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Eye problems
Cataracts and other causes of sight failure may make
it inadvisable to continue to ride your horse. This will
depend on the degree of sight loss, which can be difficult
to assess, but an examination by your vet with an
ophthalmoscope should give you a reasonable idea of
vision quality.
Respiratory problems
Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO, previously known as
COPD
2
) can cause a horse of any age to have breathing
difficulties but is more common in older horses. If your
horse has a raised resting respiratory rate (usually above
12 breaths per minute) it may be having a flare-up and it
would be advisable to consult your vet before exercising
the horse.
Cushing’s disease (PPID)
Horses with Cushing’s disease (PPID) are usually safe to
be ridden, especially if the disease is kept under control by
pergolide therapy. They are more prone to laminitis if the
disease is uncontrolled so watch out for signs of foot pain.
Dental problems
Dental pain can cause horses to behave unpredictably.
Examination every 6-12 months should pick up any
developing problems which may make your horse
uncomfortable when worked.
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...Best Friends
An eye examination can give an idea of
vision quality.
RAO
causes the lining of the airways to
become thickened and inflamed obstructing
airflow through the lung. Initial examination
involves auscultation of the airway (listening
with the stethoscope).
2
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).