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HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Diseases of the Upper Rear Limb » Stifle Lameness » Stifle Lock: Upward Fixation of the Patella »
  Discussion on Stifle Lock and Tie Training
Author Message
Member:
hev1

Posted on Sunday, Aug 29, 2010 - 12:28 pm:

Hi Dr. O: I have a young pony filly (1 year old) who is exhibiting moderate bilateral stifle lock.She will probably mature around 13.2hh. My vet and I are both of the "wait and see" approach, hoping that this is something she may grow out of. She is on 24 hour turn-out with an old pony we have. What would be your advice on beginning her tie training with this condition? I normally do this earlier(around 6 months), but with the UFP I held off as I know she will struggle the first few times. Should I continue to hold of until she is older and see if the condition improves or do you think the UFP would not be an issue with this initial training? She leads just fine and is handled on a daily basis. Also, is there any evidence of UFP being hereditary? I was hoping to use this young lady exclusively as a broodmare when she matures. I own both her parents and neither show any signs of the problem. I am also aware of her grandparents and further back in her pedigree and again, no history of UFP. One thing I would mention is that this filly was a VERY large foal and took a few hours longer than normal for her to really become stable on her legs. Many Thanks for your insight.
Member:
juliem

Posted on Sunday, Aug 29, 2010 - 5:47 pm:

I can't speak to the stifle issue, but tie training does not have to involve a struggle! If your filly really understands giving to pressure, moving her hindquarters, etc. tying should be a natural progression and a non event. I don't tie my weanlings and yearlings hard until they really give to pressure on the halter from both sides and straight ahead. Then I loop the rope through a ring or rail and while I hold it I move their hind quarters back and forth so they learn they can move their feet while still giving to pressure. Before tying solid, I also use a tie ring that gives a bit of slack if a horse should pull back or else I loop the rope through a ring or around a rail and then run it a bit further so I can hold it and allow them to drift a bit and then step forward with pressure I apply. I've actually never had a weanling put up a fight because I don't tie them until they know to give immediately to pressure--that way they find their own release when they step forward. I also never tie a horse that I'm going to do something adverse to, like shots, etc, even bathing until they are familiar with it, I just hold them and tip their nose to me while they can move their feet all they want. I think just tying a youngster and letting them work it out and fight is sort of a short cut that could easily end in injury. Why not train the horse to tie? Short circuit the whole claustraphobic event and do your youngster a favor.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2010 - 10:07 pm:

Hello Boomer,
If the stifle locks tight for short periods of times I too think injury is more likely when the horse fights the tie. It is amazing how few horses with upward fixation injure themselves but I have seen a few.
DrO
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