Update on horse skipping in canter...

J

JacksonBrown

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I cant seem to find my old thread, so will post an update here.

Zac had the vet out, and TBH I think she thought I was nuts. But i could see the issue. She flexed him and he showed not worsening of stride, but was a prat to lunge (one of the indications to me all was not well). So he had both hocks injected and 3 days bute.

He came "right" by day three.

Vet thinks its gras and/or Hocks. He has been off the grass as well.

Grass us a real issue over here in NZ. Clover and rye, and it can send a horse bonkers. Not just "the joys of spring" bonkers, but head shaking, gait issues, bucking, muscle tightness etc.

Its scary to think how little is known about the issue outside of NZ.

He has been on suppliments (calm healthy horses), salt etc, and I think we atre top of it. So fingers crossed!!!
 
Some horses can be severely effected by the sugar in grass.
Not just sending them loopy but too much sugar in the diet can cause all sorts of issues, including feet issues so lamenees.
 
smellsofhorse said:
Some horses can be severely effected by the sugar in grass.
Not just sending them loopy but too much sugar in the diet can cause all sorts of issues, including feet issues so lamenees.
Click to expand...

Absolutely, although with Rye, the issue is a Myotoxin which can affect the horses central nervous system. This can be confused with grass issues, especially in spring (although will not trigger laminitis or other metabolic issues on its own).

And the other - Clover, will do a similar thing,however this is caused by severe mineral imbalances, and can cause mud fever, hair loss, behavioural issues, nose rubbing, head shaking, pulling back etc.

A similar condition is seen in cattle called "Staggers".

Mytoxin issues can be helped with a toxin binder. Brewers yeast is a good option of you cant find a trusted equine version.

However Clover issues, can not be helped unless the horse is removed from grass. This is very difficult for most horse owners, as this means Clover free hay also. Its in the "too hard" basket for many people simply due to the lengths people need to go to. I am lucky I own my own land, and am about to spray off the clover in my paddocks, and then will have a grass-less track built. I will hay my own paddocks to ensure clover/rye free hay, but its an expensive practice long term.

But my horses are so chilled, and so easy now, I could never go back to having that horse that pulled back, head butted me then freaked out, Spooked at ridiculous things and ran me over, and fence walked.
 
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