Wonky Legs

I will take a look at his feet tonight when I go- he had them done Feb 14th. I'll take some pictures.

He will be 3 on April 24th. He is growing still, yes. He should finish about 15.1-15.2hh.

His diet is balanced, as per feedxl, except for salt- I need to find him just a salt block, or start him on loose salt.

Yes he is still young, but I feel short rides 2-3 times a week, if that, will not damage him. He shows no sign of pain, no heat, no swelling, no limping. His left knee is getting a lot better. It's only his right knee that wobbles the most now. But it is not something that happens just from riding- he does it when he comes in from outside, standing in the cross-ties.

I will talk to my mom about having the vet out as well. She's kinda helping me financially right now... If Walter needs rest, then I wouldn't complain. He is my baby, and his health and wellbeing will always come above showing. I am actually terrified for the upcoming shows.

I hope I replied to everyone? I am at work and a little scatter-brained today. I will get hoof pics tonight though, and a video of his knees too.

Im sorry, but how can you post this...say that he gets wobbley and his knees wiggle...and then turn around and say that you feel lunging him and short rides 2-3 times a week arent hurting him.

Stop working him. Period. Get a vet out to assess him before you cause a lifetime of lameness issues. This isnt something that should be taken lightly. He has a problem. He needs to be examined.!

It very well could not even be his legs. He could have something neurological going on.
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http://www.thehorse.com/articles/12571/bouncing-knees-a-problem

This is all I can find online relating to our problem.

That vet seems to find no problem with it. But, like I said in my previous post I would talk to my mom about having the vet out to look him over.

But thanks for making me feel like the worst horse mom on the forum.

This has been going on since August. As I've stated, he's never had swelling, heat, limping, holding it out, or refusing to walk on it. I trust him to show me if he's in pain. He acts the same every day. He plays like a young horse should, I don't force him to. I don't believe this would be neurological, but hey, that's just the opinion of a useless owner.

I will still be getting pictures and videos. You(whoever wants to see them) can pm me if you want to see them. I'm out of my meds, and feeling rather in over my head today, so I don't think I'll be replying any further. It's a real punch in the gut that my observations of my own horse, who I see pretty much everyday, are completely wrong, and to be told I'm hurting my horse.

Thank you to everyone who has replied.

No one has said you are a bad horse owner. But its time for a vets assessment IMO.

I know you love Walter, I've seen numerous posts from you regarding him. And all the advice youve been given may seem harsh, but I really think resting him and getting his seen by a vet is the best way to go.

You can buy all the supplements in the world, but until you know whats going on specifically, its a waste of money.

Everyone is just looking out for the longterm soundness and happiness of your horse...and ultimately, you.
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You have a young, growing horse. Pain, inflamation, etc, are not uncommon in this situation. It can be caused by mineral imbalances, especially relating to the Calcium:Phosphorous ratio, too much protein, too much fat, too much concentrated feed..etc. Correcting any deficiencies would be the first and most important step, then, a good balanced hoof! Changing the diet and providing a good quality grassy hay is a good idea as well. With these horses that are getting sore/over at knees, limited excercise is recommended. I would definitely not be longeing on a circle as this adds stress to the tendons/muscles/joints. If you feel the need to continue riding, a light ride of walk and very little trot/jog would be best, straight lines..no circles, and then stall rest. Also, I would provide pain/inflamation relief such as Previcox or Equioxx, pending your vets review. I would keep up this regimine until your horse is no longer showing the symptoms that you are describing. If the symptoms are strictly a result of growth related issues, he should "grow out" of them. If there is more going on conformationally, then you may have continual problems. As always, consult your vet for the best course of action...

[QUOTE=xxdanioo;1914519]http://www.thehorse.com/articles/12571/bouncing-knees-a-problem

...But thanks for making me feel like the worst horse mom on the forum.

xxdanioo, you would only be the worst horse mom if you ignored the problem. You are not -- by posting you are taking positive action to learn more so you can make an informed decision.

...
I will still be getting pictures and videos. You(whoever wants to see them) can pm me if you want to see them.

I will gladly look at pics and video when available.

... It's a real punch in the gut that my observations of my own horse, who I see pretty much everyday, are completely wrong, and to be told I'm hurting my horse.

You've received distance based opinions/comments here and as such they may or may not be accurate. Don't use them as a being a reflection of yourself but rather use them as a jumping off point to educate yourself and gain knowledge. We all start out knowing nothing and the best of us keep our minds open and we take input from whatever form it comes from in and use it to better ourself.

Take care.

Don't stress! We are all just trying to help. Keep in mind that while your boy will let you know what is hurting him in the present, two things: (1) some horses show a decent tolerance for small pains and will work their heart out anyway! And (2) Walter doesn't know what will hurt or damage him in the long-term, especially if it isn't a significant bother to him right now. Don't stress or panic-- just channel it into love and care for your horse. :)

Let him play in the arena tonight- he had a small play. I took a video after when I was grooming him- there wasn't a lot of movement. I will have to load the video onto youtube. I took a couple pictures of his feet- do they look okay? Or are his heels too high?

I'm no expert on hooves, so I'll wait for someone else to respond. :)

But in the meantime.. this was informative for me! Equine Oz, Underslung Heels

Don't suppose you have any pics of the bottoms of his feet?