are some horses mentally unstable?

Unfortunately his behaviour became more wierd over the summer, wouldn't let me put his fly mask on anymore, very very spooky in the field, quite neurotic. Started acting like a stallion when being led in from the field, puffing himself up, spinning, basically being an arse. And dangerous. When touching his sides etc he started to snap at me, looking miserable in the field, having anxiety attacks when I've taken my mare away from sight. Drinking more. I've booked the hunt to come on Wednesday to have him pts. I'm so sorry that I can't do any more for him. I've literally spent thousands on in over the past 4 yrs on ulcer treatment, back treatment. Vets bills etc. my mare is now injured with a ligament tear. It's been a horrid two weeks since her diagnosis and decision to have him put down but I'm drained emotionally and financially. I only earn a small wage and I can't carry on, doesn't stop me feeling so guilty and can't imagine never seeing him again in his field or stable.
 
Sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time OP :(
It really does sound like there's something seriously wrong with him, and you have tried a lot to put him right. You're making the right decision both for yourself and the horse, it takes a lot of love and courage to make the choice you have and you shouldn't let anyone make you feel guilty for it.
I hope Wednesday goes as seamlessly as possible for you, and you can find some peace in knowing that he is no longer in pain or upset.
 
I'm so sorry, but you really have done all you can for him. This is the last act of kindness you can carry out for him. It's pants when the best thing for them is the worst thing for you. xxx
 
While it's hard for you OP I really think you are doing him a favour. He doesn't sound like a happy horse so the nicest, kindest thing you can do is release him from his misery.

I'm so sorry.
 
exracehorse said:
I've come to the decision that my TB can never be ridden again. I have tried so hard but can't do it any more. I'm not talking about high spirits or being naughty. Not even pain related. When a horse will literally throw himself on the floor. He's had every test under the sun. I know he has low grade arthritis and slipping stiffles. I turned him away 8 months ago after a horrific hack. He does the most wierd and dangerous things. It's as if something goes ping in his head. I tried again today. A gentle walk around the schooling ring. No pressure. It was a disaster. He shall always stay with me. If I didn't want him anymore then he'll be put to sleep. I can't do it anymore. He's dangerous. On the ground is a sod at times but I can handle him. Are others out there with a horse who seems to have a screw lose? Mentally wise?
Click to expand...


I had a mare who truly appeared to be psychotic, she was dangerous to ride and on the ground. Eventually after several years during which her behaviour deteriorated so much that she was very close to pts for every-one's safety, she was found to be intolerant of all cereals and refined sugars.
What does your horse eat? Could you strip the feed right back to grass and hay only?
 
atropa said:
Sorry to hear you're going through such a tough time OP :(
It really does sound like there's something seriously wrong with him, and you have tried a lot to put him right. You're making the right decision both for yourself and the horse, it takes a lot of love and courage to make the choice you have and you shouldn't let anyone make you feel guilty for it.
I hope Wednesday goes as seamlessly as possible for you, and you can find some peace in knowing that he is no longer in pain or upset.
Click to expand...

This xx
 
exracehorse said:
Yes. I bought a poppet of a horse to cheer myself up in December. Oooh, so lovely to have a normal horse. the TB had a terrible head injury 4 weeks into purchase 4 years ago. He was given the all clear and we came on leaps and bounds. Dressage was his thing. But over time strange behavioural issues begun. I blamed the weather., spring grass, etc. But they escalated. One of his classics is to have a meltdown over something minor. I e horse passing him on a hack. He will plant. Spin at high speed. Rear. Pull his back up as if having a wee. Turn his head round so he is touching my boot. Groan. Paw at the ground. Lies down. Then gets up and acts as if nothing has happened. The list is endless.
Click to expand...

That sounds suspiciously like seizure behaviour.
 
I agree, he has these seizures when he gets stressed. Head to one side, spinning to that side. He locks and won't move. I wonder if the head trauma 4 yrs ago has been the cause. It's distressing to watch and dangerous.
 
OP you know you have made the right decision - he isn't a happy horse and you have done the brave thing of giving him peace.

Pigeon said:
phe turned out to have cushings, don't know if the two were connected.
Click to expand...

Cushings is caused by a (usually be benign) tumour of the pituitary gland. If it spreads it can cause behavioural issues.
 
exracehorse said:
I agree, he has these seizures when he gets stressed. Head to one side, spinning to that side. He locks and won't move. I wonder if the head trauma 4 yrs ago has been the cause. It's distressing to watch and dangerous.
Click to expand...

It would be the first place I would look, to be honest. My mare was epileptic so I know what it is like to see them going through a seizure.
 
Yes, some are.

I used to ride one for a lady on our yard when I was a teenager. He was a danger to himself and others.
 
He was pts by the hunt this morning. I couldn't be there, it would be too much for me but my instructor and another livery were. I know it was for the best but I can't stop sobbing. I have to go down this evening to see my other horse and I can't imagine not seeing him in the adjoining field. The smell on his rugs and hoof prints in the field will be a constant reminder. It hurts so much
 
Sending huge hugs to you. It's a horrible decision to make and experience to go through. You made the right one though. Yes, it probably will be difficult but that's all part of the grieving process.

Go and hug your other horse and have a good cry. X
 
It is always hard to make the decision, OP but you have made it in the best interests of your horse, which should make it a bit easier to come to terms with your action
 
JDH01 said:
I am sorry to say there are. I had one who was really dangerous and it was as if he had a rocker switch in his head. He was also dangerous on the ground so had to be puts.
Click to expand...

This. I believe my TB has one brain cell which switches between full off and full on. Never know when the switch will flip.
He operates in binary code! Fortunately he has a value as a companion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top