Stifle???

[Cindy <clb@micron.net>]

I went for a slow 10 mile ride with some friends today.  I notice my
mare slowing and stopping going down hil, at first.  Then  she started
kind of hopping down hill every so often.  I got off and walked behind
her aways, she seemed some better while I was off.   I thought possibly
it could be her stifle.  It only seemed to happen down hill at first.  I
had on a new biothane girth and realized the saddle  had gone farther
forward than usual ( I ride with a pretty loose girth) and tryed to
ajust the saddle, but everyone watching her travel thought it could be a
stifle hanging up.  I got home walking with her a good part of the
ride.   When I rode her, she  would stop, take a couple of sideways
steps, then trot off to catch up. She is usually in front!  Back at home
I found two big girth sores in the fold of her leg on both sides. I am
kicking myself for not finding them sooner!!  Now I think I will still
take her to the Vet on Tuesday, but I was curious to know if any one had
any experience with stifle/girth sores  that cause a similar problem.
Cindy