Anyone have a "heading Horse" or "Header"?

Question

I have a big gray that was used on a small ranch, they pulled bulls with him they said, when I bought him. he's a good riding horse except he's had a muscle injury on his front right shoulder and limps at a trot on solid ground, arena and sandy round-pens he's ok. I've spent more money than my husband knows about, on Vet bills, and just want to know what I have to look forward to or is there another way to get him strong again. I trail ride, that's the most exercise the horse gets right now, so he's lost some tone. someone give me options ( no putting down) that I can try to "rebuild" that front leg.

sorry about the minimal info, it's in the shoulder, that's about all I know. There's muscle in the left shoulder, where's there's none in the right. I don't know anything other than that, I mean as in how the injury occured. I've been told by horsemen that it's common for a horse used that way to get these types of injuries. I've thought of water therapy and reguler exercise, but how do I work him if the shoulder hurts too much, it's been 6 months since the vet told me not to ride and almost a year since I bought him. I should have known when I gave the guy the check, he said I just want you to know you've bought a horse as is...I've bought horses before and thats the first time anyone said that to me. I love the horse and would not consider selling.

sorry too, my spelling went out the window.

Vet put him on pasture rest and he's the one that said it was in the shoulder, believe me, I've spent a LOT of money on this one horse, almost more than the others combined.

all of the answers have been great, Thanks everyone. One more question though, isn't Bute pretty hard on them? internally I mean?

Answer 1

Well, the possibilities depend on where in the leg the muscle injury occured... and what type of injury it is... Was it a puncture would or a tear, a pull... what? Is it in the shoulder or the upper leg or the lower leg?? Are you sure it is a muscle injury and not a bone or tendon? I would love to help, but with out knowing the specifics... I can't give you a true answer....

After Updates: Well... I am still not clear if this is actually an injury... or just a lack of muscle in the shoulder. It seems that if it was an injury, then there would either be visible signs of what happened, or he would have muscle in that shoulder as well, and there be something unvisably wrong with the muscles. If it is the lack of muscle, then I would work him in an arena on soft ground, since you say he comes up mildly lame when you work him on hard ground, for about 30 minutes a day every other day. Do lots of backing and uphill walking if you can. I would take him in a pond if you have one or if there is one accessable near by and make him swim across it a few times with breaks in between since he is no longer used to work, it may take a few weeks for him to build some stamina back up. Don't do the pond thing if it gets too cold though, then you'll have even more problems.
If the muscle is there, just was injured somehow at one time by the strain of ranch work, then I'm afraid there's not a lot you can do other than only lightly use him. In most instances, if the muscle was torn, then he will always be a light duty horse and if worked too hard, he will come up a bit lame.
I dont reccomend giving him bute because it isnt going to help him heal... especially since this injury is al least almost a year old... it may help with pain that the horse feels, but this can create other problems, since the horse does have some kind of injury, if he can no longer feel the pain of it, he could worsen the injury... also, bute can easily cause ulsers in horses, especially mini's which I know doesnt apply to you, but I think it is just best in this situation to stay away from bute all together. I would get some muscle & soint suppliments and start easing into working him again.
Also, if there is any chance it is a bone or joint problem and not a muscle problem, give him some glucosamine for about a month and see the amazing difference!! Make sure it is JUST glucosamine, and doesnt include MGM or any other pain killers. You can get glucosamine from Walmart or any place like that, you dont need a special one for horses. If you think it could be joint related and are going to try the glucosamine, find out how much your horse weighs and either ask your vet or you can email me to find out how much to give him. Good luck with him...

Answer 2

Sorry about your horse, are you sure it's a shoulder injury? There is so many problems that it could be, really need to have a vet look at the horse, and get a better analysis of the problem. The question heading horse, or header it's for a roping horse or a work horse on a branding.

Answer 3

The sports liniment, Super Blue Stuff will alleviate much of the pain and promote healing . Your pharmacy is likely to carry another brand of emu oil based sports rub as well..Youu can get them cheapest on eBay..
Water therapy would be a safe way to rebuild what ever of the injury can be repaired..A good bone and joint health supplement should also help..

Magnet therapy will also get the blood flowing to the atrophied area, if you can get the plate of magnet to stay on, such as under a stable blanket..If he could just spend the nights with the magnet plate, it would be enough to help..

Answer 4

I would suggest trying to get him in a pond or lake so he can swim and keep the pressure off while building muscle. Do this 1x a week for 30 min, then 2x a week for 60 min...always rub him down once the exercise is completed so he is not stiffer the next day.I hope this helps....

Answer 5

well you need to give him some bute and mucle buildin work outs. like lunging and hot worker.. lunging works the best.. use tee touch and massages after and before the work out.. and the cold could have something to do with it.. but i have to go i hope he gets better and if you have any questions contact me ajrotc_baby@hotmail.