Youngster feels lame going downhill

[Tiger21]

My newly broke turning 5yo, 17hh gelding is feeling a bit lame in front when out hacking going down hill. It doesn't have to be a steep hill just a slight slope and I feel it. There is no sign of lameness in the school, on flat ground or up hill. He is shod in front only and had his back checked by chiro last week. the only thing I can think is his saddle as he is narrow at the wither due to lack of topline but has big shoulders so his saddle was fitted to accommodate his shoulder and I have had to use a prolite to pad it out. I feel I would still like more wither clearance so might it be pressure in that area causing this and worth another visit from the saddle fitter? my other thoughts are ring bone or navicular but really hoping its not.

 

[TwoStroke]

Do you have any photos of his feet? Can you ride or lead downhill bareback to see if the saddle makes a difference?

Also could be thrush or lgl.

 

[Pinkvboots]

It could be a lack of strength as going downhill is more difficult and he is a big horse, if you suspect your saddle is too narrow putting a prolite under it will make it even tighter, if it was too wide then yes use a prolite, get the saddle checked out as if its too narrow can cause muscle wastage, walking downhill will also make it tighter so this could be an indication its too tight if his not walking correctly, how does he walk on the flat will he walk out as walk is the hardest pace if the saddle is too tight at the front, I know this as it happend to one of mine, its not easy to correct as most saddle fitters will then fit a narrow saddle to the muscle wasted back rather than a wider one to help it come back.