Behavioural changes

[Possie88]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the group and I'm having some issues with horse. He's just turned 8 he's an ottt usually he's so quiet half asleep anyone can ride kind of horse. The last few months though he's not been himself, he's trying to be aggressive at fed time so I make sure I take a whip in, he's started to do this weird yawning thing repeatedly while I'm in with him and also trying to bite me so my elbow and hand have gotten to know his muzzle quiet well. I have a shoulder injury and lunging can be difficult at times most of the time on the 3rd circle he turns into a raging lunatic. I've had him checked for ulcers that was all clear, had bloods done all clear, his fed has not changed since I've owned him, his teeth are up to date, feet up to date. My youngest son is 8 and he use to ride him all the time but now I do not trust our horse at all and barely allow him in the paddock. I don't understand what has happened I'm determined to try everything I can to get our bond back. We all know this isn't our usually horse and that he's usually beautiful calm and super safe. He's the horse that those that can't ride ride but just not at the moment. Any tips would be so greatly appreciated

 

[ycbm]

I'd put money on it he's in pain somewhere, just nobody has found it yet. How old is he?

You will get more responses if you put this in Tack Room, but welcome to the forum.
.

 

[Birker2020]

Agree with YCBM. Horses yawn a lot when they are stressed but also when they are in pain or discomfort. Sometimes on the lunge any site of pain can become worsened by circling repeatedly. I'd stop the lunging for now as its a very intensive exercise and it could make the situation worse.

I think a vets visit might be in order, especially as you have an 8 year old son around as you'd hate to put him in any danger. Don't worry it might not be anything to sorry about but at least the vet will be able to tell you.



Good luck and welcome.

 

[Possie88]

Thanks for the advice, I've had him vet checked and quiet thoroughly aswell he had bloods done that was in June, teeth checked even though they were only done 3mths prior but you just never know, I've had body work done on him 4 times now since April the vet also did a check for pain. Out equine body massage therapist is also a chiropractor she found his back was sore way back in April so we put off riding him and I did the exercise gave me to do with him and then about 8 weeks ago she found pain again in back possibly from the saddle so I got rid of it and a friend put her saddle on him and it fit him perfectly and he rode like there was nothing wrong his usual happy self for the next 3 weekends. I do agree though something is not right with him and I feel it's pain related aswell. I might find another equine massage and chiropractor to come out and see what they think. I miss my beautiful gentle giant I miss him so much

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

You need a proper work up by a good equine hospital don't waste your money on massage and back people, your horse is showing quite strong changes in behaviour and that is usually down to pain somewhere and a vet is the only person to get to the bottom of it.

If your not happy with your current vet get a referral to a big hospital they will check everything and hopefully give you some answers.

 

[AmyMay]

Does he have company?

 

[I don’t like mondays]

It sounds like your horse could be in pain. The only way to check your horse’s back is via an X-ray- back people cannot feel what is going on in the vertebrae and some horses don’t palpate as sore even when they have serious issues. My horse started being bolshy on the ground and tanking off on the lunge- this was his way of telling me he was in pain (Kissing spine). Your horse might be totally fine but worth getting a vet to do X-rays to rule things out and give peace of mind - good luck

 

[Equi]

Don't waste your money on yet another chiropractor/body worker. Ask your vet for a spine x-ray. I would say he is likely to have kissing spines.

 

[splashgirl45]

may be worth testing for cushings as that can make them change character