As some of you may remember, I was concerned about Daisy bobbing her head in my 2nd english riding video, day three of riding her in a row, in this post here: More Riding
This is the video, its towards the end when I have my sweater off and you can see my blue shirt.
Daisy English Again...
Well I was watching my video of us jumping again today, and noticed that dang head bob again! And it is ONLY when I was posting. Check it out, she is fine before, and fine after, but when I'm posting her head is going and it looks like she is lame!
Argh, what am I doing to her?? Is her back hurting when I land, or is it her legs? It doesn't make sense why it would only show up then, and not any other time she is trotting. Or is she just weirded out by me doing it, lol?? Just looking for some opinions! :o/
Other then that, not much going on, its too blasted hot to get out and ride!! Gonna be 95 today, ugh! I do need to get out and check everyone over tho, war paint them up, etc. I'm hoping Tuff has grown a hand since I've seen him. Hah, pigs might fly!! ;)
Hope all is well with everyone!
12 comments:
It's really hard to tell from just looking at a video, but the head bob happens when the R front/L hind pair hits the ground - it looks to me like she's short-striding on the left hind - it isn't reaching under the body as far and the stride is shorter - hence the hitch in her stride and the head bob. At her age, she may just have a bit of arthritis -having foals is extra weight on the legs - possibly hock. Take a look at how she moves going through the trot poles - that accentuates it. Or it could be something else entirely, or I may be completely crazy!
Omygosh, you are so right, about the left hind short striding...I slow-moed the video of her trotting down the long side and it is really reaching short of where her right does. HOW SAD, I feel bad for riding her now knowing there is something not 'right'. Sigh, poor Daisy. But I don't think she is in pain per say, because of her mood/actions. She was perfectly happy it seemed like. I bet it is a bit of arthritis, like you said.
Anway, thanks so much for pointing that out! I always knew she had a little 'something' stiff going on in the back end. But didn't know she was stepping short with a leg. (shes a bit post legged, so thought that might be it, haha)
By the way, I just found your blog, and I'm enjoying your posts! If it is arthritis, I've had decent luck with Aspirease - it's a buffered form of aspirin - I use it for two of my horses. And moderate riding is generally good for horses with some arthritis.
I'm glad your enjoying it! I mainly just post because I like to hear myself 'talk' lol, and it helps to keep a record of what I do with my horsies.
I just read your post about your GORGEOUS pony a few mins ago! I will def check you out some more! (and I loved your pic of that caterpillar! so cute!)
Thanks for visiting!
Hm, I wonder what's up with her. Could you try a little flex test or bute test?
AJ has a head bob, too, and his is from his arthritis. He's had his head bob for a long time, since he has arthritis in both hocks. His joints have fused, but there's still a noticeable 'gimp' in his stride.
Daisy is older, so she probably does have some arthritis. It's hard to tell from the video without seeing her up close and in person. She doesn't look like she's in pain, though.
Flex tests are definitely good to try, and they don't cost a thing.
You know she doesn't seem to bob it all the time in the video. Does she bob it all the time when you're riding? If not you might want to notice when she does it the most...
Becca, I'm thinking it is arthritis too. Makes me feel better that it seems to be a more common thing, hearing you and Kate say it, lol.
Anywho, about the flexion test, can I do that or does the vet have to? And what does it show, how does it help?
Albigears, no she doesn't, the only time I ever notice it is when I start to post the trot. Weird. And it isn't every time I post, just sometimes.
Vets usually perform flex tests in a lameness exam and a pre-purchase exam. They flex certain joints for about 30-60 seconds and when they put their leg down the person holding the horse has to trot off right away. If the head bobbing is worse, than you've narrowed your problem down. Maybe you can narrow it down to a limb and see if you agitate it by a flex test to see what leg it is and if there is something there bothering her. LOL I just found this and it explains it better: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flexion_test
Do some research and see if you can find how to do it yourself.
Here is a good video on it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPGZESQtKWQ&feature=player_embedded
One additional thought - a flex test is a good idea and may show if a joint is an issue - hocks are quite possible in a horse her age. But if it's chiropractic, a flex test won't necessarily show it and a lot of regular vets have trouble dealing with subtle muscular lamenesses.
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