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Member
Posts: 33
| I purchased a 20 yo gelding from a young girl who had to down size in her number of horses per her dad's request since she got a younger horse to barrel race with. He was first hired so first fired!
I recently had him tested for cushings and he is positive so we started him and medication in hopes to help him gain some weight and of course help with others symptoms. No soundness issues whatsoever with this guy and you would never guess he is 20
I've never owned a horse with cushings, is it ok to still compete on him? I'm not looking to do any heavy competing just some local stuff to get me back in the groove til my filly is old enough to start
He does appear to have lost some muscle, is it ok to still compete? Will it be harmful to him? And what's the best way to help get his muscle back in shape? I do not want to use him for barrels if it will cause him any discomfort
Thank you for your input! |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 464
| My youngest daughter (8 years old), her horse has cushings. I suspicioned it when I bought it. Quickly confirmed that it did have it. Started treatment immediately. This horse seems fine----Loves to run, the whole 9 yards. They were a good fit, and a step up from what she was riding. He does sweat a lot. We do watch him the summer, and only ride at night. Personally, I think he is better off being ridden. One of these big guns on here will probably disagree. I think the exercise works in his favor. I do body clip him, it's probably not necessary, now that he's on supplements. I just think he's cooler that way. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1096
| My daughters old pony had it. If you can get him to take medication do it as quickly as you can. I tried everything and her pony wouldn't take the pergolide. It's a tough disease...I also found that laminitis and other issues can come to the forefront faster because of it.
I forgot to add that you can still ride and compete on them. We did with our pony. You just have to pay a little extra attention to things.
Edited by purplemoon828 2015-03-16 2:19 PM
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| If you leg them up properly, there is no reason you can't.
Proper feeding is important, you may want to speak with a equine nutritionist |
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 Duct Tape Can't Fix Stupid
Posts: 2748
 
Location: Warsaw,NY | Our 26yr old pony has cushings, has had it for several years now. He is on pergolide, the peppermint flavor. it took awhile to get him back to his fat usual self. I used to also give him some THE muscle Mass for awhile. He isnt ridden, just a backyard pet. he sheds out fully in the summer now too |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 407
| I have a 24yr old gelding with a mild case of cushings. I give him Chaste Berry powder and it helps alot. This is inexpensive and all natural. I ran him last year and he did really well. If you keep them in shape and doing something they are better off than just left alone in the field. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 999
Location: Sunny So Cal | You should try THE Cushings. I have a few friends that have used it and are really happy with the results. |
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Cushing's disease