Hock/stifle lock in filly after long trailer ride

[Blue Star]

I adopted a TBX oops baby from CANTER and she arrived one week ago today, after a 5 day trailer ride. (Merry Christmas to me!!!)

In the first day or two I noticed that she would "lock" her right back leg when standing for a bit, then walk off fine. The vet was out and said it was not uncommon after long trailer rides for horses to do this as they would sometimes lock up to adapt to the ride and that it would pass. A week later this still occurs....I also read that it can be something that occurs during growth spurts etc. No swelling or signs of impact or injury.(she is 14 months old) Thoughts? Serious? Panic? More time? Another vet call $$$? :confused:

[rmh_rider]

She has locking stifles.

Back her up and it should unlock.

In the future after she is broke, ride her on hills and that will strengthen her hind end, and the locking will be less frequent. If you lay her off, it comes back. This has been PROVEN in endurance horses. They work during the year, lay off in the snowy months, and they lock up. Put them to work and it gets better or goes away. Hill work. That will help it.

I would NOT work her at all until she is ready. Like 3 years old. No rp'ong at all. No small circles at all. You can still do alot of ground work with her. Lots of hauling and handling, just not a lot of circles.

You could lunge her for training like a few minutes one way then the other like with a saddle, but no serious work.


Not much you can do. Hillwork. But only as an older horse.


Good luck.

[JB]

I used to do the backing or sideways movement for a locked stifle, but having fairly recently learned a few things, I now massage that flank area for a minute or two. Why? Because I've learned that a locked stifle can be due to an overactive muscle in that area, and I'd MUCH rather have that muscle loosen up and release the patellar ligament on its own, than have that ligament SNAP off the hook.

She's a young, growing horse. I'd give her as much turnout as possible, 24x7 preferable, hills if possible, low sugar diet, hand walking if you can, several days a week, and otherwise let her grow up :)

[Stacie]

Correctly balancing the foot can make a big difference in locking stifles.
She's still growing, I wouldn't panic yet. :)

[Blue Star]

Okay....first, I will not panic :winkgrin:...second I will hand walk her a few times a week but NOT in small circles :yes:...third, I will be patient and let her grow up!....:eek:

Thanks!!!!

[whip]

Had the same thing happen a few years ago. Colt had the same thing. When he was in a stall, even if overnite, he would lock up. Turned him out 24/7. Brought in to work and back out again. Fixed it, cured it. He grew up to be wonderful. And never a problem.