Would you ride?

[Kokopelli]

On Sunday my horse was lame it was very in consistent, one minute he was lame the next he was sound then it was his right leg then his left. I thought it was his back so I ran my hand down it and he flinched so I thought I'd get the back man out.

He was due to come out Tuesday but he cancelled and then he's cancelled again today, but last night Koko was completly sound and when I ran my hand down his back he didn't flinch at all and I'm wondering weather the little break as cured it.

Do you think if today he is still sound and his back is ok it would be ok to ride him on a quiet hack or something? Th back man said he may not be able to come out for a month! He can't have a whole month off.

Would you ride him if he was sound and his back wasn't hurting? Even if he is sound I'm still going to get the back man out as he might like it but if I have to wait a month is it worth hacking him lightly until he is seen or will I do more damage?

 

[ThePony]

I think there is alot to be said for a really good groom and a walking hack (walking out well though, not slopping along) to loosen up a stiff back. I would do that and see how he goes. Assuming of course no heat etc in his feet and legs re the lameness. Take how he goes as your que regarding how much to do. Hope your back man makes out it. Our back lady is an essential to keep oh super sensitive mare running smoothly! (before any comments, all tack fits well etc, she is just a sensitive sort who is much more comfortable for frequent loosening work!)

 

[sassybebe]

If you're sure the saddle isn't the problem i would just do some gentle work and see how he goes. Tbh if it's a problem caused by work then you're better off knowing so you can solve it. Just keep a close eye on him and if the lameness returns maybe get a vet to check him.

 

[smellsofhorse]

If you are sure he is fine and its not the saddle then yes.

Take it steady and gradually build it op over a few days weeks.
Still get the back man out just to be sure and obviously watch the horse careful to see if its and on going on and off problem.

It could have been the saddle, a few days of and the horse feels better start riding and it could all flair up again.

 

[Kokopelli]

Its definatly not the saddle as we had just had both saddles fitted by a good saddler. He has no heat, lumps, bumps or cuts down his legs which is why I thought it could be his back. He has not a lot of muscle tone so I think he could get a bad back easier as we have just stepped up his work to get muscle built up.

I will check him over today and trot him up then lunge him and if he's ok I'll ride him out and see how it goes. I have a very special lesson booked for in a couple of weeks and I am very hoping he is sound for it.