Worried about my youngster

[OldieButGoodie]

Apologies for long story!

I bought a 14.2hh 4yo connemara gelding mid May this year (turned 4 beginning of May). He came from a dealer's yard and I couldn't fault him - he went round the school lovely despite having me on board! He passed the vetting and I bought him. I dug into his history found he was backed in Ireland in March by a dealer there and talking to the breeder found out the pony had been pretty much unhandled until the previous winter. He arrives at my place and fitted into the routine perfectly. He had his teeth and front shoes done in the first few weeks (as well as vaccinations) without any issues. Took me a few weeks to get a saddle for him - but as soon as I got the saddle I popped on him and he was fab. Lovely forward going pony, sensitive to the aids (only the lightest touches needed) and reasonably schooled to boot. Also had a great first lesson on him and the instructor was well impressed (by pony's lovely nature and way of going).

Then he pulled a shoe off - left fore. I had the farrier remove the other shoe and left him barefoot. All good. But I then noticed him 'slowing down' in the school, i.e. becoming unbalanced, reluctant to go forward, hollow backed, twisting on the right rein so his quarters were in and head out etc. Assumed saddle was the issue so immediately stopped riding & got the fitter out and yes he'd outgrown the first saddle. New saddle fitted.

Unfortunately before I had a chance to ride him properly in new saddle he ran off in the field when I was long lining him. He slipped and crashed into a fence cut his leg and face. Vet checked him over next day - he was fine, just minor cuts, a bit bruised and needing time off and a little bute.

Once he'd 'recovered' from his injuries I firstly lunged him then a few days later went to ride him. Big no no. He was definitely rather sore. I stopped riding him then spoke to my instructor who recommended a physio that she uses on her dressage horses - physio came out and told me pony had hurt his left shoulder most likely initially the shoe pulling incident followed by the fall making it worse. He also had a tight back. 3 lots of treatment and 6 weeks of daily exercises later physio is very pleased with his progress and at the last visit recommended that I start riding him to see how he goes. Started riding - first in walk then a few days later asked him for a bit of trot. Nope. Pony was not a happy bunny. He refused to go from walk to trot unless 'strongly coaxed' into it and then all he managed was a shuffly little trot with head up, ears back, back hollow. On another day asked another rider to try in case it was me - same thing.

Baffling enough he is great on the lunge and when long lining - moves beautifully - nice big trot, great transitions, superb canter etc. I've also lunged him with the saddle on - same thing - really good. He also seems really happy within himself - alert, bright and enjoying life. There is no negative reaction when I bring tack into the stable (having worked at riding schools I have experience of horses having an aversion to being tacked up!). He will stand like a lamb at the mounting block too. He doesn't appear to be lame or footy (he was showing signs of very slight lameness when his shoulder was sore but this improved after treatment).

But.. I appear to have lost my lovely riding pony - somewhere along the line - and its making me rather sad. Physio is coming back on Friday and I've asked my lovely instructor to ride him after my next lesson to see what she thinks. After that who knows - probably vet!

Has anyone experienced something like this before and if so what was the outcome?

Thank you for reading...

 

[Fiona]

Gracious, if he's moving nicely on the lunge then one would have to suspect the saddle or the lack of shoes....

Fiona

 

[SusieT]

You need a vet work up ( possibly shoes on as that seems to be the point at which it all went wrong) before you proceed. not a physio, not an instructor, a good equine vet to identify any problems that need further treatment.

 

[Michen]

I'd be getting a second opinion on the saddle fit given he's moving well without it. What do you mean by ran off on the long reins? Why did he do that?

 

[OldieButGoodie]

I'd be getting a second opinion on the saddle fit given he's moving well without it. What do you mean by ran off on the long reins? Why did he do that?

I don't know unfortunately. He was being long lined round the fields which we'd done before and he seemed really happy with it. All of a sudden he suddenly started broncing and even though I tried I just couldn't hold him - eventually had to let go of the lines. Its a mystery to this day especially as he's never done it again!

 

[OldieButGoodie]

You need a vet work up ( possibly shoes on as that seems to be the point at which it all went wrong) before you proceed. not a physio, not an instructor, a good equine vet to identify any problems that need further treatment.

That's my next port of call... Already had the saddler out and saddle doesn't seem to be the issue.

 

[Michen]

I don't know unfortunately. He was being long lined round the fields which we'd done before and he seemed really happy with it. All of a sudden he suddenly started broncing and even though I tried I just couldn't hold him - eventually had to let go of the lines. Its a mystery to this day especially as he's never done it again!

Interesting. I think I would go with another fitter, instructor to ride then vet with up.

 

[Michen]

Ps if it's any consolation I also have a Connie youngster whose turning out to be a medical challenge!

 

[Michen]

That's my next port of call... Already had the saddler out and saddle doesn't seem to be the issue.

I really would get a second opinion. Or, have you tried riding him bareback?

 

[MotherOfChickens]

time for a vet I think but would suspect the saddle if he's moving fine without weight in it. also check teeth as he's a baby-probably not that but tushes coming through made my old horse sporadically reactive when he was a youngster.




eta get a different fitter or insist your fitter tries some different saddles. it might fit perfectly but he might still hate it!

 

[Wheels]

Vet! Before anything else! It could be a saddle issue, it could be a foot issue, it could be a shoulder issue or hock or SI joint or pretty much anything really.

 

[Ceriann]

I would also consider vet. I've had some pretty unhelpful conclusions in the past from vet work ups (where issue not obvious) but it feels like you've gone through all the other checks? The last work up I had done used a digital lameness locator (intermittent and swapping front lameness), issue identified quickly and now addressed - I wish I'd used it for my other mare who has ridden issues (despite spending a fortune, still not diagnosed). I know yours isn't lame now but a good work up( with or without locator thing) should give you some answers or potential answers.

 

[tallyho!]

Apologies for long story!

I bought a 14.2hh 4yo connemara gelding mid May this year (turned 4 beginning of May). He came from a dealer's yard and I couldn't fault him - he went round the school lovely despite having me on board! He passed the vetting and I bought him. I dug into his history found he was backed in Ireland in March by a dealer there and talking to the breeder found out the pony had been pretty much unhandled until the previous winter. He arrives at my place and fitted into the routine perfectly. He had his teeth and front shoes done in the first few weeks (as well as vaccinations) without any issues. Took me a few weeks to get a saddle for him - but as soon as I got the saddle I popped on him and he was fab. Lovely forward going pony, sensitive to the aids (only the lightest touches needed) and reasonably schooled to boot. Also had a great first lesson on him and the instructor was well impressed (by pony's lovely nature and way of going).

Then he pulled a shoe off - left fore. I had the farrier remove the other shoe and left him barefoot. All good. But I then noticed him 'slowing down' in the school, i.e. becoming unbalanced, reluctant to go forward, hollow backed, twisting on the right rein so his quarters were in and head out etc. Assumed saddle was the issue so immediately stopped riding & got the fitter out and yes he'd outgrown the first saddle. New saddle fitted.

Unfortunately before I had a chance to ride him properly in new saddle he ran off in the field when I was long lining him. He slipped and crashed into a fence cut his leg and face. Vet checked him over next day - he was fine, just minor cuts, a bit bruised and needing time off and a little bute.

Once he'd 'recovered' from his injuries I firstly lunged him then a few days later went to ride him. Big no no. He was definitely rather sore. I stopped riding him then spoke to my instructor who recommended a physio that she uses on her dressage horses - physio came out and told me pony had hurt his left shoulder most likely initially the shoe pulling incident followed by the fall making it worse. He also had a tight back. 3 lots of treatment and 6 weeks of daily exercises later physio is very pleased with his progress and at the last visit recommended that I start riding him to see how he goes. Started riding - first in walk then a few days later asked him for a bit of trot. Nope. Pony was not a happy bunny. He refused to go from walk to trot unless 'strongly coaxed' into it and then all he managed was a shuffly little trot with head up, ears back, back hollow. On another day asked another rider to try in case it was me - same thing.

Baffling enough he is great on the lunge and when long lining - moves beautifully - nice big trot, great transitions, superb canter etc. I've also lunged him with the saddle on - same thing - really good. He also seems really happy within himself - alert, bright and enjoying life. There is no negative reaction when I bring tack into the stable (having worked at riding schools I have experience of horses having an aversion to being tacked up!). He will stand like a lamb at the mounting block too. He doesn't appear to be lame or footy (he was showing signs of very slight lameness when his shoulder was sore but this improved after treatment).

But.. I appear to have lost my lovely riding pony - somewhere along the line - and its making me rather sad. Physio is coming back on Friday and I've asked my lovely instructor to ride him after my next lesson to see what she thinks. After that who knows - probably vet!

Has anyone experienced something like this before and if so what was the outcome?

Thank you for reading...

Oh no... these things are sent to try us. Sounds like he had a good start but has obviously encountered some set backs physically and mentally.

As he's so young, whatever it is will get better but I personally think you need now to give him a really good "finish" to his 1st year as a ridden pony and give him the winter off (as you would normally do with a youngster in the first year). He is after all only 4 and plenty of growing pains to go through yet.

You mention he's twisting on the right rein, so he is hollowing to the right? And also hollowing his back? Might not be all to do with saddle, could be discomfort in the mouth and the contact is what he is backing away from hence the head up. Is he taking the contact down nicely in walk?

Once you've had his teeth checked and found a comfy saddle and shod/or got him sound bf, I would do as much positive work as possible this autumn - even if it means only in walk (you can do a lot in just walk) - if you get some short but balanced trot strides, it's still a positive experience - and give him time to recover and grow between winter and spring. Nothing like a bit of Dr Green and R&R to sort things out.

 

[dixie]

I wouldn't be having another lesson if he's like that now.
If its safe, try riding him bareback and if he's better then you'll know its the saddle, even if the saddler says it does fit.
If he's still not right I would be looking at getting the vet pronto.
It sounds like a blip and you need to find out why, as he does sound like a nice pony. Good luck, horses can be so frustrating !

 

[Micropony]

If he's moving well without a rider I would suspect something to do with saddle or rider. When mine was first in work we had to try a few girth and girth strap changes to stop the saddle slipping forwards. He quickly put on more muscle and changed shape and it stopped being an issue. Also one saddle that technically fitted he just didn't like, so that had to go.

Babies aren't the straightest to start with, and smallish issues with rider position and straightness that an older more established horse might cope with can be more difficult for a baby. I am not meaning to be rude at all, but could that be a factor? I used to get my trainer to ride mine regularly in the very early days for that sort of reason.

Personally I would want to try a few of the obvious possibilities before getting the vet in for a loss of performance work up, but if you feel that would be a good thing to do at this point then trust your instincts.

He sounds like a lovely young chap, so I hope you're able to get to the bottom of it soon x

 

[be positive]

He is not long backed, obviously started well, has moved home, had a good start but then had several painful and or frightening incidents in a very short while, I think it is just as likely he has totally lost confidence, possibly expecting pain or discomfort so rather than moving when asked, something that was barely established in the scheme of things, he is shutting down "just in case".

I have seen similar and it is not insurmountable but does need him taking back to the basics, I know you have been lunging and long reining but expect that is more about rehab than educating him in what he already knows, treat him as if he is unbacked, get him really responding to the voice, build up his confidence generally and when you get back on take it slowly as if it is all new but remember it is going to take longer to eradicate his memory of discomfort than it would do if he was completely new to it, he will catch up but he needs time to get back to where he was.

 

[KittenInTheTree]

Are you sure the tree of the saddle isn't broken?

 

[Mule]

I'd try putting shoes on him. It would be an easy way to see if that's the cause of the problem.
If you want to keep him barefoot you could see how he is with hoof boots.

It's a bit suspicious that his way of going changed around the time you took the shoes off.

 

[TotalMadgeness]

I hope all goes well! I have a young Connie too. x

 

[OWLIE185]

Find a good farrier to put a nice set of shoes on him and then get a specialist equine vet to check him out including teeth and back.

 

[OldieButGoodie]

Thank you ever so much everyone! So much better to share than sit at home worrying myself stupid. Honestly I sooo wish horses could talk...

Feet - very good idea about shoes. I only took them off because he pulled one off and I was worried about further injury. Also when he came he was so weedy (think 'knock knee'd'!) that I felt he could do with a bit more chest/quarter muscle to get a leg in each corner (if you know what I mean). He now has much more muscle and almost a leg in each corner so am less worried about shoes.

Rider issue - that is what I'm worried about hence asking the instructor to ride.

Bareback - good grief I never even thought of that - duh!

Saddle - again this is a strong suspect of mine too so I will book another fitter and see what she says. He is currently in a 9 month old Wintec Wide with Cair 17". I've had it since new (for a previous pony) so pretty certain it hasn't been damaged.

Vet - I will be going down that route next week. To check teeth, back , legs whatever he needs! I want my lovely riding pony back!

Teeth - they were done end of May. He has an overbite though and I do know his last baby tooth fell out early June. I waited until the permanent tooth grew in before bitting. Interestingly enough he chews EVERYTHING. So he may have hurt his mouth somewhere although he never headshakes or pulls reins out of my hands when being ridden.

Winter off - excellent idea. Means I can focus on my big horse and look forward to spring. This wee guy definitely has a lot more growing to do...

I'll let you know how the wee fella gets on...

 

[OldieButGoodie]

He is not long backed, obviously started well, has moved home, had a good start but then had several painful and or frightening incidents in a very short while, I think it is just as likely he has totally lost confidence, possibly expecting pain or discomfort so rather than moving when asked, something that was barely established in the scheme of things, he is shutting down "just in case".

I have seen similar and it is not insurmountable but does need him taking back to the basics, I know you have been lunging and long reining but expect that is more about rehab than educating him in what he already knows, treat him as if he is unbacked, get him really responding to the voice, build up his confidence generally and when you get back on take it slowly as if it is all new but remember it is going to take longer to eradicate his memory of discomfort than it would do if he was completely new to it, he will catch up but he needs time to get back to where he was.

Hi - my non horsey hubby thought the same thing... that he was 'guarding' himself. Interesting...

 

[Hallo2012]

i think put shoes back on and see if that helps? to me it seems like taking shoes off maybe left him sore and he is twisting and holding to compensate and making back sore.

im the biggest BF advocate but not all can do it so just try shoes again

 

[OldieButGoodie]

Quick update. Last week pony started to become more noticeably lame but only in trot and it was then I found a lump on the inside of his left fore which I hadn't seen before. Called vet out and he said it was an active splint. He examined the pony thoroughly, discussed the pony's age / upbringing etc and in addition to treating the splint he recommended winter off - as he thought the pony had been broken in too early (at 3) and this may have been the original cause of the splint because of his developing bones / muscles (bearing in mind I have done no work on hard ground with this one and any work that's been done has been mainly short ground work sessions on a sand/fibre/flexiride surface!). From FB I can see the pony was backed by a rather large man (pony would have been 14.1 / 14.2hh at the time and was small / bony when I got him so god knows what he was like at 3) and there are pictures of the wee thing being ridden over jumps and up/down concrete steps. Vet also recommended shoes on fronts and it just so happened his visit coincided with the farrier visiting so I asked the farrier to take a look. He said he wouldn't shoe a horse with an active splint because of concussion and looking at the pony's feet/hooves he was happy with them staying unshod (the pony has lovely hard nicely shaped feet). However he said he'd review in a couple of weeks and see how the splint is getting on before completely ruling it out. Best news is both guys agreed that pony would be absolutely fine and I should stop worrying!

 

[Merrymoles]

Great update so thanks - I had followed but not commented.

I'm all in favour of time off for youngsters, particularly when there is a possibility they've had a fairly hard start as with yours and then a little run of traumas since you got him. I think time off helps them "process" their experiences and relax a bit.

Fingers crossed you will find he is back to his normal lovely self in the spring, though he will likely need his saddle checked again - they'll always find a way to cost you money!

 

[Fiona]

Great update, hope your pony enjoys his winter holidays....

Fiona

 

[Orangehorse]

That is good news, the break will allow him to recover from the splint and grow stronger overall.

 

[dixie]

Good to have an update and glad you've got to the bottom of his problems and have an answer and a plan. Shame he had an unsympathetic start by the sounds of it, but with the winter off you should hopefully have a nice sound pony.