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Discussion on Sway back mare

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Lori
Member
Username: Maggienm

Post Number: 86
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Saturday, Sep 17, 2005 - 1:37 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

I have the opportunity to buy a very nice mare with some training in dressage.
She was bought off the track and nicely trained in dressage, then ownership changed a few times and a few, three I think, years went by.
During that time she had little or no riding.
Now she has a sway back (I don't know when the sway developed.
With correct work will the muscles strengthen and straighten some of the sway?
What possible problems could a sway back cause in training (dressage)or general health in the future?
Thank you for your advice.
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Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose

Post Number: 902
Registered: 1-2000
Posted on Saturday, Sep 17, 2005 - 10:19 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

How old is the mare? How badly swayed is her back? Do you have a picture?
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Gill Bridgeman
Member
Username: Gillb

Post Number: 95
Registered: 10-2003
Posted on Saturday, Sep 17, 2005 - 5:18 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

I think sway backed horses are generally quite comfortable to ride but their backs are weak compared to a normal conformation. With dressage training you may find she has problems in collection and getting her hocks underneath her, but I do know of someone who had a pretty sway backed horse who used to do a reasonable amount of dressage with no problem - I think it depends on what level you intend to train for.

Also saddle fitting can be an issue.
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Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro

Post Number: 13728
Registered: 1-1997
Posted on Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 - 9:32 am:   Edit PostPrint Post

Though the horse will probably remain usable Lori, you should not expect improvement with work and in fact this may worsen as time goes on.
DrO
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Lori
Member
Username: Maggienm

Post Number: 87
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Saturday, Sep 24, 2005 - 1:09 pm:   Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you, I have decided not to get this mare.
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