Uncomfortable walking down slopes

[cyberbay]

Friend has a horse that was working fine until this spring, when it started to act uncomfortable walking down hills and slopes. Does this out in field, too. Horse is 5.5 years old, tb, about 16hands. Was momentarily on the track.

She said she had the vet come out, who flexed the horse, etc. Don' t know if they did nerve blocks...

I have my thoughts on this, but what do you all think this way of moving would indicate?

[JB]

First thought is stifles. If not that, then something in the hip/si area.

[BornToRide]

What exactly do you observe? Could be hoof issues too.

[betsyk]

My first thought is stifles, second thought hind suspensory. That's how they diagnosed it in my guy. You'll notice he doesn't want to touch his heel down when he's walking downhill.

[Druid Acres]

This can also be an early sign of ringbone. X-rays of the front pastern and coffin joints would provide more info if that is the case.

[Tree]

If it is a hoof issue, it can be a sign of heel pain. Going down a hill forces a horse to land heel first.

Tree

[I'm EBO]

Laminitis. Timing is perfect, especially if he's allowed much grazing of that rich new grass. Laminitis won't show up on Xrays, but founder will, if it's gone that far. If that's what's wrong.

[wateryglen]

It's ulcers!.....or EPSM!......or Cushings!......or ......his hocks. :winkgrin:

[Simkie]

Isn't going up and down a slope part of a neuro exam? Does he have any other neurological symptoms?

[Lieslot]

Hips it has been in my experience.
My one horse had his hips adjusted by chiro and the thing that has been the most remarkable is how much more comfortable he goes downhill. He used to drag his toes going downhill, slow down and at times by stumbly.
Been adjusted, none of the above anymore, just walks down at a good speed now. Difference was noticeable after just 1 visit.

[dressage fan]

Check the saddle fit too. If the saddle is tight or pinching that has a big effect going down hill.

[pharmgirl]

Uncomfortable how? More details may help narrow what it could be. My first thought is pelvis/hips/SI since that was a symptom with my guy when he injured his SI. How he feels going down hills is a good gauge on how that area feels with him.

[Coobie]

It's ulcers!.....or EPSM!......or Cushings!......or ......his hocks. :winkgrin:

Ulcers! Everything is b/c of ulcers!

[rcloisonne]

This can also be an early sign of ringbone. X-rays of the front pastern and coffin joints would provide more info if that is the case.
My thoughts exactly.

[3Spots]

I vote for hocks. My guy was exactly that way, and once his hocks fused he was much better, albeit still slow and careful.

jan

[the_other_mother]

Ringbone.......

[lstevenson]

It's usually sore or weak stifles that cause a horse to become uncomfortable going downhill. And you say this horse is off the track? OTTBs are usually weak in the stifle area.

SI soreness usually causes horses to be more uncomfortable going uphill.