/tiny rear into the transition). She also tries to fall out of trot or if pushed forwards enough then she’s fine and finds a rhythm (after the hopping transition first). Trying to decide if this is young horse stuff which will improve or whether this is something sinister (like SI/hock issues). Not sure whether to get a work up (cut to the chase and see what the vet thinks) or go back to basics with long lining, in hand etc to strengthen her first. Does hopping up into trot always mean pain? Anyone had an unbalanced youngster do this?

She was going well in the school then had a couple of weeks off and now she’s struggling to trot, doing this funny hop. Thanks in advance

 

[TheMule]

How old and how much work is she in? Does she do it on the lunge too?

 

[Abacus]

It sounds like quite a typical youngster response to me. One that says: oh, I’m being asked to transition and I want to do it but not quite balanced or strong yet. Have you tried asking for trot on a hill out hacking, where she has to engage hocks. Or work more long and low and try to gently discourage the hop. Also lots of poles / raised poles to build some strength. Maybe work on the trot even after that tricky transition until she’s strong enough to move up to trot in balance. But if she works nicely after the transition I wouldn’t think she’s unsound.

 

[Melody Grey]

I have an older horse that is under vet referral that does this- I refer to it as ‘disuniting in trot’, but sounds as you describe. I thought for a long time it was a strength and schooling issue (which it may still be!) as he’s relatively green in the school and a bit of a clumsy cob. Fine trotting out on hacks though- have you noticed whether it’s only on a surface/ bend that this happens? I can ride mine through it which adds to the complexity in trying to diagnose whether it’s strength/ pain/ remembered pain/ who knows what else!

 

[I don’t like mondays]

How old and how much work is she in? Does she do it on the lunge too?

7 but started late (so more like 4/5). Was hacking, schooling and started jumping- little jumps (which she loved). Had time off when it was too hot a started this hopping. Haven’t done much lunging but I noticed her hop into trot in the field the other day

 

[TheMule]

7 but started late (so more like 4/5). Was hacking, schooling and started jumping- little jumps (which she loved). Had time off when it was too hot a started this hopping. Haven’t done much lunging but I noticed her hop into trot in the field the other day

Ok- I think I’d want a vet to take a look. My experience of this has been hocks (and typically at this age), but I also would agree maybe SI or suspensories

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I have an older horse that is under vet referral that does this- I refer to it as ‘disuniting in trot’, but sounds as you describe. I thought for a long time it was a strength and schooling issue (which it may still be!) as he’s relatively green in the school and a bit of a clumsy cob. Fine trotting out on hacks though- have you noticed whether it’s only on a surface/ bend that this happens? I can ride mine through it which adds to the complexity in trying to diagnose whether it’s strength/ pain/ remembered pain/ who knows what else!

She tends to be ok on a hack which is odd. She does it in deep surfaces, grass school and shallow school surfaces

 

[shortstuff99]

If it is a new thing then I would get it checked out. My old cob mare used to kind of hop into trot but she did it her whole life and never had soundness issues.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Ok- I think I’d want a vet to take a look. My experience of this has been hocks (and typically at this age), but I also would agree maybe SI or suspensories

Thank you. Yes this is my worry

 

[Melody Grey]

7 but started late (so more like 4/5). Was hacking, schooling and started jumping- little jumps (which she loved). Had time off when it was too hot a started this hopping. Haven’t done much lunging but I noticed her hop into trot in the field the other day

Mine was also started late (at around 10), so I know the feeling of wondering whether it’s being inexperienced/ weak.

Mine was diagnosed with KS and medicated, though I suspect SI may also be a factor and might be the next thing I address with the vet.

 

[Melody Grey]

@I don’t like mondays …trying to PM you but don’t seem to be able to?

 

[I don’t like mondays]

@I don’t like mondays …trying to PM you but don’t seem to be able to?

I’ll see if it’s something to do with my settings