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Discussion on Head tossing = back pain?
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Member:
Npreston
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Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 4:40 pm:
Dr.O,
I have a 13 year old TB mare who has done low level eventing for the past 3 years very successfully. This year, however, she has developed a violent head tossing problem when asked to trot, as well as her back tightens and she has had trouble bending to the right. My trainer seemed to think it was her back ,so last week I took her to an Equine Chiropractor at a very reputable Equine Hospital, but she seems no better. This week he wants to try acupuncture. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
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Member:
Christos
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Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 - 5:38 pm:
It sounds like a serious saddle fit problem, Nancy.
Will she do it ridden bareback/on the lunge ?
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 - 5:59 am:
Hello Nancy,
Besides Christos' questions also I would like to know how remarkable are the findings of pain in the back and does the horse do this in low light conditions. Before we answer I would like you o read two articles on related problems: Head Shaking and Head Tossing. See Training Horses ยป Behavioral Problems for these 2 articles. After reading them you may have a better idea of what is going on.
DrO
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Member:
Npreston
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Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 7:54 pm:
Dr. O and Christos,
Thanks for your reply. As far as the saddle fit problem - I don't think so. I had a professional fit her for the correct saddle and have not changed. She also does it on the lunge line. I am not sure how to answer the question on how remarkable the findings are regarding pain in back. The Vet/Chiropractor said that her sacrum on the R. side was definitely out of alignment and she could not bend her neck to R. Tomorrow we go back to have another adjustment and acupuncture. I will read the articles.
Thanks,
Nancy
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Member:
Npreston
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Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 8:04 pm:
Dr. O,
I just read your article on Head Shaking. She has always tossed her head some in the Spring, but would stop once it got to be summer. When this started I thought it was the same thing, but this year it seems different and much more severe with the back involved. I will ask the Vet tomorrow about checking her eyes and ears.
Thanks again!
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Member:
Chole
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Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2005 - 8:22 pm:
Nancy, I can not remember if you said your horse was arabian or not. My old gray mare does the same thing and it took ground work with her on the bit to flex her and soften her so that she would supple enough to stop the head tossing. I also put her into a softer bit and was particularly giving on reins when she went onto the bit. It was a 9 month reeducation, but she is lovely now (mostly) just when she has an "arab" moment that she resembles a giraffe. Best of luck, Chole
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