Are they just S.A.D?! any suggestions welcome!

silvershadow81

Well-Known Member
Joined
15 February 2008
Messages
1,785
Location
Derbyshire
Visit site
The horses havent been out in the fields for over a week now because they are so wet. We are lucky though as have an arena which they can go in for the day and we tie haynets all round, so at least they are out

Ive thought for a week or so that she dosnt feel so enthusiastic, and this could be down to the following in my mind:

1. Weather - I cant do anything about

2. Lack of grass/ turnout- I have now put her on readigrass too!

3. Increase in workload as have a big show in April- not a lot, but try and do something 5 days a week- usually just a walk round the village and a trot up the track (35mins), with the exception of a long 2hour practice every sunday. (day off after)

4. Age- i now only walk on roads and wondered if she is bored with this as she used to be xc in the spring, and ive now decided to not jump her anymore, and am also wrapping her in cotton wool for this show! I took her up the tracks two days ago and she seemed to perk up, but then, she is that kind of horse who would still try and jump with two legs!

We have also noticed that they have become really picky with their hay, and unsure as to if this is just because they are eating loads during the day and are actually bored of it?

So have just been out and bought some Blood Liquid and competition mix (as usually on vetran) and thought i would try a little extra in her feeds?

Am also thinking it could be a virus? though apart from lack of enthusiasm, there are no other indicators to this!

anyhow, just a little confused and trying to explore all avenues, so wondered if there was something i am missing...or if others are acting like this? xx
 
I do think they get just as fed up as we do at this time of year. My lot are out 24/7 with shelters but the novelty seems to have worn off and they aren't enjoying their enforced holiday any more.

They are also less interested in their hay preferring to mooch about the field and see what they can pick out of the water and mud.

Bless them, it must be just as c*$p for them!
 
How are yours being ridden though?

Ours are usually really enthusiastic to be out and doing things, they just mooch down the road at the moment, and it feels like it takes an age to get anywhere! Usually its a real strut down the road when we are going out?

I also think the delivery of hay we have had is not as nice as the last lot!
 
Ours are a bit depressed as well, and don't want to do anything apart from stand in stables. Must be the time of year and weather - I don't want to do anything apart from stay at home and eat either!
 
I concur. Sleepy has been mooching about in the field rather than eating his hay (Field stable). He does seem a whole lot more interested after we've done a good schooling session. Yup - think they get S.A.D. just like the rest of us.
 
Top