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This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Lameness topics not covered above »
  Discussion on Choppy gait ?
Author Message
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 2:02 pm:

Hi everyone, Just wanted to find out from anyone who has ridden on extremly frozen ground if it caused your horse to have a choppy gait and be very stiff and unwilling when ridden. My horse has pads on to keep the snow balls out and was shod 4 weeks ago. For 2 days now he is very tender on his front feet ,not wanting to trot out at all, just tiny tiny steps at the trot. (Ruling out for the the time being hoof diseases. He has no heat or swelling and is fine at the walk )The ground is rock hard frozen. I am thinking thats it. I was wondering if anyone else has had that problem?
Thanks Katrina
Member:
Sswiley

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 3:00 pm:

Horses vary greatly on their tolerance to different types of footing. Some would have no problem blasting over that ground. Some either have sensitive feet or are just cautious. I would just give him the benefit of the doubt and chock it up to being careful. How is he on asphalt?
Member:
Liliana5

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 3:30 pm:

MMM It is very slippery ... makes it hard to balance especially if you are a bit fidgety while riding.

Personally I didn't ride when it was like that, maybe I'm chicken but I really think it is not safe to ride under those conditions. But, it takes all sorts...

I now live in the Caribbean so my problem is at midday when you can fry an egg on the road!

Ah, also they can get flashed by the whiteness on the ground.

So to answer your question after all this yes they walked funny…
Member:
Erika

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 28, 2006 - 3:45 pm:

Hi Katrina, I live in NJ too. It has been so bitterly cold lately after all that thaw. I think the ground is just suddenly rock hard. He may be just adjusting to the change. Maybe he slipped in turnout recently and is just being careful.
You are better than I am about getting out in this. Good for you! I am praying for spring!
Member:
Paul303

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2006 - 12:39 am:

From another Jersey : ditto, Erika, ditto, ditto, ditto!
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2006 - 6:19 am:

Thanks everyone. I am going to ride at another barn today in an indoor. I will see how he goes on soft ground. He is wimpy about the slightest pain which is a good thing He tells me something is wrong. I only ride about 1/2 hour in this weather and usually its just a slow trail ride. I am nuts I think to get out in this. :-) Hoping its the hard ground and not something else.
Thanks everyone,
Katrina
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2006 - 6:22 am:

Shelly I forgot to mention he is great walking on asphalt when he was barefoot. Now he is shod he is very cautious and I never trot on asphalt so I wouldnt know. Thanks
Katrina
Member:
Sswiley

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2006 - 9:06 am:

Sounds like he is just cautious about slipping, what a good boy. Bare feet are sooo much better on asphalt. I avoid the stuff as much as possible with a shod horse. Hope thats it.
Member:
Kthorse

Posted on Wednesday, Mar 1, 2006 - 11:46 am:

Well everyone it was the frozen ground. He is fine. This NJ weather is so different to what I am used to so many new problems. Now I know that he doesnt feel safe on frozen ground we wont be riding on it any more.
Thanks everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katrina
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