whats wrong with my boy?

[gingerthing]

Lately, my boy has not felt 100% under saddle. When being lunged using a bungie reign he goes foot perfect in walk, trot and canter, showing some lovely paces, tracking up well and using his rear end. He ocasionally disunites in canter on the left reign but is quick to correct it.

However when i get on...his walk remains really good, he will stretch down and continue to walk out well. But once i ask for anything more than walk he is extremely reluctant. He will jog and the head will come up and he hollows his back, becoming tense. Today i had a few strides of trot where he was relaxed then all of a sudden up goes the head and he loses his trot. He does this on both reigns.

Could almost describe is as the handbrake being left on in a car, as his walk is really positive and foreward, but just falls apart in trot. Its like he wants to go foreward but he cant.

Hes got the physio paying him a visit tomorrow, but just wondered if any of you might like to hazard a guess of what the possibilities could be?

Teeth are fine, and both saddles only just been checked and fit fine

 

[Llwyncwn]

You have taken the first steps by getting saddles checked and booking physio.

Firstly have you checked him for windgalls?
Secondly, when the head comes up and he hollows, what are you doing with your legs and hands? Does this happen both hacking and schooling?

 

[Bevhod]

definitely sounds uncomfortable. If your physio is good she may find some tight spots that need massaging.

 

[gingerthing]

Hi thanks for replies.

He has no windgalls anywhere and cant physically see where anything is digging in or causing him discomfort. So far i have only noticed it in the school as he has not hacked out for a good two weeks.

When he hollows, i tend to give him the reigns and not make him feel as if i am restricting him/holding his head in and i apply abit of leg. With my position i ride him as lightly as i can but it hasnt helped.

Physio coming in an hour so fingers crossed she can shed some light

 

[wyldstallionguy]

Hi, Sounds like a muscular problem but strange that he seems 'as normal' on the lunge.

Hopefully your physio will be able to pin point the problem.

If not, how long have you had him, his normal work routine, your experience as a rider etc?

Good luck.