Health muscular and soundness

Question
Hi,
I purchased a TB off the track a few weeks ago and have noticed two weird things. Now, I have him vetted out last week and he passed every facet of the vet exam from the flexion test to the hoof test, etc. He is in excellent health which is why I do not understand why his two hind ankles keep "puffing up." He is not lame on them.110% sound, but they puff nonetheless. Today I took him out of his stall when I arrived and upon riding him they were fine. While I was riding him he was doing this hopping thing w/this hind end, but then again he has only been ridden 4 times in this new hunter/jumper life. I am wondering if he is hopping w/his hind end b/c something is going on, or b/c he is a baby who has no idea what to do and is happy to be alive.
Also, what do you make of the puffy ankles?

Thank you!


Answer
Hi ,
Im glad you have an intrest in horses. First if the horse is young and vets out fine x-rays and all, I wouldnt be to concerned about any major problems.Over exertion of ligaments ect. maybe part of the puffiness you are seeing.Sometimes it is due to lack of exercise and/or to much protien in the diet.Coming from the track he was probably being trained daily on the race track.I would just to  be sure of soundness and conformation correctness take the horse W/halter and with a shank on, out  on a level/flat and preferably hard surface such as a black top road.Have someone jog the horse in a straight path. Watch to see if he hits the ground with a smooth loco-motion and with full range of motion or is he stabbing or dragging a leg front or back. If all this looks well then the "HOP" is prabably "between his ears" or if he is a stud, "between his legs". BEST WISHS TO YOU AND YOUR ANIMAL.