Is there something wrong with his leg?

Question

my horse has always moved weird with his back legs since the day we got him (about a year ago) but recently when i bend his head around to the right and he takes a step.. he freaks and jumps for no apparent reason. he has never been able to take his right lead, he was like that when i got him. he was abused when we got him.. he was a good 75lbs underweight and he had rhino virus (i don't think that matters but ya never know)

and the trainer at the barn was working with him today on his right lead and when he bent his head around to the right he did the same he has done for me the past few days, flipped just didn't like it. and he told me it seems as though he does it cause of pain.

he developed scratches on one of his hind legs but i've been treating it. i do plan on talking to a vet i just want to see if anyone has any opinions as to whats going on. he has just been doing this the past few days.. last week he didn't do any of this.

thanks

Answer 1

uggh i know exactly what you are talkign about. my filly - 3years does the same thing. just cant do right. i have taken her to the vet, had chripractors but they all say she is healthy. they say its a attitude thing and im like what the h**l why would a horse have a problem with going one way.

a way to figure out if its pain related or attitude related it to go to your vet and get him a shot of butane (liek an anticeptic) then ride or lunge if he reacts when lunging (mine does haha) him and see if he does the same thing.

Answer 2

Sounds like he may have pulled/dislocated something in his hip.  If it seems like it's in his knee or below, talk to your farrier first.  If he doesn't find anything wrong or if it's higher up, then talk to the vet.  If he can't locate or identify anything wrong you should find an equine chiropractor and see if a chiropractic adjustment is necessary.

Answer 3

Are you referring to scratches as the scabby ailment that is on the lower leg or are you saying that your horse has scratched himself?  I will wait until I see your answer and then finish my answer.

Answer 4

Hi,

Sounds like your horse has something out in his back. It's very common (more common than people imagine). A young horse can easily dislodge something when it is young. Perhaps by pulling back against being tied up when learning, rearing over backwards when playing or slipping over in the field. Maybe laying down in its stall and getting cast. No one may even know it's ever happened. It's happened to several of my babies. It's only when they've gotten to the ridden stage that a problem becomes apparent.

From what you've described your horses is displaying signs of pain. Best thing to do is give your vet a call and ask if he/she can recommend an equine chiropractor in your area. They will come out and assess your horse. If anything is out, they can manipulate it back into place and give you some exercises to practice with your horse to help his problem.

Good luck :-)