stumbling on hind feet.

Question
Thank you for your time. My question is concerning my mare ,she is a 13 yr old warmblood and was used as a jumper before I bought her. She had suffered an injury to her sesamoidean ligament during her jumping days. I haven't jumped with her over anything bigger then a barrel on its side and not very often. She has never been lame or anything however she has begun to stumble over her toes in her hind and will actually land on her corinet. It happens occasionally at a walk and often at a trot. I want to know what muscle or tendon could be the problem and if massage would make a difference?

Answer
I cant answer that question as it may, and probably does not, have anything to do with any muscle or tendon. There is a very long list of lameness, muscle and neurologic issues that could cause this. I recommend that you DO NOT ride the horse until you have it evaluated by an equine vet. If this horse stumbles with a rider on, the rider could be seriously injured. I would be concerned that the stumbling could be associated with a neurological problem and that would be very unsafe. This horse needs a good lameness exam and a good neurological exam in order to determine what might be causing this stumbling. Please, do not ride her until you do this. Best of luck. Contact me again and let me know what you find out and if you need any further guidance.