Stifles?

When I started with this mare 4 years ago, I was never told that she had problems with her stifles

This was brought to my attention when I had the vet out to look at her because she was lame, and we couldn't tell if it was the front or the back.

Anyway, the vet came out. She had abscessed in a front foot as well as a front. The vet also said she had slight "something" in her stifles. I can't remember the word, but it's nothing very serious.

Anyway, I've decided that I'm never going to jump past 2'4" ever again. Jumping will only be 2-3 times a week, depending on what goes on on the other days (not like we're jumping courses. Just over 1 to 3 jumps for fun)

I'll just generally be more careful with her.

Does anyone know of anything that should/shouldn't be done with a horse that has a problem in their stifles?

I want to make sure that my riding her isn't going to wear her down any faster than it would be

Horses with stifles usually do better when ridden often.
Walking over small jumps and hill work is good for them.
Try to keep the horse at a proper weight. If they are overweight there is more stress on the joint.
My one mare with stifles is fine for the most part, but the muscle will give out if I do too much repetitive tight turning and pivoting.

Yay!! I'm doing good so far then!! Without even knowing it!

I'm there every day, so if I'm not riding we're going for a walk or doing something.

Our trails are PLENTY hilly >.>
I got lucky with my mare, sh's a super easy keep!

Make sure not to ride the horse if it doesn't have stifles.


Do you think you can be a bit more specific OP? There are a lot of things that occur with the stifles...fractures, soft tissue damage, joint problems, OCD, UFP...

Some issues can be resolved with conditioning whereas some can only be resolved through surgery. If she is having lameness issues with her stifles I would not jump her.

Oh no! The lameness is nothing do with the stifles. The vet says it is nothing to worry about and really isn't going to get any worse.
It's just how she's made. If I were to ride her really hard all the time always, she would get worse
But she has a very regulated work schedual and it won't be any worse.
I'm just taking extra care because I can and makes me a littles less worried.

I'll have to find the vet bill to see if she wrote it down(:
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah CK, only horses with stifles should be ridden. I'm not sure what you are supposed to do with the other ones!