Too Old To Bounce

You might be asking, "So why is a picture of Tigger on a horse blog?" Well, that's who I am reminded of these days after ANOTHER bout of Fashion rolling to the ground while I'm on board. Tigger bounced for a living, but I am no Tigger! It was just like a replay of the previous fall we had on Dec 8th, only this time she kicked it up a notch and came to the ground during one of her fabulous gaits. We rolled like a couple of stunt riders in an old time Western movie. I'd like to think I'm getting good at this, but I really don't want to make it a habit, let me tell you.

So, here are the similarities of the two falls. I am so curious as to what is going on. After a vet came out with the farrier to give his diagnosis, I am still not convinced that he has targeted the problem.

Both times she fell right after getting new shoes (the most recent fall was within minutes of her shoeing)
Both falls happened when she tripped on her right hoof.
Both times, instead of bringing her left leg forward to catch her fall, she rolled over on her side.
She hit the same spot over her right eye (the second time her old wound just opened slightly).

This time, however, instead of catching a craggy ridge under her hoof, she tripped in a patch of deep sand at the ranch. In retrospect, I probably shouldn't have taken her through it at a gait with new shoes, but the old Fashion wouldn't have had a problem with that. Fortunately, the deep sand made for a relatively "elegant" and pain-free dismount. The trainer at the barn saw the whole thing. Too bad she wasn't taking a video, ir it would've been a blockbuster Utube for sure.

I immediately called the vet and the farrier (note: I used a new farrier this time) to come over and see what the deal was. The vet pulled her hoof up, gave it a whack with a metal vice, then pinched her splint bone all the way down to her pastern. She flinched (wouldn't you?) and he said that she shouldn't have. Immediately after that palpitation, I was to walk her forward quickly. No doubt she limped for a few steps. Diagnosis: suspensory ligament problems - and I need to stay off her for a month. WHAT? That's like asking me not to breathe! It all leaves me curious and confused. I mean, she really is not a trippy horse, nor does she exhibit any signs of pain (sweating or grunting) when I'm riding her. It's just those two little incidents when she forgot to catch her fall. Well, twice is twice too much if I am to feel confident and safe out there on trail. But, letting her stand doesn't sound like a good idea either. So.... I am searching for a magic cure. Any suggestions?
I'm holding my breath.