Very Common
Less Common
Rare
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Hindquarters Seem to Fall Away or Collapse while Ridden
Summary
Occasionally, a horse seems to collapse or fall away under saddle while being ridden. This can result from a variety of problems including lameness, neurologic problems, and poor conditioning.
This problem is more common in young horses that are not accustomed to carrying the weight of a rider. A common diagnosis accounting for this observation is intermittent locking of the stifle. This too can relate to lack of muscle tone and conditioning.
This problem is more common in young horses that are not accustomed to carrying the weight of a rider. A common diagnosis accounting for this observation is intermittent locking of the stifle. This too can relate to lack of muscle tone and conditioning.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours- If you feel the problem is severe or has come on suddenly.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
- If this has happened more than once and you do not know why.
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Code Yellow
Contact Your Vet at Your Convenience for an Appointment- If you consider this a chronic and relatively mild problem that is not changing rapidly.
- If the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE) suggest the horse is otherwise normal.
your role
What To Do
Given the nature of this problem and its potential for injury (to you and your horse), you should contact your vet immediately for an evaluation. They can help determine the cause of this observation. Some conditions can be treated. Changes in management and training may improve the signs. In most cases, the goal is to rule out specific diagnoses.What Not To Do
Do not ride a horse if it you feel it could be unsafe to do so.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
Very Common
Less Common
your vet's role
For a horse that has a history of falling out or having fallen down, vets try to determine the cause and also whether a horse has sustained additional injuries from the fall. Predicting whether a horse will fall again is hard to do, even with careful veterinary evaluation and diagnostic work.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- How old is the horse?
- When did you first notice this?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- How long have you noticed this?
- Have you noticed lameness?
- Is the horse fit?
- Do you notice swelling or other problem in the back or limbs?
- Describe the type of exercise and riding that you do with your horse.
- Where, geographically, does the horse live?
- In what geographical regions has the horse lived in the last several years?
- Do you recall an accident or injury in the horse's history?
- How much exercise does the horse get in a typical ride or workout?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Very Common
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
further reading & resources
Helpful Terms and Topics
Written, reviewed or shared by experts in equine health