Behaviour

[Dominodancer]

Purchased a horse a year ago, ISH. In the first couple of months he reared on a hack. He then did it again not big but we had to give him time to settle. Over 10 months not 1. Out hacking this weekend and he did it again once. He shows no signs of doing this. He was stood and both I though were relaxed.
He is forward and likes be on the move, he finds walking boring which he was doing due to ground and the company he was with. He had to keep stopping. I left them in the end but he was wired.
He is a really gentle horse and usually a gentleman.
Why is he doing this? Time of year. Ride not forward enough. Can it be cured?
I don't want a rearer.

 

[Alibear]

If it was cold weather when he did it in the first couple of months, I'd say it's a pain reaction caused by a condition that's worse than cold weather. Arthritis is one that can show like this. So I'd start with a vet check, explain what you have above, and go from there.

 

[Dominodancer]

If it was cold weather when he did it in the first couple of months, I'd say it's a pain reaction caused by a condition that's worse than cold weather. Arthritis is one that can show like this. So I'd start with a vet check, explain what you

If it was cold weather when he did it in the first couple of months, I'd say it's a pain reaction caused by a condition that's worse than cold weather. Arthritis is one that can show like this. So I'd start with a vet check, explain what you have above, and go from there.

Thank you for your reply.

 

[Polos Mum]

I would try and think about what has changed from 6 months ago when he was consistently good to now - be really picky about the details.

Has the yard turnout arrangements changed (often it's about now that 'winter' turnout is implemented and they get less time outside.
Has he dropped a little weight - in which case his saddle might need a check
Has his feed changed, if you've just started giving additional feed / hay because the grass growth has slowed - that might not suit him (haylage and ulcers)

If you can remember back to what changed the last time when he stopped doing it - that might give you clues.

It's trial and error and being really really observant that should help narrow it down.

He will be doing it for a reason (IMHO they are never 'just naughty')
Was the ride you did really that much slower than usual - did you feel him getting wound up each time you stopped and the rear was the final escalation?
If it 'came out of nowhere without warning' then (for me) that would suggest he's uncomfortable somewhere and I'd be trying to figure out what.
Can you take him out this week and do a more normal ride with your usual company and see.

 

[Dominodancer]

I would try and think about what has changed from 6 months ago when he was consistently good to now - be really picky about the details.

Has the yard turnout arrangements changed (often it's about now that 'winter' turnout is implemented and they get less time outside.
Has he dropped a little weight - in which case his saddle might need a check
Has his feed changed, if you've just started giving additional feed / hay because the grass growth has slowed - that might not suit him (haylage and ulcers)

If you can remember back to what changed the last time when he stopped doing it - that might give you clues.

It's trial and error and being really really observant that should help narrow it down.

He will be doing it for a reason (IMHO they are never 'just naughty')
Was the ride you did really that much slower than usual - did you feel him getting wound up each time you stopped and the rear was the final escalation?
If it 'came out of nowhere without warning' then (for me) that would suggest he's uncomfortable somewhere and I'd be trying to figure out what.
Can you take him out this week and do a more normal ride with your usual company and see.

Thank you so much, yes he's been at night for a while just because of no grass and he's a big lad. Out everyday 7-4, this has suited him. I have been giving him a lot of hay, which he eats and more mix. More than last year and this year for longer.
I have arranged to go out on him this week, with 1 of the same horses.
This lad goes out competing regularly and never puts a foot wrong I don't think it's pain related but but hacking just blows his mind unless he's going. Impatient.

 

[Wizpop]

Could be that when he is out competing, the adrenaline rush overrides pain enough to keep his feet on the floor?

 

[AShetlandBitMeOnce]

Can't add much re: causation but once they have reared under saddle, it will always be a possible reaction now. I find it's one of those things that almost once they have learnt they can, it stays in their arsenal of tricks for times where they have pain or are overstimulated or similar. SO bear that in mind when investigating and if it's something you cannot abide, even if every now and again, you may have to reevaluate.

 

[Floofball]

Even my steady Eddie can get himself in a twizz if we have to keep stopping to wait for others out on a hack, especially on the way home - it is impatience with him. He’s not the type to rear though. I just have to let him march on and it’s up to the others to keep up (or not). He will happily wait for others if I allow him to graze though

 

[Melody Grey]

Just a seasonal thought incase the horse has been recently clipped? Might be saddle fit/ girth pinching type of issues? I’d have a good look at everything just incase.

 

[Birker2020]

Purchased a horse a year ago, ISH. In the first couple of months he reared on a hack. He then did it again not big but we had to give him time to settle. Over 10 months not 1. Out hacking this weekend and he did it again once. He shows no signs of doing this. He was stood and both I though were relaxed.
He is forward and likes be on the move, he finds walking boring which he was doing due to ground and the company he was with. He had to keep stopping. I left them in the end but he was wired.
He is a really gentle horse and usually a gentleman.
Why is he doing this? Time of year. Ride not forward enough. Can it be cured?
I don't want a rearer.

Have you had his saddle looked at, maybe he has changed shape.

I thought it was weird how my first ever hack on Lari he did a little spin/bronc on the way home. Turns out his saddle was uncomfortable.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Could just be more mix less turnout making him a bit sharp.

Maybe feed him something conditioning that doesn't blow the brain some horses can't have large amount of mix.

My Arab's can't have it at it sends them stupid.