Retraining a young ex race horse

Question
Hi,

I recently brough a 5 year old mare only 15hh, very small who severed a hind leg tendon so was retired and has not really been touched since. This has healed and does not affect her in anyway. My thing is that she dis unifies with her back legs, to say while cantering she does a flying change but only with her back legs! I have not seen this before so was wondering how I go about getting her right again and to not change the hind leg? I have started her training now and currently just lunge her and if she does it then I bring her back and try again. I feel there is more I could be doing.


Answer
This is sometimes referred to as cross cantering. There could be a neurological problem or lameness. She should break out of it at a full gallop, but I wouldn't recommend trying that until a vet does and evaluation. Does she jog sound? Check her feet and the front from the shoulder to the ankle for heat and swelling.

It is difficult to give you the best answers since I do not have my hands and eyes on this horse. I have galloped horses like this and most of them had old injuries that supposedly healed. None of those horses raced or made much money.

Christopher Crocker

Crocker Racing Stable Inc. and Thoroughbred Horse Racing Partnerships

http://CrockerRacingStable.com