Advice please

[Spoiled cob]

I've had my new horse for 3 weeks, he has been brilliant so far and although only 4 very well behaved. He came over from holland so it was a 3 day journey on a lorry with stops each night.

He stood still for the first week for me to get on but now backs up away from the block and won't stand without being held, he also isn't happy about lifting his back legs up. Am booking the vet tomorrow and the chiropractor to make sure there is nothing wrong.

He isn't lame and happy in himself, trotting and bucking for joy in the paddock, so do you think I'm missing something or is he just testing me? I haven't had a young horse in a long time and am a terrible worrier!

 

[Ahrena]

Did you have him vetted?

If all was well,i wouldn't be concerned about the hind legs. I recently bought a 4 year old (couple of months ago) who came from Germany. She was awful picking up her feet, esp hind legs but is now fine - was just lack of handling I think. She would try to snatch her leg away and sometimes cow kick but now she's fine after lots of practise!

Re the mounting, i suppose he could well of jarred something in the travelling but I would also bear in mind he was probably a bit shell shocked and tired after the journey - it's a long way! - and could well now be coming out a bit in terms of personality.

If vet and chiro don't show anything I would just do a lot of groundwork with the mounting. Could he of had a fright at all?

 

[ridefast]

Maybe saddle doesn't fit. I would rule out pain as soon as possible while he's still being polite.

 

[Spoiled cob]

Yes he was vetted and all ok. No frights, am hoping he is just testing me out

 

[Spoiled cob]

Brand new saddle designed for his breed and fits perfectly.

 

[AmyMay]

Have you examined his back? How much turnout is he getting?

 

[NellRosk]

Yes he was vetted and all ok. No frights, am hoping he is just testing me out

If he is only 4 it's very likely he's having a baby tantrum and trying it on! Stay firm and positive

 

[Spoiled cob]

Have you examined his back? How much turnout is he getting?

Have booked the chiropractor, he is turned out everyday, only coming in when the weather is bad or too hot at the moment.

 

[peaceandquiet1]

It's a baby thing, they just start shifting when they know you are going to mount, , I still hold my daughter's 5yo for same reason but it will get better with time. I don't think it's a big deal at all as he is so young, I am sure it will get better with time and patience. The back legs is probably lack of handling and lso a balance thing.

 

[Goldenstar]

I don't think he's testing you as such but he's four had a long trip is now in a completely different enviroment for the first three weeks he was exhausted now he's just finding is feet.
Was the saddle professionally fitted to him ?
New saddles can also settle very quickly so have a carefull look at it on his back with nothing under it.
As hes a four year old his training is less "set " and changes affect young horses more ,just start training him as you want him.