Advice on lazy horse

[JumpingCob]

I need advice on what to do to sort my lazy horse. In the past he has been very willing to work but now he seems bored and even turned to being grumpy in the stable(he is a 16hh Cob). He jumps up to 120cm and has always been willing, but during this winter he has started to eat all the wood in his stable (not a cribber or a stressor) become very grumpy in the stable and very lazy to ride, I a struggling to keep him in canter or even get him into canter (given he isn't the fittest horse but is ridden at least 4 times a week). I thought he may be bored but he hadn't done much on the road so always stuck to the arena, however last weekend I took him out hacking and he seemed a little more energetic but still lacking his usually energy. I wondered maybe if he is lacking something in the way of feeding (he doesn't get much as a very good doer) he has happy hoof chaff and haylage. Just wondering if anyone has any idea's as it is really frustrating that he is capable of a lot but doesn't seem to have the energy for anything. I also thought it could be back or teeth? Thanks hope someone can help????

 

[Firefly9410]

He could be stale with schooling but if he still felt wrong out hacking I think he might have another problem. My first thought with your post is maybe he has stomach ulcers. It came to mind because you say he is on a restricted diet and has started to eat wood. I would definitely get the vet out because if it is not ulcers it could be he is lame or some other problem. If it is ulcers do not panic they can be treated. If your cob needs a restricted diet to prevent weight gain you could feed some straw. Horses prone to ulcers need constant forage. If you do a search on here you can find all the threads on ulcers for more tips on management.

 

[JillA]

Ulcers came to mind for me too, or saddle fit? For a change in behaviour like this there is very often a pain/health issue.