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Discussion on STB Crossing Feet from boredom? | |
Author | Message |
Member: Kami |
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004 - 2:07 am: I recently got a 17yo STB that has a habit of crossing his feet when standing. It looks just like a human would if they crossed one foot over at the ankle and rested it on the toe. I was warned when I bought him that he does this on both the front and back feet. They also said he's been known to cross both fronts and backs at the same time with a rider on his back.So far, I've seen him doing it when tied (like waiting to tack up), but not while riding (and noone has pointed it out to me that he's doing it). I haven't seen him do it in the field or while stalled. He doesn't trip or get confused over it, just simple stands there looking bored (all he'd need to do is tap a back foot to make the image complete). Has anyone seen this in any other horses? Is this something to worry about? I don't think it is, but thought I'd ask because it looks really weird to me. Kami |
Member: Canderso |
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004 - 6:22 am: My buckskin regularly crosses his hind legs while in cross ties. It is usually right over left but can also be left over right, and yes, he gets that bored look on his face too.I have noticed that since his hocks started fusing, he does it less. |
Member: Dres |
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004 - 9:30 am: Kami, one of my mares will cross her front fetlocks in the cross ties , i have seen her do it in the pasture waiting to be fed as well... with her i think its just very feminine..i don't worry about it... Ann |
Member: Presario |
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004 - 1:57 pm: There was a horse at my old barn who would regularly, in his stall, cross a back leg in front of the other one, hook his pastern, and rest there for LONG periods of time. He was actually one of Dr O's "grandsons"! |
New Member: Chance1 |
Posted on Tuesday, Jul 20, 2004 - 2:42 pm: I just happened on this discussion and have never posted before, so I hope i do this correctly. We have a QH mare at our barn who stands with her back legs crossed. In her case, she's done this ever since she had a seizure. She has been having seizures for several years, but no one has been able to figure out why. She's been to UC Davis with no success. The seizure that resulted in the crosssed legs and compromised balance was one that happened after she was placed on pheonobarb to help control them. This seizure was much different than her "normal" seizures in that it was subdued in comparison, but had noticibly lasting affects. I have witnessed 6-7 of her seizures so I'm assuming she's had many more than that. I'd guess that this is not your horse's problem, but I thought I'd mention it. She has not been ridden since she's been ridden since she's been on meds as she's not safe. |
Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Wednesday, Jul 21, 2004 - 6:50 am: I guess the point here is whether the horse is doing this intentionally or cannot help it. Crossing of the legs is a classic sign of neurological deficits to the legs, except when the horse does it on purpose. How do you know the difference: does the unusual leg position cause the horse to loose his balance?DrO |