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I have a 7 year old appendix mare who has a terrible time getting down to roll.  She can't seem to bend her front legs and get down front end first. Instead she hold her front legs out in front and lowers her body to the ground as far as she can then literally falls over like a tree! She has had her left stifle injected and has slight navicular in the front. She is barefoot and sound. I compete in hunter-under-saddle with her. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much. Tina Credit
 
Hi Tina,
Here are some suggestions: The past issues on the right front/left hind diagonal make sense, as in my experience probably 8 or 9 out of ten horses load that diagonal, and that's where issues often show up. I find that often tension in the withers, or area of the neck/shoulder/withers junction can build up from past front foot pain. If any current joint issues were ruled out by your vet, and by your description of the way she lays down, it may be that there's some tension here that makes it more comfortable for her to get down in that manner.  

You didn't mention if you had the DVD, but these exercises are described there.

After releasing tension in her poll and lower neck, the first thing I would focus on if I were working on her would be the shoulder/scapula releases. If she has any trouble releasing the scapula, especially on one side more than the other, then that might be an sign of tension there. Specifically, if she has difficulty releasing down and back, then it may point to the withers. As you are doing this, make a mental note if she has difficulty releasing with any of the exercises; which ones, and on which side.

In any case, if she has difficulty with any exercise, then the trick is to make it easier for her to do the exercise by slowing way down and softening, asking her to do smaller, shorter movements (take it in smaller steps), and giving her time between each time you ask her do something, to process what you have just asked.

Going slower, softer and easier always works better than more, harder and faster, especially when there is discomfort or restriction. It also helps if you do a little one day, then check the first or second day after to see if there is any improvement, or if it is more comfortable to do the exercise. Sometimes it takes a day or two after they have released a big restriction. That is, if the area you are working on is part of the problem.

Not being there, all I can do is make suggestions that might help, or help narrow down what might be the problem.  Let me know what you find. Maybe we can get to the bottom of this - if she can't roll, you're going to have to scratch her back by hand every day!  

Hope this helps.

Jim