cantering cont...

[scout4361]

Well I went to my next lesson and this time I requested a specific horse who has a nice trot and I had a very nice lesson with him. I attempted the canter again and was able to initiate it for a few strides but couldn't maintain it. I think I lose my leg position or something. Anyways, I felt much more confident on this horse and was much more comfortable so that was good.

Anyway I was bringing him around the corner and turning his head slightly to the inside in an attempt to canter again and as soon as i used my legs on him he swung around in a complete 180 degree turn!!!! I tried to urge him on again and he began to go backwards!!!! This horse apparantly has a history or epilepsy. I wonder if he was having a slight episode or what??? Anyway since he was acting fairly strange, my instructor ended our ride and I took him in to untack. He kept sort of standing there, almost frozen in position and just staring. I don't know if it was just me or what, but something seemed amiss. I hope he was ok. He's a big sweetie pie!! Does anyone have an experience with an epileptic horse???

[kedwards]

Aw, poor thing. Sorry, I have no experience with horses with epilepsy, but plenty with people who do. The staring could have been a seizure. Can you find someone at the barn who has seen him have a seizure before? If I were you, I'd want to know what to expect anyway, if I were going to be riding him. Is he treated for it?