Okay so I got my thoroughbred, Jaxen (5 years old), about 5 months ago and he has been absolutely amazing ! No issues at all, stands still , walk trot canter, great over a jump, around a barrel coarse, out on the trails and bareback… he is very laid back and relaxed and have not had any problems until this past week. He has randomly started acting up while im riding , prancing, going sideways, and his new favorite , uncontrollably spinning/cantering in VERY tight circles … I have never had a horse do this before just wondering if anyone can offer some tips or advice ? Thankyou !!
Have you ruled out problems with saddle or tack fit? When was the last time his hooves were done? Does he need to have his teeth floated? Have you had your vet out to rule out ulcers or other physical problem? Any changes to his routine and/or feed?
He may be getting fit/hotheaded.
I would look at the feed, maybe see if that does it.
I second the pain - and if not pain, barrel patterns are probably making him upset.
Sudden behavioural changes are never random and are generally the result of pain/discomfort. If it were me, I’d give my vet a call, have a chat, he knows my horses, he knows me, and has all the experience.
Without knowing the horse and rider, with your description, there is no way to answer the question on an internet board!
One of my rules of thumb is: when a good, calm horse goes bad, 9 times out of 10 pain is involved.
Your horse is trying to tell you that he hurts. Please, listen to him and have a vet do a lameness/ulcer work up.
Thank you everyone for your help, I am going to get a new saddle monday, ulcers and teeth are ruled out, only other change is his hay so I am going to try new equipment and hold off on the new hay till I figure it out
I agree. I believe horses do not lie - he is telling you something - is he on hot feed, cut him back a bit. He’s had his vet check - seems ok? Turnout? Tack? Getting too fit, or not worked enough? The barrels/jumping might be hotting him up as Beowulf said…a change in behaviour means something. But good for you for noticing and dealing with it.
Also, are you working with an instructor? If so have them watch you, have them get on. Nothing like eyes on the ground, or a different feel.
What’s in the new hay? If you changed from orchard grass to a legume (alfalfa) he could be one of those who doesn’t handle it well.
He was put back on alfalfa after being off for a bit and I think a combination of that an my saddle not properly fitting is it. I will be going tomorrow to exchange my saddle for one that will fit him better. Thankyou to everyone for the suggestions I will let you know how tomorrows ride goes with the new tack !
[QUOTE=ottb_jaxen;7664933]
He was put back on alfalfa after being off for a bit and I think a combination of that an my saddle not properly fitting is it. I will be going tomorrow to exchange my saddle for one that will fit him better. Thankyou to everyone for the suggestions I will let you know how tomorrows ride goes with the new tack ![/QUOTE]
A change like that, immediately following a hay change from alfalfa to grass hay may mean ulcers. The extra calcium in alfalfa hay has a buffering effect on the stomach, so if he’s stopped getting it, his stomach acid levels may be causing issues.
I wouldn’t do a tack and feed change at once - try the first then the other. It will give you a better idea of where the real problem lies.
