Agree with G.
While this is not particularly relevant to the stifle issue, you might want to read Easy Gaited Horses by Lee Ziegler.
Also, be wary of any advice suggesting that you need a shanked bit or long toes/special gaited hoof trim. If your horse gaits nicely barefoot with a snaffle, stick with it.
Very handsome boy! He looks lovely. :yes:
- I agree no lounging with stifle issues
- Also agree stifles issues are common in Walkers
I have 2 TWH with stifle issues. Mind you, it is not uncommon in a younger walker to drop out behind on occasion as his fitness improves. The joint is quite lax in them. My 6 yr old is doing it less often now, but honestly, all of mine have done it occasionally (I’ve had 4 Walkers).
Here has been my experience:
16 yr old- problems with being stiff and not performing well started around 11; he also fell out behind. He’s got a bit of the hock/stifle combo issue. He gets joint injections for hocks and stifles every spring and has been able to maintain being ridden with little issue. He gets Equioxx and an oral joint supplement as well. He’s doing well.
8 yr old- bad left stifle that never got better. He was 3/5 lame when attempting to do more than a walk. We did injections, Adequan, PRP, stifle ligament splitting, and also tried EPM treatment. Nothing worked so he eventually was retired at my daughter in law’s family farm. So not a great result .
IMO, I would try a few things either in combination or solo so we can assess what works:
- Estrone (IM injection of estrogen) to help the ligament issues.
- I would also add Adequan.
- I would use poles and/or hills depending on what is available this time of year.
- I would not lounge. Are you riding him as a Walker and gaiting him or do you trot him? I saw jumping photos so wasn’t sure. If you have a Walker and he gaits well, gait him. That’s what they are meant to do.
- Add a joint supplement (my sports med vet recommends that me)
- If the above fail, discuss the medial ligament splitting procedure with your vet. It’s very minimally invasive and works well if the ligament issue is the main/only cause of lameness
This exactly. My 6 yr old has a nice, deep gait under saddle. On the lounge, he trots. None of mine trot as I will not let them. But I do show them and they must show their gait, not a trot. My 8 yr old would do a very off-trotty movement when I used to ride him during his issues. I just call him my wonky walker now with a “hitch” in his giddyup.
I would avoid trotting him and make sure he is moving as he should be. This probably won’t solve his stifle issue but is something to be considered.
if she would share his diagnosis it would help.
