Windgalls

[Challaborough Christmas Tree]

My freinds 18 year old pony has recently had wingalls appeared an there is no heat/lameness etc however when she is very stiff and off in the hindquarters. Any suggestions as to what she can/ can't do as to ridng and exercise? xx

 

[Challaborough Christmas Tree]

Sorry I'm riding and trying to type at the same time it was supposed to say 'my friend's 18 year old pony has recently developed windgalls and there is no heat/lameness etc., however, when she's ridden she appears very stiff in the hindquarters. Any suggestions at to what she can/can't do in the way of riding or exercise?xx

 

[lrequine]

Windgalls are signs of work I believe, not necessarily lameness. So it could be possible that there is something else in the hind legs that is stiffening her, so maybe find out all the possibilities via veterinary advice first. When one of mine had suspensory ligament damage the vets told us to not stable him up all the time, get him doing basic walking exercises after a couple of weeks etc. Sorry, I know that's only really sharing experience but hope it helps

 

[StarlightMagic]

My old mare developed some around 22, now 26 and they've caused no problems, never gone away though

 

[Challaborough Christmas Tree]

Just taken her back up to the yard to find them on all 4 feet and also her heel bulb on her left hind has turned blue? We have no idea what could have caused it xx

 

[Littlelegs]

Quite often ligament damage, especially annulars can be mistaken for wingalls, but strange for them to appear on all 4. Best guess is she's done something to her hinds & being old the fronts are straining to compensate. But that's a wild stab in the dark. Or a back problem causing stiffness, & being older her legs have filled through lack of use. Blue heel bulb is odd though, that implies lack of circulation. Personally, I'd get a vet to look at her.