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Discussion on Head movement uneven at the walk

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Jennifer Teis
Member
Username: Jteis

Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 12:14 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi,

Has anyone ever seen this and what could it mean?

I noticed that my horse bumps his nose out every other time his head goes forward at the walk. Basically I have to give him about an extra inch of rein every other time my arms move forward with his head. His trot is fine. I've always had difficulty achieving the correct contact at the walk, not sure if this is something new or something old.

Appreciate any feedback or suggestions...

Jennifer
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 13237
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 7:21 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I have seen many horses, both gaited and horses that trot, that have a uneven walk yet no signs of lameness at any other time and do not develop lameness in the future. If this is not a change in the way of going this may just be normal for this horse.
DrO
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Ann
Member
Username: Dres

Post Number: 546
Registered: 10-2000
Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 10:00 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

May I add that at the walk some horses have a lot of articulation of the head... I know in performance breed shows the judges look for this.. a nice relaxed , over tracking walk with articulation of the head...

On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with SPOTS..
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Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose

Post Number: 747
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 11:17 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

My first thought is that you are maybe holding the reins too tight at the walk. Does he do it if you drop the reins or if you are leading him?
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Jennifer Teis
Member
Username: Jteis

Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, Jun 27, 2005 - 12:35 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Hi,

Thanks for all the response. My horse is a thoroughbred, so not gaited. Dr. O, is this usual for non-gaited horses? Guess I'll have to get out the videos to see if it is something new or old.

He does this with or without contact with the reins. Also, he does it with or without the saddle. If I am leading him it is barely, barely perceptible, it is more noticable when I am riding him, especially bending him in a frame.

Jennifer
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 13243
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Tuesday, Jun 28, 2005 - 5:34 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Most TB's have a even head bob at the walk but, as I say above, this is so common that it has to be considered within the range of normal if you apply the caveats I give above.
DrO
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