Comments | equestrian: Canter Problems + Ground Exercises

gypsydrifting in equestrian

Canter Problems + Ground Exercises

Mar 30, 2010 22:43

I'm currently re-conditioning a 29-year-old American Saddlebred gelding. I've been working with him since mid-January and he has come leaps and bounds; I could not be happier with his progress. But, in the last few weeks I've had trouble working with him on his left-lead canter. He works very well on his right (once he's gotten his racehorse ( Read more... )

advice, groundwork, cantering

Comments 7

greyskyridge March 31 2010, 03:12:39 UTC

I would not work him solely in one direction ( ... )

gypsydrifting March 31 2010, 03:23:23 UTC

Thanks for the great advice! I've tried to be precise in working him, but it appears I've kind of failed at being as systematic as possible. I'll have to try some of this with him the next time I'm at the barn and get a better system going with him. :)

lurath March 31 2010, 03:37:42 UTC

greyskyridge has given great advice. Imbalanced needs to be fixed or you are going to cause your horse harm. I just wanted to pop in and ask: have you had you had your horse looked at by a GOOD chiropractor/massage therapist (assuming he's not unsound and in need of a vet ( ... )

gypsydrifting March 31 2010, 03:54:04 UTC

I was thinking about sending him around on the lunge line to see if he can pick up his canter to the left. I don't believe he's been looked at by a chiropractor before; he might have been before I got my hands on him, but as far as I know he's just been looked at routinely by the vet. I know he's on a supplement through the winter; he's a lot more free-moving once the weather warms up and generally doesn't need the added support unless, for whatever reason, he's going to be more actively worked. Thank you. :) I really do just want to make sure he's alright and I'm not doing anything that might hurt him.

lurath March 31 2010, 16:01:34 UTC

For a 29 year old horse I would have him on some kind of joint supplement YEAR ROUND, even if he was a pasture-pet. Everyone I know puts their active workers on joint supplements at 13-15 years of age. If he is more free-moving in warmer weather then it's almost certain he has at least some arthritis and a supplement can only help. If he's truly uncomfortable and chiropractic/massage work, or even injections don't help, I'd stay stick with walk-trot only.

emidala March 31 2010, 12:58:39 UTC

Are you sure he is not arthritic? At 29, he's quite a senior citizen. At my former barn, there is a seven-year-old TB who will not under any circumstances pick up his left-lead canter under saddle or in the pasture. He does it reluctantly on the lunge line, but immediately switches to his right lead. The vet had a look at him, and the poor boy is as arthritic as a 100-year-old human. Poor animal, his career is essentially over.

What do you mean with "bad left hip"? Is it just "hitchy" or have you had x-rays evaluated? It sounds to me that you are suspecting his hip for the right reasons (the x-rays of the TB I mentioned above showed severe deterioration of the hip joint, the hock, and both front knees).

Does he get all the joint supplements he needs?

taleofaredhead March 31 2010, 22:13:30 UTC

I'm going to echo the age concerns. Because of his age, the likelihood of more things are more likely, if that makes sense ;) I would have your vet look and him and a chiropractor could also give some good insight. I would double-check the fit of your tack, although I doubt it would only cause problems at one gait in one direction. I think the vet is the best resource right now, and definitely look into some supplements for the old guy. I'm sure whatever is wrong is not being helped by just coming back into work, either. Anyway, good luck!