What would this say to you?

[L&M]

I have a 15 yr old cob that has been turned away since last Autumn that has had various health issues.

One of things he had started to do was trip in his ridden work, predominately in walk and both ridden and obvious even when turned out.

However since he had his shoes off 5 mnths ago, this has greatly improved and I have not seen him do it at all recently…

Any ideas why could this be?

 

[NellRosk]

Maybe foot balance issues? Since his shoes have come off have his feet changed shape dramatically?

 

[SpringArising]

Are his toes a bit long?

 

[seejay]

Shoe removal is now a well documented way of stopping navicular disease. The earliest symptom of navicular disease is tripping.

 

[L&M]

thanks seejay and was my musings too….

 

[Magnetic Sparrow]

Turning away and taking the shoes off can also reduce the symptoms of fetlock arthritis in my experience. It's difficult to pinpoint the reason based on the available evidence.

 

[L&M]

He is about to restart vet investigations. We have had major bucking problems (the tripping was seen as a side issue) and my vet initially concentrated on his back and digestion, but I have had a gut feeling it is related to foot pain all along.

Just seemed very interesting that the tripping has stopped with rest and the shoes off…hopefully it is a good sign but will see what the next lot of work up's show.