Stifle injuries?

[jessie123]

I have been offered an ID on full long term loan but there is a problem, He has had a stifle operation and is at the moment recovering in light work at a walk and trot, I have never dealt with this sort of problem before so would appreciate all your help in enlightening me so I can make a decision.
Does a horse ever recover from this sort of injury? I know he will never be able to jump again and that is not a problem with me but will he be able to canter and gallop in the future, also the field he would be kept in is quite natural and rough terrain would this ultimately be a problem for him?
I don't want to take on anything that would not be able to perform normally during a hack and that would be a constant worry to me if he were to injure himself in that area again.
Also how would I help him to recover from this injury, what sort of exercises would be beneficial to him?

[Big Ears]

was it simplythe stifle slipping? if so they usually recover welland hill work is excellent for promoting the muscle growth to stop this happening

i had a young filly whose stifle slipped - you had to back her up to put it back in place - she was turned out on a steep hill and within 3 months cured completely, she built up muscle and it kept it in place. she has had no problems since.

[jessie123]

I'm not sure Big Ears, I feel I need to have a chat with the vet who deals with him to find out exactly in what manner he was injured, all I know is that he has had an operation earlier this summer and he can no longer be jumped.

[kayjayhorses]

Jessie I think that is very wise, the vet can explain the long term problems that this type of op will bring, and also what type of work you can be doing with this horse now to help it on the road to recovery.

It may be a good project though, if the vet thinks you are able to help him recover well with apropriate work then you'll be doing the horse a great favour, someone else might get this horse and not work it correctly causing more pain or not work it at all making the healing process longer.

[Big Ears]

i had a morgan gelding that had had stifle problems as his owner did nothing but circle work in a school and he stood in 23 hours out of 24. he was sound to hack out and no problems but he couldn't do tight circles.