Years ago I started a horse in
endurance training who fell (in hand)on wet grass with his hind end under
him. He exhibited classic back pain and eventually atrophy of his left
hind muscling from the top of his butt to his pin bone when viewed from the
back. After the injury, I worked this horse on and off for more
than 18 months using acupuncture and chiropractic (the latter having to
endure the cynicism of my very traditional vet husband). At any rate, I
traded him to a pleasure riding home and ended up with the wild child I have
now, who while not as safe, at least is sound.
My question: the first horse
developed an offset tail after his injury. He had always carried his tail
straight before the fall. Just recently I have noticed my current horse
(have ridden him on an off for four years), now in consistant training, is
carrying his tail off to the side when being ridden. He appears absolutely
sound and happy. We have been riding four times a week, mostly walk and
jog for 5-10 miles a session. He shows no lamesness or back pain.
His saddle seems to fit well. I have trained and ridden distance horses
for 20 years and never had this happen, though I am 20 pounds heavier than I
used to be, I am fairly sure I am riding balanced.
Has any one had experience with
crooked tails, especially when relating to injury? Or do you think it is
just coincidence and my current horse is responding to being legged up better
than he ever was before. He is 13, absolutely as symetical as a horse can
be, 15.2 and 'sturdy'. He is a Bay Abi and Alladdin grandson (to
give you an idea of his build).
Laura Hayes
AERC
#2741