Did I start my horse too early?

Did you feel the fluid or just went by what the massage therapist said. From my understanding there are no true qualifications, as verified by a state governing board,. Many people take online courses and hang up a shingle.

She made me feel the fluid, I couldn't feel much, but when we did the stress test with both hocks, one was fine, and there was a definite limp with the other one.

She's getting some time off, no matter what the cause, I don't want to work her if she's the least bit sore. And I work at my vet clinic tmw morning, so am planning on asking the equine vet on call if he think it's worth a trip out, or if time off will be enough.

I'm very glad to see that you're not only concerned for the wellbeing of your horse, but you're willing to do something to make her feel better and prevent anything later on. Props to you and well wishes for her! Hopefully your vet will get you guys on the right track again in no time.

Yes.

For heaven sakes - it's winter. The ground is frozen and there are icy patches. A simple mis-step or slip could account for what the EMT found.

I agree, this could be with something she simply did out in her paddock.

I think you started her well, and the therapist was just out of line.
Talk to your vet, and think about now, just getting her back to 100%. Start her back slow, and let her tell you how it's going.

I don't know exactly how much you were working her, but with a youngster, it's easy to over work them. They're smart and learning quickly, so our instinct is to just keep going, when really for them, it's the place to stop. I would just take it easy bringing her back, just in case, for whatever reason the work was a little too much. But really, to me, this sounds more like she slipped or something outside, rather than too much work. You seem knowledgeable and in tune with how she's working, and what she can handle.

That's the plan!

Regardless, do not blame yourself. You obviously care a lot for her well being and there are countless reasons there could be "fluid" but relax. She'll be fine because you know what you're doing and have good intentions of calling the right people to do what needs to be done.

If that wasn't vague enough.. she's in your good hands!

Hey guys! First off, thanks for all the support & input, I appreciate it. I had my vet out today, after he looked at her, I straight up asked him if it was my fault - with no hesitation he said no . He thinks it's her conformation in the hind that's a little off, so with the amount of work she's doing, it's bound to flare up - as he put it, she's an athlete. Athletes get sore. So true. So I'm going to start her on some Conquer (oral hyaluronic acid), and am thinking of trying those Back-On-Track boots? Has anyone ever heard of them/do they work? Any input is appreciated, thanks!

If she is rising 4yrs then I'd turn her out for the winter giving her a lonish break, then bring back really slowly - eg Walking only for the first month to allow ligaments and tendons to harden up before getting into more serious work.

Personally I don't like to back mine until they are around 3½ - my 3yr old has just had a back end growth - I despair as she is already around 17hh! My 5yr old has only been broken for 10 months and is in light work - I want them to last well and sound for as long as possible so allow the skeleton to mature before working harder.