I just
Teeth? Ulcers?
1 Like
First and foremost I’d have the saddle fitter do a fit check. If all looks good there, then I’d get him checked for Ulcers, or just start him on a Nexium dosage and see if it improves over a couple weeks (cheaper than scoping).
I’d also have a bodyworker out - palpation is one way to check for muscle soreness / tightness but not 100%. A body worker will be able to identify if there is tightness that could be contributing to back soreness.
My mare was always resistant to saddling - we chalked it up to just mare stuff. 2-3 years later, and many other symptoms, we diagnosed her with PSSM2. Since lifestyle changes and new management for PSSM2, she doesn’t even flick an ear back at saddling.
3 Likes
So, do that for now?
How is he unsaddled, on a lunge line, on a BIG, traveling circle*
*not a teeny circle with the lunge-er stationary… rather letting him use as much of the arena as you can?
Is he getting plenty of turnout since you’re not riding him much?
Was he in a consistent program before you bought him?
1 Like
yes thats the plan… he’s great on the lunge. out 24/7 in field with shelter unless weather is really bad. yes consistent program
1 Like
Add feed intolerance to ulcers, saddle fit, and dentistry possibilities. Feed intolerance can look like gut pain, just like ulcers. High protein in diet was the culprit in my case, in alfalfa and in grain ration. Keeping protein levels closer to 10 % fixed everything … Easy and cheap solution. Good luck.
2 Likes
Saddle fit, ulcers, stomach issues due to feed changes, sudden lack of consistent under saddle work, body pain…
Horses don’t change in personality drastically unless there is something , somewhere going on.
Sometimes moving to a new barn and having a new rider/ handler at the same time can bring on a few " naughty" behaviors but it doesn’t sound like it in your horses case.
Thanks for that tip about feed intolerance @NancyM. That was a new one to me!
1 Like
After you’ve done the standard saddle fit, ulcers, pain, etc I’d just keep saddling him and ignore him. I’d respond to any aggressive behavior and ignore everything else. He might have some bad memories he needs to get past.
2 Likes
