This message is from: Starfire Farm <starfiref...@usa.net>
Tripping can be the result of a number of things:
The rider's balance over the horse's front legs;
A lazy horse;
An inattentive horse;
A tense horse;
A horse that has not been warmed up well enough;
A horse lacking hindquarter/loin strength;
A horse that is not supple;
A horse not ridden/driven in proper balance;
A horse falling through the inside shoulder on a circle;
Incorrect farrier work;
An orthopedic condition that requires veterinary diagnosis/attention.
These could be in combination, or the result of only one condition, but
it happens. Tripping in a horse that does not do this normally can
indicate arthritic changes, onset of navicular disease or just sore feet.
I currently have a Fjord in training that would habitually trip at the
beginning of a warm-up session. The training goal for this horse is to
improve his collection in dressage, eventually teaching him piaffe,
passage and all of the other "goodies" that go along with that here. He
could be a bit tense (just a little) until he warmed up. He was also
used to carrying his rider over his left shoulder (the position that was
the rider's habit), therefore he would tense his left shoulder/back to
try to ease the discomfort (essentially protect himself from pain.) This
horse would actually look like he was lame when trotting, but he was
just trying to cope with his out-of-balance rider, which eventually
turned into a pattern of uneven/unlevel trot steps.
Working through collected exercises, both in-hand and under saddle, has
helped this horse develop strength and balance that he did not have
previously. In addition, my farrier and I have been "problem solving"
his front limb movement and ended up setting his shoes back a bit (not a
"natural" trim, but has the same effect without shaving away and
weakening the hoof wall, which is what happens in this neck of the
woods) which seems to have helped. Long warm-up sessions and frequent
breaks during his work sessions have also helped. He is much stronger in
his hindquarters (like...Buns of Steel!) and is now a blast to ride in
both collection, medium and working towards extended gaits.
Hope this helps.
Beth
On 2/6/2012 6:39 PM, Marie wrote:
This message is from: Marie<countrydreamingspi...@yahoo.com>
Hi all
Has anyone here had a problem with their horses tripping or stumbling?
My gelding Sam occasionally stumbles when being ridden and when being worked in
hand.
It is scary and frustrating. He seems to trip mostly at the walk, but once in a
while at the trot.
I have been trimming his hooves.myself for the past two years, but am planning
on having a professional out to evaluate his hoof balance.
I also plan on working on his overall strength and fitness, as I believe that
is probably playing a role on the tripping.
I would greatly appreciate any input and to hear if anyone else has dealt with
this problem on any of their horses, as well as solutions they found.
Thank you
Marie (and Samsun) from Long Island
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--
Beth Beymer and Sandy North
Starfire Farm, LLC
www.starfirefarm.com
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