This lurker needs help. I've read the
archives on tying up but wanted some more advice. Cowboy, my 10 year old
Half Arabian (1/4 Saddlebred) and I have been doing great and planning to do
Tevis this year. We have about 650 miles over the past few years in
50s. I am a conservative rider, not interested in racing. Cowboy
has been awesome on every ride that I've done with him. Not a single
problem, until last week.
Three days ago, we went for a short ride for
fun, some trotting and cantering, in the wash. The same routine that
we've done many, many times, nothing out of the ordinary at all, and very easy
for him. On the way home, he suddenly lost impulsion, which is very
unusual for him, and I noticed his rump muscles shaking. I got off and
walked home and the muscles in his hind end were very stiff by the time we got
back. I just couldn't believe that this was happening.
Has anyone else experienced tying up from out of the blue like
this? And what did you do about it? Is it possible it
could just be an isolated incidence or can I expect this to be a major
problem from now on? He looks ok today, and seems to be moving
fine. His urine was never discolored, as far as I saw. I am
hand walking him and then will pony, then start riding again, depending on how
he continues to look and feel. I had a 50 planned for April 16th,
but thinking I should forget about that regardless of how well he is doing next
week?
I thought my feeding / management
program was good. I generally only do a conditioning ride once a week
(usually about 12-15 miles) and then do pleasure riding or some arena
work 1-2 days. He is turned out on about a 1/2 acre
24/7. Daily,
he eats bermuda grass hay, practically free choice, about 3-4
lbs. of alfalfa, about 3-4 lbs. of Strategy, and beet pulp. I
generally put loose salt in his feed, but not religiously. Currently, I've
been out of it for a few weeks. I don't think he uses the salt block
much.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know
there can be many different causes- not enough warm-up, too much grain, too much
calcium, e'lyte imbalance etc., but I haven't changed anything in my program and
never had any problems before. He is currently in the best shape that he
has ever been in. I am so hoping to try Tevis and other great rides this
year.
