Leg problems??????????

gottafewhorses · 07-24-2008, 06:12 PM

Hi, I am new to owning a mini horse. We bought one at an auction sale, and the next morning after I brought him home I noticed his hind legs seem to lock up. It's like the joints have to pop, then he can move. If he keeps moving he is okay, but first thing in the morning or when he has stood in one spot for a long time you really notice it. It is both of his hind legs, they just seem to lock up. Does anyone know why this might be or if he will always be like this.
I believed minis were not to be ridden. Is this correct? This guy is saddle broke and a girl +-60 lbs rode him.
He is 5 years old. Any advice is appreciated . Thanks

horsegirl4 · 07-24-2008, 06:20 PM

it sounds like his stifles are locking up. i dont think minis are suppose to be ridden at all they are to little. with rest and no riding he might get better but im not sure, have a vet check him

Sassy · 07-24-2008, 06:23 PM

Hum we had a little mini we took in to find a home for her who had a rear leg that seemed to pop out of teh hip if she was idle to long her leg would get stiff like she was unable to use it. But then it woudl sort of pop and she woudl be fine!? Run trot everything with out a hitch! I am not sure about riding them. We had a mini, not a true mini I think and he was our sons pony. Our son was around 52-56 lbs then and his pony was about 10.1-10.2hh give or take and he handle being riden fine! Depends I guess on mini's size and size of rider! But there was a name for the joint popping our little mini mare had. Just can't recall what it was! But I believe it was a lock stifle!?

TheUpNorthCowgirl · 07-24-2008, 08:38 PM

It does sound like locking stifles. It's actually a common problem in minis.
I personally don't approve of riding minis. They can be ridden, but I don't recomend it, especially with the locking stifles. You may want to try a joint supplement like Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM. The vet told me a little work, or keeping them in a paddock with a gradual hill or incline can help naturally strengthen the muscles around the stifle as well.

lbequ4002 · 07-24-2008, 08:49 PM

If you can leave him out it would be best because he can move all the time. You could also have them cut but I wouldn't bother on a rescue mini. I wouldn't ride him unless it was pony rides for really small kids. Like someone said a joint supplement might help.

minilover101 · 07-24-2008, 09:59 PM

Minis can be ridden if they are the right size and the child is not too big. It wont hurt them. It would probably be best if he was out so he could move around enough as lbequ4002 said.

kaykay · 07-26-2008, 05:41 PM

I agree its most likely upward fixation of the patella (locking stifles) very heriditary and rampant in miniature horses. Backing him up will unlock them and exercising him up and down hill will help. The surgery to stop it from locking is not very expensive and does help a lot. But shouldnt be done on horses under age 3. Minis can be ridden if done properly and not overweighted. Remember to count the weight of the saddle

secondhandranch · 07-28-2008, 10:04 PM

i had a 9h mini stud that had the same problem. whenever i stalled him overnight he would be all locked up but it was just one leg. he was fine as long as he got to move around freely i the pasture.

Genile · 08-02-2008, 10:52 PM

I also have a mini that does this.. Warrior seems to lock up when he turns most of the time.. Like his entire leg is turning in ward and he pivots instead of picking them up to move. Otherwise he is very healthy and a nice looking horse. Mini's certainly can be ridden to an extent. When in Berlin Germany I worked with a children's riding school that had a lot of saddle broke mini's for the very little children to ride. Bear in mind we are talking about no one over the age of 6 here. And certainly each child was placed with an appropriately sized mount.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Leg Tightener?	Lopin	Health & Nutrition	6	08-08-2007 05:14 PM
One Rein Stop- Leg or no leg?	Mule Fool	Training	19	10-03-2006 09:01 PM
leg stretches	bettymo	Health & Nutrition	6	06-23-2006 08:45 AM
Leg Swelling	babycakes	Health & Nutrition	3	08-24-2005 07:29 PM

07-24-2008, 06:12 PM
gottafewhorses Newborn Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Two Hills Posts: 1	Leg problems?????????? Hi, I am new to owning a mini horse. We bought one at an auction sale, and the next morning after I brought him home I noticed his hind legs seem to lock up. It's like the joints have to pop, then he can move. If he keeps moving he is okay, but first thing in the morning or when he has stood in one spot for a long time you really notice it. It is both of his hind legs, they just seem to lock up. Does anyone know why this might be or if he will always be like this. I believed minis were not to be ridden. Is this correct? This guy is saddle broke and a girl +-60 lbs rode him. He is 5 years old. Any advice is appreciated . Thanks

07-24-2008, 06:20 PM
horsegirl4 Yearling Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Evergreen State Posts: 590	it sounds like his stifles are locking up. i dont think minis are suppose to be ridden at all they are to little. with rest and no riding he might get better but im not sure, have a vet check him __________________ Don't Mess with Me, You will not Win! For I am a Wild Spirit, that no one can Tame!

07-24-2008, 06:23 PM
Sassy Started Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Northern Alberta, Canada Posts: 2,332	Hum we had a little mini we took in to find a home for her who had a rear leg that seemed to pop out of teh hip if she was idle to long her leg would get stiff like she was unable to use it. But then it woudl sort of pop and she woudl be fine!? Run trot everything with out a hitch! I am not sure about riding them. We had a mini, not a true mini I think and he was our sons pony. Our son was around 52-56 lbs then and his pony was about 10.1-10.2hh give or take and he handle being riden fine! Depends I guess on mini's size and size of rider! But there was a name for the joint popping our little mini mare had. Just can't recall what it was! But I believe it was a lock stifle!? __________________ A horse which stops dead just before a jump and thus propels its rider into a graceful arc provides a splendid excuse for general merriment. ~ DUKE OF ENDINBURGH ~

07-24-2008, 08:38 PM
TheUpNorthCowgirl Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Upper Michigan Posts: 993	It does sound like locking stifles. It's actually a common problem in minis. I personally don't approve of riding minis. They can be ridden, but I don't recomend it, especially with the locking stifles. You may want to try a joint supplement like Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM. The vet told me a little work, or keeping them in a paddock with a gradual hill or incline can help naturally strengthen the muscles around the stifle as well. __________________ There ain't no dollar sign on peace of mind, this I've come to know.

07-24-2008, 08:49 PM
lbequ4002 Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Central AL Posts: 775	If you can leave him out it would be best because he can move all the time. You could also have them cut but I wouldn't bother on a rescue mini. I wouldn't ride him unless it was pony rides for really small kids. Like someone said a joint supplement might help.

07-24-2008, 09:59 PM
minilover101 Weanling Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kentucky Posts: 426	Minis can be ridden if they are the right size and the child is not too big. It wont hurt them. It would probably be best if he was out so he could move around enough as lbequ4002 said. __________________ Happy Thanksgiving... ...from all of my animal family!

07-26-2008, 05:41 PM
kaykay Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 555	I agree its most likely upward fixation of the patella (locking stifles) very heriditary and rampant in miniature horses. Backing him up will unlock them and exercising him up and down hill will help. The surgery to stop it from locking is not very expensive and does help a lot. But shouldnt be done on horses under age 3. Minis can be ridden if done properly and not overweighted. Remember to count the weight of the saddle __________________ Breeding AMHA/AMHR/ASPC horses in pinto colors! http://www.baxterspaintedpasture.com Visit our newest site! www.americanshetlandpony.com Miniature Horse Conformation Book by Kay Baxter

07-28-2008, 10:04 PM
secondhandranch Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: homosassa, fl Posts: 34	i had a 9h mini stud that had the same problem. whenever i stalled him overnight he would be all locked up but it was just one leg. he was fine as long as he got to move around freely i the pasture.

08-02-2008, 10:52 PM
Genile Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pratt Ks Posts: 6	I also have a mini that does this.. Warrior seems to lock up when he turns most of the time.. Like his entire leg is turning in ward and he pivots instead of picking them up to move. Otherwise he is very healthy and a nice looking horse. Mini's certainly can be ridden to an extent. When in Berlin Germany I worked with a children's riding school that had a lot of saddle broke mini's for the very little children to ride. Bear in mind we are talking about no one over the age of 6 here. And certainly each child was placed with an appropriately sized mount.