Re: Tripping in Fjord horses
This message is from: Starfire Farm Tripping can be the result of a number of things: The rider's balance over the horse's front legs; A lazy horse; An inattentive horse; A tense horse; A horse that has not been warmed up well enough; A horse lacking hindquarter/loin strength; A horse that is not supple; A horse not ridden/driven in proper balance; A horse falling through the inside shoulder on a circle; Incorrect farrier work; An orthopedic condition that requires veterinary diagnosis/attention. These could be in combination, or the result of only one condition, but it happens. Tripping in a horse that does not do this normally can indicate arthritic changes, onset of navicular disease or just sore feet. I currently have a Fjord in training that would habitually trip at the beginning of a warm-up session. The training goal for this horse is to improve his collection in dressage, eventually teaching him piaffe, passage and all of the other "goodies" that go along with that here. He could be a bit tense (just a little) until he warmed up. He was also used to carrying his rider over his left shoulder (the position that was the rider's habit), therefore he would tense his left shoulder/back to try to ease the discomfort (essentially protect himself from pain.) This horse would actually look like he was lame when trotting, but he was just trying to cope with his out-of-balance rider, which eventually turned into a pattern of uneven/unlevel trot steps. Working through collected exercises, both in-hand and under saddle, has helped this horse develop strength and balance that he did not have previously. In addition, my farrier and I have been "problem solving" his front limb movement and ended up setting his shoes back a bit (not a "natural" trim, but has the same effect without shaving away and weakening the hoof wall, which is what happens in this neck of the woods) which seems to have helped. Long warm-up sessions and frequent breaks during his work sessions have also helped. He is much stronger in his hindquarters (like...Buns of Steel!) and is now a blast to ride in both collection, medium and working towards extended gaits. Hope this helps. Beth On 2/6/2012 6:39 PM, Marie wrote: This message is from: Marie Hi all Has anyone here had a problem with their horses tripping or stumbling? My gelding Sam occasionally stumbles when being ridden and when being worked in hand. It is scary and frustrating. He seems to trip mostly at the walk, but once in a while at the trot. I have been trimming his hooves.myself for the past two years, but am planning on having a professional out to evaluate his hoof balance. I also plan on working on his overall strength and fitness, as I believe that is probably playing a role on the tripping. I would greatly appreciate any input and to hear if anyone else has dealt with this problem on any of their horses, as well as solutions they found. Thank you Marie (and Samsun) from Long Island Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l -- Beth Beymer and Sandy North Starfire Farm, LLC www.starfirefarm.com Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Tripping in Fjord horses
This message is from: S K Marie, My Andy ( 8yr. old ) tripped badly when Chris Lombard had him in a trot last summer...I thought he was going down..! I have a farrier whose been with me for 12 yrs...He's been a farrier for many yrsChris says it's because even though I have a large training ring it's because the horse is basically going in a circle...but I've also seen my girlfriends qhorse who was 16 yrs...almost fall in the riding ringI asked Chris who thinks it's because horses can't see immediately in front of them... This is a very interesting topic, one I will most definitely read closely. Susan From: Marie To: fjordhorse@angus.mystery.com Sent: Monday, February 6, 2012 8:39 PM Subject: Tripping in Fjord horses This message is from: Marie Hi all Has anyone here had a problem with their horses tripping or stumbling? My gelding Sam occasionally stumbles when being ridden and when being worked in hand. It is scary and frustrating. He seems to trip mostly at the walk, but once in a while at the trot. I have been trimming his hooves.myself for the past two years, but am planning on having a professional out to evaluate his hoof balance. I also plan on working on his overall strength and fitness, as I believe that is probably playing a role on the tripping. I would greatly appreciate any input and to hear if anyone else has dealt with this problem on any of their horses, as well as solutions they found. Thank you Marie (and Samson) from Long Island Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone Important Fjord Horse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
Re: Tripping in Fjord horses
This message is from: Bonnie Morris Hello Marie and Samsun Yes I have seen this issue come up in a few different Fjords that I have trained. The best thing to do is have a well respected farrier evaluated the situation. Your vet may have a good recommendation.Without seeing the horse I can only guess, but I can tell you about some of the other Fjords that have had this issue.One had not been trimmed correctly in a long time and the hoof angles were very off.Another one hit toe first and was very scary. This one's toe had to be taken way back and a rolled shoe put on. It solved the problem, but had to be done regularly to keep from tripping, another one had founder issues that could not be totally helped.And some times they need just need work over poles to get them to pick up their feet and learn how to balance themselves.For what ever reason I have seen this issue come up more in the Fjords than other breeds that I have worked with. Good luck with Samsun Hopefully this issue will be something simple! Bonnie Morris Western WA Windy, but sunny:) -Original Message- From: Marie To: fjordhorse Sent: Mon, Feb 6, 2012 5:40 pm Subject: Tripping in Fjord horses This message is from: Marie i all as anyone here had a problem with their horses tripping or stumbling? y gelding Sam occasionally stumbles when being ridden and when being worked in and. t is scary and frustrating. He seems to trip mostly at the walk, but once in a hile at the trot. have been trimming his hooves.myself for the past two years, but am planning n having a professional out to evaluate his hoof balance. also plan on working on his overall strength and fitness, as I believe that is robably playing a role on the tripping. would greatly appreciate any input and to hear if anyone else has dealt with his problem on any of their horses, as well as solutions they found. hank you arie (and Samsun) from Long Island ent from my Verizon Wireless Phone Important FjordHorse List Links: ubscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e H-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw H-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw FH-L Shirts: http://tinyurl.com/8yky94l
