[Launa]

I posted a while back about RimRock being lame and there were some suggestions it could be his feet or the rocky terrain. Well some days he seems "just ok" and some days he acts like he doesn't want to move much. I have been telling my hubby for a long long time that there is something off in his back end. Either his hips or something. Well we took him to my lesson yesterday. Michael was gonna ride. And I pointed out the way he was moving to Rick our gaited horse trainer and he said RimRock is definately lame. He did a lot of examining and took a long look at his feet. It is not in his feet. But Rick said he thinks it is in his back right leg. I have noticed that RimRock has always moved "differently" when you watch him from the back. Sometimes he looks bowed out and whan he puts his back right leg down he will twist it under him. Sometimes he even plants that back right hoof under the middle of him..... so instead of tracking the front right hoof print he comes way in with it. Does that make sense? Rick thinks it may be in his stiffle. (sp) I am still not ruling out his hips. Sometimes when he is standing at leisure he will shift his weight back and forth from left back leg to right back leg.

I've noticed changes in personality too. He used to be the first one to the grain bucket and now he is the last. He is still the boss out in the pasture but now he is less enthusiastic about it. When I am giving out carrots he doesn't rush right over but it takes him awhile.

So I guess we will be making a trip to the vet. Meanwhile Michael wants me to put him on a good joint supplement in case it is in his joints.

I am really really bummed out about this. RimRock was our first horse and even though he has always been Michael's horse he has been my Lover Boy! And out of all of our boys he has the best gait. He is 14 years old.

[Jennie'sPassion]

I am sorry Launa. I hope the vet can figure out what is up with him.

My older gelding Blacky has some arthritus that acts up from time to time. I have been giving him a biotin supplement and it seems to help him. Not to mention his hooves grow fast.

I hope it is something simple like arthritus. ((big hugs))

[Smoke N Lace]

Oh, Launa. I'm so sorry there's a problem with RimRock. Hope the vet has good news for you. Hugs.

[oldhorsehome]

Oh dear. I hope the vet can figure it out for you. One of my old guys is walking funny too - I'm looking for a chiro for him right now.

[Launa]

Originally Posted by Jennie'sPassion

I am sorry Launa. I hope the vet can figure out what is up with him.

My older gelding Blacky has some arthritus that acts up from time to time. I have been giving him a biotin supplement and it seems to help him. Not to mention his hooves grow fast.

I hope it is something simple like arthritus. ((big hugs))

Thanks Jennifer. I have a feeling it isn't something that is gonna be cured. Hopefuly it is in his joints and a simple supplement will help. I have some friends that swear by MSM.

[Launa]

Thanks everyone! I may try and get some video later today for you all to see what I am talking about with him twisting that leg under him. It is hard to explain.