Question about galloping...

[Joyrider]

Hi all,

What might you suggest for an OTTB who is now a Prelim eventer who gallops quite well on the left lead buuuuut not so well on the right? To the right, he leans on his right shoulder, throws his hips left and gives his rider actual left thigh muscle fatigue. She was sore for three days after her last conditioning gallops. He is not a strong puller in the bridle - rides in a full cheek French link. His dressage is REALLY coming along and he is balanced and soft at all three gaits. He has excellent transitions and rides even and straight at the canter. He’s been getting very low 30’s. He has terrific scope for jumping and jumps well off of both leads. He is well broke over jumps and …straight. It is just at the gallop that this crookedness comes out it seems. What can the rider do? Thanks!

[beowulf]

I would think he is not sound. Crookedness is always a sign of discomfort somewhere in my book. The only exception being when they are in the last few minutes of the course and you are nursing them home or they are not fit for the level and are exhausted… Even then, I’d be going with physical first. Take a hard look at him and make sure everything is symmetrical: shoulders, topline, hindquarters…

[TKR]

I would find a good equine chiro and go over him and adjust whatever needs it – and something will! This could be a huge help. Also have a massage therapist go over him. He is probably not as developed or as strong on that side after being a racehorse with a bias to the left. I would go back to basics and do alot of flat work, dressage, etc to the right to help him get more comfortable and stronger AFTER the two therapists go over him. Good luck!

[Toblersmom]

Agree that there’s probably a subtle something that’s bothering him but only with the higher impact/stress of galloping. Same general idea as a horse that’s sound on soft ground but lame on hard ground.