MY HORSE IS A BIT OFF AT CANTER (to the right)...

Maybe some of you could give me some advice on what to do with the small problem I am having this week with my horse.

He seems a bit off going to the right, mostly at the canter. When I lunge him to the right he seems to trot okay. But when I ask him to canter he is very reluctant. He rather trot exptremely quickly than pick up the canter immediately. When he finally does canter he is short strided on the right front leg. He doesn't want to keep the canter for long and seems a little uncomfortable. But he seems perfectly fine trotting and cantering to the left.

A friend mentioned it might be a hook bruise that's causing some pain. I checked his leg and no hot spots or swelling. He was fine when I messed with his leg and poked and prodded at him. I'm really not sure what to do.

Any suggestions on what may be the problem, what I should check for or some possible treatments/remedies? I would greatly appreciate any help.

Most horses are better on one side than the other. But this has just happened right? If their are no visible signs I suggest a chiropractor. Worked wonders on my horse! :)

He could very well have put his shoulder out or tweeked it. I'd give him a few days rest and then see what happens. IF he's still sore after a few days and not cantering correctly (because I am assuming this a just a recent problem) then have a vet or a Chiro come out to take a peek :)

Jenn

A few days rest is a good idea. So is a chiropractor if things just don't seem to get better. I cantered him the other night while riding and he wouldn't pick up the correct lead go to the right. When he finally did, someone commented that he looked really good. She couldn't notice that he was off. I think I want to get a chiropractor out for him anyway. Couldn't hurt! I've had an equine massage therapist out for his birthday last year and he LOVED it. Almost melted in the cross ties. Hopefully it's just a minor "ouchy" and nothing serious because it isn't very noticeable. Mostly to me because I've had him for 7-8yrs and know how he moves. I've also got him on a supplement that contains joint support.

My good friend has a BIG 16.1 hand Morab and he's got a shoulder "thing" no one has quite figured out why or what it is. Every so often he just gets funky. The Chiro comes out and he's good to go. But you can tell when he's off because he's VERY irritable when you canter and won't take a certain lead (forgot which) and it's so choppy!! Good luck, and let us know!

Jenn

My good friend has a BIG 16.1 hand Morab and he's got a shoulder "thing" no one has quite figured out why or what it is. Every so often he just gets funky. The Chiro comes out and he's good to go. But you can tell when he's off because he's VERY irritable when you canter and won't take a certain lead (forgot which) and it's so choppy!! Good luck, and let us know!

Jenn

He has always favored the left side anyway. So it doesn't surprise me that he's off to the right I guess.

When I rode him the other night he wasn't picking up the correct lead. When he finally did a trainer was watching and she said he looked good and balanced. So I don't think it's as noticeable to others as it is to me because I've had him for 7-8yrs and know how he moves. Make me feel slightly better that it's not very obvious to others. I don't think it's me being paranoid though. I think I'll give him a few days rest and re-evaluate the situation. I may plan for a chiropractor to come out and/or ultimately a vet.

And.... 16.1 seems large for an Arab/Morgan cross.

Yeah, he's a genetic freak! His mom was only just 15 hands and dad is 14.2 or 3. Don't know HOW Beau became so large..........no one knows????