Today we went out riding and an older woman who boards her horses at the barn for the winter told my boyfriend that he could ride her old grade gaited horse mare whenever he wants to this winter. She's 19 yrs old, over 15hh (not sure of exact size). Boyfriend is 5'10", not sure of his weight but he's on the slender side, not overweight at all. The older woman can't get out in the cold (which is why she boards for the winter) and just wants the horse to be ridden once a week or so to give her something to do.
The trainer at the barn said that the mare has stringhalt and is OK for light riding. I could see how her gait was kinda "hitchy" and "snappy." DBF rode her for about 20 minutes in the arena and yard at a walk then led his daughter around on her for a few minutes after. She went willingly and didn't seem to be in any pain. Trainer said that the woman that owns her rode her all summer.
Anyone know exactly what stringhalt is? I know it has something to do with the back legs/joints/muscles. I just realized today that this is something I don't have any experience/knowledge with/of.
Thanks
The trainer at the barn said that the mare has stringhalt and is OK for light riding. I could see how her gait was kinda "hitchy" and "snappy." DBF rode her for about 20 minutes in the arena and yard at a walk then led his daughter around on her for a few minutes after. She went willingly and didn't seem to be in any pain. Trainer said that the woman that owns her rode her all summer.
Anyone know exactly what stringhalt is? I know it has something to do with the back legs/joints/muscles. I just realized today that this is something I don't have any experience/knowledge with/of.
Thanks