Niamaho

Recently my mare showed significant swelling in her left hind stifle. The swelling is centered towards the inside of her stifle, and is about the size of a softball. It is squishy to the touch, and is not hot. She is completely sound. There is a golf ball sized pocket of fluid on the outside of her hind leg, up by the stifle that I think is related. I've ridden her once in the past week, just at the walk, and she has been sound since. The swelling showed up around the time we went to our first event of the season, on the day after dressage and XC. Any ideas on what this might be?

I am an Eventer, the barn where I board my horse is mainly a Hunter-Jumper facility. I got a job working some of their horses, and I'd like some advice about how my position should be altered, than from when I event. I'd also love it, if you could tell me a little bit about what a hunter horse is supposed to move like. From what I understand, they go in a Long-and-low frame? I do know that a hunter is supposed to have a steady and smooth rhythm, but if you could add anything to my understanding, that would be great!

Thanks!

Oh, and do you think that riding hunter horses will hurt my dressage position at all? I'm going for my Pony Club C3 rating next summer, so I have to be on top of that.

Have you ever used a Waterford bit? I am considering buying a loose ring or an egg-but bit with a Waterford mouthpiece. I event my mare, who is currently going happily in a Happy Mouth Bubble bit on the second ring. But I would like to be able to run her in a non-leverage bit, also, she will take the bit in her teeth, and put her head to her chest, so that she can evade my hands. So I'm looking for your opinion on the mouthpiece.

Thanks!