Hock issues

[secuono]

Mini started this recently, not as bad when walking on her own.

So what is this horse's issue, what causes this? Can it be cured, lessened or just a maintenance thing?

Can these horses be used at all or just be pets? Is carting less or more strain than ridden for this issue?

 

[secuono]

I tried to get a video, but forgot to do up her tail. It's not easy to spot if she's not pulling anything.

https://youtu.be/FMWCkIGyRuM

 

[chandab]

I really don't know, but I wonder if you can strengthen the muscles in the hind legs doing low step overs (low cavalettis) and hill work (similar exercises to what strengthens for locking stifle issues).

 

[secuono]

They live on a track, so they constantly hike up and down hills.

But I'll see if I can scrounge up some poles for them to walk over and lift their feet.

In this pic, you can see one side of the track and that is goes down to a flat area, then up another hill to get back to the top, which is flat.

 

[Debby - LB]

Thank you for posting this it's a good example video.

There are several scenarios to choose from here. Uneven hooves from incorrect trimming is a contributing factor, but is not the root cause in all cases.
Hock-wringing/twisting sometimes comes from a muscle imbalance in the hindlegs whch could be addressed with exercise but that muscle imbalance (which could also have come from trauma) most likely is a conformational issue. This could be genetic and coming from skeletal problems higher up.

The most common cause of hock-wringing is a rotational deviation in the hock. The bones composing the hock joint collectively make a slight cork-screw like turn. Like people the horse may not bear their weight perfectly evenly on the hoof wall, hence creating a problem in their hooves that the rest of their skeleton dictates. A good farrier can help tremendously.

 

[secuono]

She's a little cow & sickle hocked.

Forgot to add that to the OP.

 

[Ryan Johnson]

What do you do with the mini in question ? Is this one that you are training to drive ?

The horse in the opening post has very weak hocks. If I was viewing this horse with an option to buy for jumping or driving , it would be the decider for me.

I think you need to look at it as the "Hock" is like our "ankle" in many regards. Its also the "spring" when jumping , so as you can imagine a "strong" hock is must for these activities.

There are so many treatments for weak hocks, as mentioned above. Strengthening exercises may help . You could talk to your vet about injections if you decide to go down that path. I also agree that the issue could be coming from higher up, but looking at the video in the opening post , Its weak hocks for me.

 

[secuono]

Posted a link earlier, trying again.

Not sure why it didn't load like the original.




Nope, it won't work....

Click on the link to the video of my mini.

 

[secuono]

It was moving as much as the big horse's hock does when she was pulling the cart a short distance.

Video I linked of my mini is how much it moves without the extra strain of a cart.

She does nothing 90% of the time, just being a horse. Haven't done anything with her since the issue was noticed.

 

[Mona]

I noticed your mini is dragging her toes as she walk forward. She is moving very slowly and seems reluctant to lift her legs to move them forward in a step, on both sides, but maybe even slightly more on her left. Could be back issues. Any equine chiropractors around there? Or even have your vet check her out along her topline good.

 

[secuono]

Took a slow-mo video.
At 2:09, she looses control of her left hind.
Will be looking around for a good vet who knows how to deal with these issues. My vets haven't a clue and I don't want to waste time and money on blind guesses.

Click the link below.
https://youtu.be/daucCr_vA6s

 

[Mona]

You need to either get her to a reputable EQUINE vet, or an equine chiropractor.

 

[secuono]

My vets are technically horse vets, but none seem to focus on them or any livestock spieces. Good for general things, but not these issues.

Got some recommendations for a vet and calling in the morning.

Have info for a chiro I used in the past for my riding gelding, will find her info and contact her as well.

 

[Ryan Johnson]

I agree with Mona, you really need someone who specializes in horses.

Id start with a Chiro and see if they are able to provide any help. After watching the Video of you leading her, I dont actually think the hock is the issue, I reckon its coming from higher up.

Do you have any Equine massage Therapists near you ?

 

[secuono]

I forgot to mention, she's not fond of her hocks being touched. I feel no heat nor swelling. Went over to my other three's hocks, they couldn't of cared less.

 

[Cayuse]

I had a pony who did what she does at 2:09. He had stifle issues. I am not saying that is what your girl has, just that it looks very similar to me. It is good that you are looking for a vet who is more familiar with lameness problems. I have a lame pony right now and it has been difficult to get a concrete diagnosis. We first thought knees, but he blocked positive for feet.

 

[secuono]

Okay you guys, have a husband question for the pros. He asks, "How bad would it to be to just leave her be as just a companion forever? Or until it is causing her physical pain?"

Anyone know the answer for me to forward to him?

Working was never a necessity for her to be with us.

Got in contact with the chiro I used for Dunie, Thursday she may be able to come out for her.

 

[chandab]

They don't mind being pasture puffs, so if she's not in physical pain, I don't see why she can't be a companion with her only job being your friend and therapist.

 

[Mona]

Okay you guys, have a husband question for the pros. He asks, "How bad would it to be to just leave her be as just a companion forever? Or until it is causing her physical pain?"

Anyone know the answer for me to forward to him?

Working was never a necessity for her to be with us.

Got in contact with the chiro I used for Dunie, Thursday she may be able to come out for her.

I don't see anything wrong with horses being pasture pets for life if they are not in pain, HOWEVER, to me, she looks like she is is pain. I really think it needs to be checked out thoroughly, whether or not she's going to be retired to pasture pet. Even if she is in pain, the vet can possibly recommend a pain therapy plan for her. Wishing you the best of luck.

 

[secuono]

It's like she was born for it, too bad her body doesn't seem to be.

She was grazing on the wrong side, so couldn't get to her buddies. So she came over to graze by me so she'd have a friend. Once I finished messing with a fence, it was time to show her the way to the others. Somehow, I ended up "driving" her with nothing more than words and hand waves! Keeping her straight when she veered, asking for turns a d sending her on her way alone. She's such a smart cookie.