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I bought a new (to me) horse late last year and have been riding her for
about a month.  She weaned a baby in October and has been out of condition
for a couple of years due to pregnancy, etc.

I was concerned about her left stifle when I bought her due to a clicking
sound emanating from the area on every step.  During the prepurchase exam,
the veterinarian indicated she felt the clicking was most likely due to
lack of conditioning, pregnancy, etc.  After a month of conditioning and
two 25 mile races I have noted marginal improvement in the frequency of
the clicking and am interested in knowing what kinds of exercises I can
give the horse to strengthen her and hopefully completely eliminate the
stifle issue and related noise.

We finished our second 25 mile race together last weekend, starting 8
minutes after the pack and crossing the finish line first.  I couldn't
resist a solo race-in, as I finally found my new horse's abilities in the
last quarter mile of a race, but that little jaunt cost us a few places. 
:-)  The horse has completed 100 mile races in the past, and I'm confident
she will be able to do that again IF I can get her over this stifle issue.

Suggestions so far have been hill work and backing in a figure-eight
pattern.  I appreciate any other insights.


Thank you,

Mike

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