[ellisr]

I have bought an ex racehorse who is the biggest softie ever, he is lovely to ride except a little problem that has now caused injuries on both myself and another. When he transitions from one move to the next ie walk to trot he 'skips' and drops his right shoulder at the same time which has unbalanced us and off we came. He was a hurdler and I was wondering after watching him if he is always trying to find his pace.
Does anyone have any advice on how to train this out of him as he is 17 now?

[Daisys Mum]

Did you have him vetted before you bought him? he could have some pain when making his transitions, does he still do it when lunged? and is his saddle fitting? Sorry lots of questions but without seeing him it is a difficult one. We had a youngster on loan a few years ago and he started to do this, we found that his saddle was no longer fitting properly.
I have had an ex racehorse myself and they do often become quite arthritic as they have had very hard lives from a very early age.

[NLL]

have you tried long-reining him to see if he does this without a rider on. If he doesnt I would suspect saddle or back, particulary check his withers as our homebred racers usually come home with bald withers from ill-fitting saddles.does he do it on both reins or just one and have you got a teacher to help you from off the floor.Where abouts are you.

[Hellybee]

Is he like this on both reins? 

Personally  would get his back checked out, unless you have already

[ellisr]

Thanks Guys,
His back has been checked as he has scarring on his withers from racing (he was a hurdler) We are going to start lunging him next week. He is on a weeks rest as my OH has a chipped shoulder bone after he lost his balance last week on the transition and made an ugly landing we only gave him a 1.5 for dismount.
We have had his feet and teeth checked and no problems, I am getting a new saddle hopefully this week as I hate the saddle he came with (western style) it just acts like a catapult when he transitions incorrectly.
I have started him on an additive to help with his joints as at 17 he has hard a long time on his long legs and we all know aches and pains get to us as time goes on. A friend has an aqua pool for horses so I may try that to help build him up a bit as he has been left to go a bit.
I am big softie with my animals so he will get the best I can afford I knew an older horse would be a bit more costly but these guy deserve it.
I am in somerset if anyone knows of anyone in this area that can help I would be grateful and I'm sure Blueshaan will as well.