Page 85 - Speedhorse, October 2021

SIGNS OF AN
ISSUE THAT NEEDS
ATTENTION
by Nancy S. Loving, DVM
By performing a simple pre-ride and post- ride checklist, your horse’s body language can tip you off to a problem. While this
may at first seem time-consuming, after a short period of implementation, it’ll become second nature and just part of the daily routine.
A checklist helps you to be proactive in identifying and addressing problems before they turn serious. If anything appears off, call your veterinarian for an appointment. Report what you have observed and how that varies from what’s normal for your horse.
IN THE PADDOCK, STALL, OR PASTURE
Eyes and body posture
What’s Normal: A horse in fine fettle appears eager and ready to work. He stands comfortably in a position you’re used to seeing, and his posture is erect, ears up, and he appears interested.
What’s Not Normal: If your horse appears flat and deflated, is cocking a leg, pointing a foot, shifting his weight from side to side, or standing in a position that’s not normal for him.
What to do: If the horse seems despondent or lethargic, check the rectal temperature for a fever. Normal rectal temperature is less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Check for a cough or nasal discharge. Monitor manure consistency and quantity, urination frequency, and intake
of food. If the horse seems sore on a leg (or legs), look for a rock or nail in his foot and feel for swelling.
Tail, head, and neck carriage
What’s Normal: Normally, a horse swings his tail a bit as his pelvis moves and the pelvis swings freely. The head and neck are carried in a comfortable, balanced position.
What’s Not Normal: If a horse’s tail movement hangs listlessly or is out of sync with the rest of his body, or his pelvis is stiff when he moves, he may be experiencing discomfort. If his head and neck carriage is lower or higher than normal, he may be protecting a painful area.
What to do: Palpate with your hands along your horse’s neck, back, and topline, looking for a pain response. Bracing of the pelvis is usually due to pain in the hind end (hocks or stifles) or back. If your horse exhibits pain, call your vet for an evaluation.
Haltering, leading, and backing
What’s Normal: Normally, a horse permits being caught and haltered, or some may put
up mild resistance as a game. With turnout or mounted exercise, he walks nimbly out of the stall or paddock, and is able to back freely on the lead rope without bracing his body.
What’s Not Normal: If a horse resists more than usual to being caught and haltered, if he drags his feet, stumbles, or leans back on the rope when being led, or braces his back when you saddle or back him, there could be a problem.
SPEEDHORSE October 2021 83
VETERINARY VIEWS
Normally, a horse swings his tail a bit as his pelvis moves and
the pelvis swings freely. The head and neck are carried in a comfortable, balanced position.