RE: advice needed re: stifles

[ISLNDGRL@aol.com]

    Hey Campers...since there is talk about strides, thought I could solicit 
some advice on how to deal with my horses' stilfes........as I am ready to 
slam my head against a wall.  I have posted before, Moriah is 6yo 14.2 Morgan 
mare who lives on air.  she is the old type Morgan frame.....short backed, 
stocky built.  I have her nutrition under control with the help of 
Susan....but my problems are that with my recent injuries this past two years 
she has been ridden sporadically and is FAT .  She has always had "weak " 
stifles even when she was in fair shape.  Now, that she is REALLY out of 
shape her stifles are worse, right is worse than left.  Initially she was 
just lazy in the rear....not picking up her legs well.......but she wasn't 
off. (the vet said she could see her stifles "popping in and out"  walking up 
the barn aisle.  )  I started doing ground poles and backing her in hand 
........but I think I was too zealous in my efforts .  Since then she has 
"lagging " on the right hind that is intermittent, that she didn't have 
before.  I  have ridden her at a walk only  that doesn't seem to aggravate 
the situation........I have got to get the weight off of her......but I am 
not sure about riding her with this intermittent lagging thing............
What do I do?   Jog with her in hand?  Ride at a walk?  Some trotting?  Leave 
her to rest in pasture?  Still doing ground poles and some backing ......less 
aggressively. I could have her taught to drive (after resting right now of 
course) .. and not ride her ( I am a not a featherweight!) ,  but then I have 
no horse to ride........
I do have her on GAG's and as little feed/hay that I can give her......

  Sincerely appreciate  any advice
Kathy and Moriah  (Mommys' pride and joy)


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