stepped wrong on soft ground

Its been raining alot in az and my horse and I went for a short ride walking only- he stepped on some soft ground and appears to have a sprain between his right front and his chest- its only been 2 days and he doesnt favor so I thought he was ok after about 15 minutes today he started to stumble-- do you think I should rest it or keep him walking? Linament maybe -- there is no swelling and no sore to the touch-
I am baffled
Thanks
Mary

We usually stall our horses 3-5 days for sprains depending on how bad they are. We do apply ice and liniment..my experience has been that even if I can't feel heat or swelling, they can still have mild sprains that cause limping. After 3 days, we usually see how they are doing and, if they are still limping, even a bit, go back in for another day..and check everyday just to limit their motion and let it heal.

Usually, if you really think there is a sore muscle or strained tendon in there, I would let them just have turnout for a few days and not do any forced work (riding/longing) Turnout will help them work out the sorness but not overdo it. Stalling a horse can make them restless, esp if they aren't used to it and they tend to mill around in there and tiny circles aren't good for them, either. Not to mention if they DO stand still, the whole body gets stiff.

It's possible though to have a bruise in the hoof, even if it was soft ground, sometimes there's that ONE rock or piece of wire you just didn't see that could have hit just right or even a small puncture. Just keep that in mind if the stumbling doesn't go away. It most likely is just a muscle pull or other soft tissue injury but don't discount anything just yet.

Lots of turnout or even handwalking would be good and have some fun bonding with your horse for a couple of days.

I would give him bute for a couple of days and if it doesn't clear up take him to the vet.

I would also give bute for a couple days and if it doesn't clear up get the vet. In the mean time I would allow turn-out in a small lot if you got an area like that set up. No forced work, let him move as he is comfortable with it.

I havent read the replies so apologise if I repeat anything.

I would say if you think it is sprained he should have 5-7 days rest preferably away from other horses and places where he can run around. Stall or small paddock rest is best.

I can be a little over fussy so a week may be a little excessive but I guess it really depends on the severity of the injury. If however he doesnt seem any better after 5 days or so I would get the vet out to him as he may have done more damage than at first thought