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My daughter has mentioned lately that her 11-year-old Trakhener mare has been a little resistant when having her girth tightened. Three days ago and then today the mare dropped to the ground and was difficult in getting up once her girth was put on. The girth is never tightened right from the start but rather is tightened in stages. We are wondering if these symptoms are significant.

Last Updated: January 19, 2010

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It is difficult to diagnose the horse's condition or reason for going down when the girth is tightened. We recommend that you contact a veterinarian to evaluate the horse's condition and/or a local trainer or equine expert to help you determine if the mare is evading the saddle in disobedience or actually has some medical reason for this action.

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