I’ve been working with a tank of a horse - a 10 yo appaloosa cross gelding who has been a trail horse as long as I’ve known him. Recently, every ride he’s been on (with 1-10 other horses), no matter where he is in the lineup or what part of the trail we’re on, he stops suddenly and refuses to go forward. It’s happened 5 minutes after starting the ride, middle of the ride, and 3 minutes before we get back to the barn. Also on grassy spots, rocky spots, flat spots, hilly spots, narrow mountain trails…you name it.
When he refuses to go forward, he gets increasingly anxious as the other horses move on, but still refuses to move. After a minute of that, he’ll start spinning in place. After another minute, he’ll pause a couple moments, focused on the group, before bolting forward to catch up. I haven’t found anything wrong with his back or tack (I’ve even experimented with different saddles/bridles/pads/etc), and he does it with any rider. Any similar stories, or ideas of why he’s doing this? Thank you in advance!
I would have the vet out for a thorough exam including a complete eye exam, neuro exam and lameness exam.
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Give him the benefit of the doubt and start the investigation with a thorough vet exam.
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I have been a trail ride guide and I never saw this or anything like this once. I would say listen to him and something is wrong.
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