Stumbling

[Jerry Kopp <jkopp@ohio.net>]

How normal is it to have a horse who stumbles?  While on the trail today we
were trotting along when my horse stumbled on a tree root, couldn't recover
and did a face plant into the trail.  I went sailing over his head, but no
major damage to him or me.  Had a helmet on.  He is a young five and we
mostly just walk and trot the trails but I notice he does not pay alot of
attention to where he is going.  He is always looking around or trying to
grab leaves to eat.  While he does fine on on level wide trails ( who
wouldn't)  but when on narrow, woody, rutted trails he does seem to stumble
, especially when the trail dips down and then up quickly.  I'm curious as
to how common stumbling is amongst those of you who put on way more miles
than we have ridden so far.  Does it improve with age? Conditioning? His
feet are trimmed regularly, he has front shoes and bare feet behind.  My
farrier trims his toes back like I ask.  I would appreciate any suggestions
as today was alittle unnerving.  Thanks.

Roxanne and Boomer 


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