Locking stifle?

[*GroovyGallop*]

Just come across a horse ad, for a small pony who has recently be diagnosed with 'Locking stifle', therefore his new home needs daily exercise to help the condition.

What is Locking stifle? :confused:

[chev]

It's when the stifle sticks and locks so the horse is stuck with a hind leg out behind him. Can't remember the exact physioloy but it's when the knee cap sort of thing jumps out of place.

Exercise helps because when a horse is properly muscled up it doesn't happen.

We had a Shetland with locking stifles; once he was in work he was fine.

[chev]

This link (http://www.horsesense.co.za/page.asp?pg=news&newsCatID=3&newsID=145) explains it better than me! :o

[*GroovyGallop*]

Thankyou! :D

[*GroovyGallop*]

Sorry, i have another question...
Would the weight of the rider effect the stifle joint in anyway?
The pony is 12.2 Im about 5ft2 and 71/2 - 8 stone? :confused:
May the pony find it difficult to carry me or have no problems?

[laz]

My gelding has it now and again, its mainly due to lack of muscle when he has not been ridden for a while. The weight of rider wont effect the pony as its down to the muscle. I find the leg never locks up when riding but does when he walks around the field. It does look like a broken leg at first but once they take another step its fine. I keep mine out all the time so he keeps excersing himself. What age is the pony? cause they usually outgrow it. Jumping, lunging and trotting poles are good to build the muscle up and hills. A hilly field is good turnout

[*GroovyGallop*]

Thanks Laz,
the pony is 6 years old

[Wally]

It can be a problem with Shetlands, the more they do and the more they mature and muscle up the better the condition seems to get.

[chev]

It can be a problem with Shetlands, the more they do and the more they mature and muscle up the better the condition seems to get.

It certainly did with our boy. He went to a driving home and has had no problems since.

[Bronya]

Some horses/ponies have it badly enough that it does not go away despite regular exercise. Exercise always lessens, but sometimes does not eliminate the condition.

[Big Ears]

we had a youngster who had it very badly, but when we turned her out on a hilly field, very steep, it cured itself in a few months and she had no problems after that.