Why might my pony be on a go slow?

[Hepsibah]

Ruby, my Highland pony clearly found the heat a bit difficult this year. She was on a bit of a go slow on her track, walking sensibly over to get her hay instead of trotting or cantering (with added bucks) as she usually does.
Wrong. It isn't hot any more but she's still only strolling around even if there's a bucket of food to be had. If I catch her up and ask her to pick up the pace she really doesn't want to. I've done a bute trial which made no difference in her willingness to move at more than a gentle walk. The vet will be coming out next week to assess her but in the meantime, does anyone have experience of a horse just becoming a total plodder? There are no signs of laminitis and no area of obvious soreness anywhere on her body. Her feet have been trimmed every 6-8 weeks and she appears to be her usual self. I'm lost.

 

[Cowpony]

You could try her on some Vitamin E. Clearly vet is best, but if you want to try something while you are waiting you won't do any harm with this, and most horses should be on it over winter anyway.

 

[Gloi]

Have you tested for Cushing's

 

[Hepsibah]

I have my free test voucher at the ready Gloi.

 

[Lots of Gift Bags]

What's her fitness like? Nelson always goes on a go-slow when I've given him some time off.

 

[Snow Falcon]

Another thing to consider is the time of year. My old boy used to go a bit flat when growing his winter coat. I had bloods run etc Kasolian blood salts helped.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Lethargy is a symptom of Cushings

 

[The Xmas Furry]

How old and currently what body condition score would you assess pony is?

 

[Abacus]

I had one that had a very quiet few weeks at this time of year, I always put it down to coat changing. I think my current chap is the same, he’s very steady at the moment. But that wouldn’t explain her being like it in summer.

 

[Hepsibah]

How old and currently what body condition score would you assess pony is?

She's 15 and in nice, slim condition. 13.3-14hh Highland under 400kg. Vet said she's the slimmest Highland she's ever seen.

 

[Hepsibah]

What's her fitness like? Nelson always goes on a go-slow when I've given him some time off.

She hasn't been ridden at all since spring but she lives out on a track so has to move around a lot to be able to eat.

 

[SadKen]

My heavy traditional hairy has been a bit sluggish under saddle for the last week. I thought it might be change of coat and coming in. But she rolled the other day and was utterly filthy, so I rinsed her and scraped then rode. Different horse. She is too hot. Getting clipped next week. Just another thing to consider.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

She's 15 and in nice, slim condition. 13.3-14hh Highland under 400kg. Vet said she's the slimmest Highland she's ever seen.

That sounds v positive, congrats for not having a blobber! ?
I'd suggest getting bloods done if vet can rule out anything else, hope you get to the bottom of it x