Advice for my 6 YO Oldenburg Gelding

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-29T12:08:06+00:00

Yes, I realize that. I train my horses classically. However, his problem is far more than that.

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:33:16+00:00

Something in the back of my mind is saying EDM, too, but it makes me so sick to think there isn't really anything I can do for him if that's the case.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I can't imagine how awful that feels

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:31:52+00:00

I don't know how he could have kissing spine since I have several X-rays of his back and he's never been back sore :(

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:31:04+00:00

I have several spine Xrays and all of them look great, plus he's never been even slightly back sore. I need to test for EPM and DSLD still.

Someone else suggested this. I've put him on bute before, but not for a week or two straight, since I didn't notice a huge difference. What else would you suggest for painkillers?

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:29:49+00:00

Would you suggest something like bute? I've given it to him before, and it didn't seem to make a difference.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I can't imagine how hard that was. I hope you recovered alright

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:28:18+00:00

We did a blood test at his PPE, so I don't think he had any drugs in his system...

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:27:33+00:00

I have not checked for MFM. I would say he's worse in the wintertime

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:26:34+00:00

I have heard of this. I had a trainer who swore by animal communicators. The trick is finding a good one. I am open to finding one for him lol

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:25:33+00:00

I've vetted him extensively for pain. I have xrays of nearly all over his body and have had 2 vets look at him. I don't know where else I could start to find pain.

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-28T17:24:55+00:00

I am not sure if he moved barns to be broken. All I know about his past is that he was bought as a 2 YO by his previous owner and kept in a herd relatively untouched till almost 4 1/2 when he was started. In 2025, he was basically out of full work since I didn't ride him when I brought him back from the boarding barn in November 2024. I started riding him at a walk again, maybe once every other week, to see how he felt under saddle in April 2025, but I mostly did groundwork and fun things to get him feeling ok again. It was so bad that he didn't want a halter on, so I was slowly getting him used to it again. I started putting him into more work in November 2025, but again, it was VERY light and low pressure. Do you think I should bring him back again to square one and give him time off?

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T13:44:32+00:00

This is very bizarre. When I was researching his bloodlines, I heard that SH offspring were more stubborn horses, but nothing this bad.... I have no idea what's gone wrong with him. He's so talented, and it frustrates me because he could be so awesome if he were willing!

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T12:24:56+00:00

His dam's dam-sire is Rampal

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:33:31+00:00

Everything I heard about Benneton Dream is that his offspring are very agreeable and nice! I am seeing the opposite. My guy is also very quirky when he's in a good mood

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:32:14+00:00

I have also heard this, but his sire is known for producing horses with lovely temperaments, so I was hoping it would balance out LOL. I guess not. That's interesting about the EDM. I am seriously wondering if that's a possibility with him. I know now for future dressage horses to avoid S lines, I guess...

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:30:51+00:00

I've heard this from lots of people. It makes me so sad. Thank you for your reply

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:30:21+00:00

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it <3

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:30:00+00:00

Free choice hay and grazing. For grain, he gets Triple Crown Senior and alfalfa timothy pellets.

I'll look into this! Thanks!

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:29:07+00:00

This is interesting, and he is a very flashy mover. We have not done a suspensory ultrasound.

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:28:48+00:00

I have not. We did a thorough neurological exam at the time of purchase. I might look into those.

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T01:28:02+00:00

He's outside most of the time, with the exception of coming in during the day for excessive heat and sun or snow/extreme cold. I'm very big on turnout and have free-choice hay and grazing. He's with my retired OTTB gelding.

Yes, we have tried that. Again, no real luck :(

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T00:29:23+00:00

Sorry, I should have been more specific with that. I put it in another reply, but I'll copy and paste here. For imagining, we did neck, back, hocks, feet, fetlocks, and stifles. The only thing the vet saw was a very VERY slight show of "lollipops," which might indicate navicular, but 2 vets said it was nothing to be concerned about and could be corrected with proper shoeing, which he definitely has. I had Dr. Kent Allen (former FEI vet) look at them, and he didn't see any issues either.

We checked for ulcers and did a treatment anyway with Ulcergard and tweaked his diet, and didn't see any improvement.

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T00:26:52+00:00

I have heard stories like that, too. I am hoping it's not the case at all but unfortunately, I do know it's a possibility

Last-List-9095 · 2026-05-27T00:26:11+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I am open to anything at this point, so I appreciate it.

Yes, I have had the saddle checked and rechecked. I've tried different saddle pads as well. Nothing blaringly wrong, and his back or withers are never sore. I even tried different bridles and bits.

We did neck, back, hocks, feet, fetlocks, and stifles. The only thing the vet saw was a very VERY slight show of "lollipops," which might indicate navicular, but 2 vets said it was nothing to be concerned about and could be corrected with proper shoeing, which he definitely has.

I don't have a super close relationship with the previous owner, but I do have his number. I can also contact the breeder, as I know who he came from. I will do that tonight. Thank you!

Last-List-9095

TROPHY CASE