I think my horse is in pain / uncomfortable?

Question

I think my horse is in pain because she looks uncomfortable on her hind right leg when she works. But the thing is she will stand on it fine and walk around on it fine, so i am thinking that maybe she has a pain in her back somewhere. We are thinking about getting an osteopath / back person out to see her, but in the mean time is there any way of easing the pain for her (like stretches/massage techniques etc)

Answer 1

Chances are if your horse has back pain in the ring, the pain would also be present when she's walking or even just standing. But i would suggest to take a curry comb, or your hands and run your hands all over her body feeling anywhere for knots. Learn to find these knots and rub them out. At first your horse will object to that, because knots are sore, but then, if you're doing it right she should relax right down, her head should lower and her lips should start moving because it feels good for her. Is there a particular gait or direction that your horse's leg looks "uncomfortable" is it after a jump, or just all the time. I would lounge her and watch her legs, if she seems okay, then try putting someone light on her and see if the weight makes a difference. I've seen horses pretend to be injured sometimes if they were bored and didn't want to work. Try taking her somewhere new or changing up the scenery so she is distracted by that and then forgets that she is supposed to be hurt.

Answer 2

A little bute may help as well. You may want to also check shoes and her stifle. If the osteopath and shoer don't find anything,have your vet out.

Answer 3

What breed, age, and how long are ur work outs and when did you start them?  Need a bit more info.  But either way I would recommend a vet frist and go from there....  Best of luck

Answer 4

Hi, I think you should get a vet to check her over first, then he can advise you on wether or not yo go for the" back man", also he might know of a good osteopath to recomend to you. Anyway it's best to have the vet to check as there may be an underlying problem that can be identified by you're vet. Good luck.

Answer 5

maybe she is just tense, free walk her for like 20 to 30 mminutes and maybe it will help her stretch out if not get off and call your equine massage therapist or vet

Answer 6

You can use TTouch to help her.  I reccommend the original book on it, as it as a ton of how-to photos and information.  It's very gentle and will help her relax, as well as help you figure out the roots of where her pain is coming from.  Good idea with the chiropractor coming out too, that should help a lot.

Answer 7

Is she actually limping in trot?  I am wondering if she just has a slightly strange hind leg action.   I sometimes see horses on tv and think there is something wrong, but infact it is just the angle of seeing the horse, or they have a slightly odd action.  They are winning races/showjumping comps. By all means get an osteopath/chiroprachter out to see her.  Had I the money I too would have done that for every horse I owned.

I should think that smooth transitions and changes of directions would do her no harm unless she is actually lame.