Cribbing collar causing soreness and maybe bridle issues?

[Ajierene]

Thanks, it was a harrowing ordeal! We were riding in the circle in the driveway, where horses had been turned out before (with temporary fencing for a few hours while home owner was home) and had ridden before. I knew about the old tree stump but it had never been occupied before.

Next thing I know, mare’s head was between her knees and all four feet were off the ground. After two jumps, I saw a distinctive yellow and black striped insect on her neck. Poor mare was trying to rid herself of the danger without ridding herself of me and she stopped a time or two but once I knew what was going on, I hopped off when she was standing still. She ran about 50ft farther, carrying on, then stopped. Poor thing was so upset she was shaking!

She seemed alright after that but it was a few days later that the show was and she was moving and jumping willingly. She ONLY showed discomfort in going downhill (which I happened to not do between incident and show) and jumping downhill (only two of the 8 jumps in competition were downhilll and she jumped the rest forward and willing).

She had a little rest after the chiropractor, and has had her neck adjusted a few more times. We ended up going to an alternate place for a few months with more hills and her hind end got a bit worse - just out of alignment, which we think was partially due to the pasture being hillier, they were carrying on a bit more…and I pushed just a bit to far on dressage days (the old “I just want to get this movement just right” fallicy).

I started dressage again slowly - only walking movements and a little bit of trot (I have to be really firm with myself here) and she’s been fantastic! Finally feeling back to the self she was years ago, before these issues started.
Weather last winter really kept us under check (and I vowed no dressage for Dec and Jan) and she’s fantastic now.

She does have some slight PTSD issues…the driveway I go up to go to the jump arena has fence on one side and house on the other. Next to the house are beehives (man made). Never a problem before but last time I was there the bees were getting a bit more active and she was tense walking past. My poor baby.

[DLee1]

I would also suggest a chiropractor.
My horse also wears a Dare collar except in his stall as I’ve been able to basically crib proof it. Going without a collar isn’t an option as he tends to gas colic and even had surgery at 2 (epiploic foramen entrapment).
I do use a sheepskin roll on the crown piece of my bridle, I ride him in a Nathe and a regular noseband which is not tight (that can contribute to a tight crownpiece).
Would def get the best chiro to adjust him, to me it just makes sense that a cribbing collar could cause issues. Maybe even massage (which I haven’t tried except my own attempts.)
I ride my guy in dressage.
Best of luck

[fivestrideline]

@zelle

I believe it’s a habit rather than a pain issue. He’s so bright eyed, willing and good natured. Coat is gleaming. Never avoids work with a spook or a buck. Is not girthy. Always a gentleman to mount. Completely cooperative and trusting always.

To be fair, I had this horse too.

Stifle was BLOWN (old injury). And the hind feet were flat/NPA. Did injections and corrective shoeing and a rehab-style back to work routine (added PT on the ground and an EquiCore). The head issues resolved themselves in the process and suddenly I had a horse that could SIT. He was never “lame” or out, but the stifle and feet were obviously bothering him and ultimately seemed to be the reason for all the nonsense.

[moatsngoats]

never heard of this collar, but this seems great! thank you!