Horse Kicks At Stomach While Moving Under Saddle

She writes:

I'm not there to look at your horse but it sounds like stringhalt to me.

Stringhalt in Horses

Stringhalt is a condition that makes horses move in a strange way. When a horse has stringhalt, one or both back legs jerk up too high when the horse walks. The leg snaps up toward the belly instead of moving normally. This can make it hard for the horse to walk, run, or work properly.

Two Types of Stringhalt

There are two main kinds of stringhalt. The first type is called Australian stringhalt. This happens when horses eat poisonous plants, especially during dry weather when there isn't much good grass. Multiple horses in the same area often get sick at the same time. Both back legs usually get affected. The second type is called classic stringhalt. This usually happens to just one horse and affects only one back leg.

Australian stringhalt often gets better when horses stop eating the bad plants and get proper food. Classic stringhalt usually doesn't go away and may get worse over time.

What Causes Stringhalt

Doctors aren't completely sure what causes stringhalt, but they think it damages the nerves that control leg muscles. In Australian stringhalt, toxic plants hurt these nerves. Horses usually avoid eating these plants, but they might eat them when good food is hard to find.

I have read that some veterinary sources say, "Acquired stringhalt affects the peripheral muscles and nerves. It usually affects both hindlimbs nearly equally and may also affect the forelimbs and neck. The affected nerve fibers of this form of stringhalt are also found in the larynx, so affected horses may exhibit abnormal vocalization due to laryngeal paralysis. With idiopathic stringhalt, a stronger effect is frequently seen in one leg and clinical signs can progress over time."

I have never heard of a case of stringhalt that would indicate it can also affect both the larynx and forelimbs. I'm not say it doesn't, I'm just saying I have never heard that.

For classic stringhalt, the cause is often unknown. It might happen because of an injury, nerve damage, or other health problems. Some horses might be born more likely to get it.

Signs Your Horse Might Have Stringhalt

The main sign is the jerky, high-stepping movement of the back leg. The leg shoots up high and may pause before slamming back down. This makes the horse look like it's marching or doing an exaggerated step.

The problem usually gets worse when the horse is excited, cold, or asked to back up or turn around. Some horses only show signs during certain activities, while others have problems all the time when moving.

How Vets Diagnose It

Vets watch how the horse moves to diagnose stringhalt. They look for the strange leg movement and rule out other problems that might cause limping. If they think plants caused it, they might check the pasture for poisonous weeds.

Usually, watching the horse walk is enough to make the diagnosis. Special tests like X-rays don't help much with this condition.

Treatment Options

Treatment choices are limited and don't always work well. For Australian stringhalt, the most important step is moving horses away from the bad plants and giving them good food. This can lead to improvement over several months, especially if caught early.

For classic stringhalt, there is no cure. Some horses get temporary help from anti-inflammatory medicines, but the benefits usually don't last long. Surgery has been tried but doesn't always work.

Keeping horses active with regular exercise may help manage symptoms. Avoiding sudden movements and keeping horses warm can also reduce problems.

What to Expect

How well a horse does depends on how bad the stringhalt is and what type they have. Horses with mild symptoms might still be able to work normally. Severe cases, especially when both legs are affected, often mean the horse can't be ridden or driven safely.

Australian stringhalt caught early has the best chance of getting better. Classic stringhalt usually stays the same or gets worse over time.

Prevention

The best way to prevent stringhalt is to keep pastures healthy with good grass. Don't let horses overgraze areas. Remove poisonous plants, especially during dry periods when horses might eat things they normally wouldn't. Make sure horses always have access to good quality feed so they don't get hungry enough to eat dangerous plants.

Some folks say that it isn't actual considered lameness but I for one wouldn't want to be on a horse with involuntary extreme leg movements.

There are a number of incredibly difficult horse problems to solve and sorry to say, this is one of them.

I'm listening with elephant ears for positive news from anyone.

Best of luck.

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