u/catrm15

Hi there. My horse started having issues 2.5 years ago. I went through so many vet and lameness evaluations with basically no answers (did all the testing like lyme, pssm, epm, etc). The most reasonable thing we thought was going on based on xrays and his conformation was mild kissing spine due to improper hoof trimming and not being able to carry himself properly, as well as possible SI issues. I've been doing groundwork for literally 2.5 years to get him moving in rhythm and carrying himself. I've spoken with biomechanic experts (even took him to a clinic), equine physical therapists, got a properly fitting custom saddle, regular bodywork (not chiro), an actual equine dentist, great farrier, etc. He's come a long way and looks so great on the ground, but he does a few weird things and whenever you try to ride, he just seems so off and uncomfortable. I am trying to come to terms with the fact that I might not ever ride him again. I honestly feel like he had a pasture injury that we can't pinpoint and never healed properly. I love him to death and will never get rid of him. I know that horses are not just meant for riding and I truly enjoy spending time with him, but I am sad about it. I guess I am considered an "adult ammy" so I never competed or anything. I just rode for fun a few days a week for years and then bam, problems started out of nowhere. Has anyone else gone through this? I feel like I am constantly telling myself "I need to work with him X days a week" and "oh I bet he'll be good by X month" and I just keep spinning in circles. He's completely fine in his pasture. He's even on a track system now so he can move more and be healthier. I'm just so bummed out. I want to be able to ride and I can't afford another horse right now😔 there's so many days where the weather is perfect and I wish I could ride but then I feel guilty for saying I want to ride him lol! Can anyone relate?

I (31yr old female) went to an airway dentist because I thought my tongue tie was causing my snoring, which I've had my whole life. I had braces and an expander as a little kid. I also have always had a terrible jawline and forward head posture (probably because I hate my jawline). Yes I could probably lose a few pounds and my jaw would look better, but I've always hated it. They said they wouldn't do the tongue tie surgery because my palate is too small. I got a CBCT/measurements done and my top palate is 32.40mm, the minimum cross-sectional area of my airway is 68.1mm2, I have a deviated septum on the left side, and my right side tmj is deteriorating/has degeneration. The CBCT doesn't mention anything about my maxilla being recessed. She said the plan was to do a sleep study, use this expander for 8-10 months (picture included, I don't know the name), do invisalign, and eventually get the tongue tie surgery. I have zero issues breathing during the day. I vigorously exercise and never have issues, so I was surprised about my airway. She explained I'd start off wearing the expander 8-10 hours a day, and eventually up to 15. She said the tension and release of pressure is what causes bone to form and expand. I asked about marpe, and she said we could do that if I really wanted to but it wasn't necessary for my case. Can anyone please give me advice? I'm reading that tooth borne expanders are not helpful, especially at my age. I am going to an ENT for a second opinion on everything, especially my deviated septum and airway. Should I just try some myofunctional therapy before doing all of this dental stuff? I'm really nervous it's going to mess up my mouth. Thank you so much!