Can you live with an explosive horse?

[Oberon]

came back well from that, but a month in from starting ridden work again, he 'exploded' whilst tacking him up - again, after I had tightened the girth. I had given up on him for a year, before treating him for gastric ulcers. (He hadn't been scoped). Again he came back into work well and I was back riding him with no issues at all. He was fab. He has been off the ulcer treatment a couple of weeks now.

That is your answer, I believe.

He may just need more treatment and then keeping him on a maintenance treatment long term?

 

[ladyt25]

Oh, forgot to answer your orginal question. That would be No. I like to know the extent of what their reaction is going to be and what triggers it. Something to do with tack etc I would like to hope can be solved. I don't think any horse is 'naughty', they are purely reacting to something. None of my horses have really reacted in an OTT/violent way so this is a new one for me!

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I haven't read all the replies, just got to your post about keeping diary. I think that is your way forward. It does sound as if your horse has a headache. My ID bucked me off on the road as a car went past and when I looked back a few months, she had started reacting to noises. She had back musle dmage and vet did acupuncture, which sorted her out. Unfortunately shortly after that, she got septicaemia and was pts. I think that her problems started when I added glucosamine to her diet - how that translates into muscle damage, I'm not sure.
Years ago I had a WelshDxTB who we found was intolerant of cereals and sugar in her diet. Her behaviour was more than explosive by the time we realised what the problem was but for years she had been unpredictable both to ride and to handle, eventually though, I worked out that she was fine to take out in the morning but horrendous to bring back in when she was ready for her next meal. If we had kept a diary, it might have helped us and her sooner.
We kept her as a companion because although we modified her diet we could never guarantee that passers-by wouldn't feed her and she was extremely sensitive, even to one polo.
Take care.

ETA, I agree with oberon, it does sound as though he needs the ulcer medication.

 

[MagicMelon]

Hmm hard one. I'd be worried its his back so would be terrified he'd do it under saddle at some point. A friends horse was put down not long ago due to kissing spines - it would suddenly explode under saddle. One of my horses a long time ago was cold backed, he'd suddenly bronc me off occasionally when I first got on - well off quite a few times in the early days but kept going and he got over it. So if this was my horse, I'd try keeping him on the ulcer treatment if you can and see how he is. If he doesnt improve, Id worry it was his back and Im not sure Id want to be riding.

 

[meandmyself]

QR-

If he does have ulcers and is having a flare, you might need to try something other than the Abprazole. I can't find the link, but I read something that said Abprazole isn't good at treating ulcer flares. Try him on a course of GastroGard. (I know it's expensive, but might be worth a try.)

 

[Baileybones]

Sorry not read all replies.

In answer to your question yes I do and in our case things have improved.

I had an old thread on here titled dangerous mare and recently came back some years on with an update.

My girl would blow as you describe but over so many things. With regards to the girthing issue we had this almost exactly as you describe.

Firstly I removed us both from the stable environment and tacked up and untacked in the school. I also rode with a headcollar under her bridle so if I did lose her she was retrievable but also I could hold rope and not her mouth.

not sure if you've said but are you using a dressage girth? This turned out to be part of our issue- she hated the feeling on the girth ends touching her ribs.

So tack wise I used a sheepskin pad but high rise so nothing pressing on wither. Then I replaced girth straps with short ones and used a long girth with a sheepskin cover.

Whichever side you want just attach girth but only by one buckle preferably back one. Then as loose as possible attach buckle on other side but only one. Then return to other side and do up second buckle and then finally still as loose as possible do last buckle on other side.

By now my girl would be tensing up so I would not ask her to move but I'd step away from her still holding the leadrope. I'd offer her a polo or something but basically she needed to take first few steps by herself and so no pressure from me. I used to find she'd resist the pull on the rein,lean back and then blow her stack. Using this method she was so much better.

Not sure if this helps you but I promise you my girl is a reformed character. She now tacks up and does everything like a "normal" pony ;-) .

Only took a few weeks and we returned to going back to the stable. She still is explosive but I'm now far more confident with how to manage her. That said I wouldn't trust her with other people but only because I feel I chose to live with her but not fair to expect others to.

I hope this helps you in some way - my girl needs careful management but no explosions now for a couple of years (touching wood) ;-) x

 

[Nightmare before Christmas]

I had one. He was sharp and riggy but a great guy! Alot of fun but could worry you sometimes! sadly lost him not long ago

 

[Wagtail]

This - might be worth trying a very broad girth or a shaped one with a really fluffy sheepskin sleeve to make it really soft and comfortable for him, especially if you think it's a pain response.
Also might be worth a gel pad under the girth - you can get girths with an inbuilt gel area placed under the sternum

Thanks. I have tried sheepskin but not gel. Certainly worth a try.

I think humane girths are probably the worst for this as they can be tightened. Maybe try a stud girth or something equally broad.

My new broken youngster will bronc in stable with the humane girth.

Thanks. I was wondering if the humane girth might not be so good. mind you, he sometimes reacts to the lunge roller too. Hates the pessoa but is fine with the equiami.

I see it slightly different. I wouldn't say unpredictble as it's only when doing up the girth this seems to happen. Explosive most definitely. Yes semantics to a degree but he doesn't do this at any other time correct? As far as these ulcer meds they're great but I see them as turning off those acid pumps. Once off them some horses can go back rather quickly to being unhappy and in pain. So I usually follow up with a buffer type powder that keeps the acid down some. I keep most of them on that long term. No I'm not a vet or scientist. But this has been my own experimentation.

Having said all that. Is this going to be a horse, no matter how much you love him, that you want to ride knowing that at some point an explosion can get you hurt. Like SF I no longer feel like dealing with anything that can be explosive. I want to have fun when I ride. Or go to ride. You have been amazing in seeking and doing whatever you can to make sure he's happy and healthy. So not an easy choice.

Terri

Excellent advice. Thank you.

I think Bee was probably the most difficult we'd put up with, and the only reason for that was because she had so much to offer. She was quite volatile, but in the end until her final month she was never outright dangerous. She's throw tantrums but they were just tantrums and generally with tactful riding you'd could persuade her out of it.

Now, I think we'd rather have nice, easy horses to look after. It makes other faults so much easier to swallow!

Yep. Much rather have an easy horse. But I love this one. he has loads of personality and is a dream to ride when he doesn't have this issue.

No.

Fig can be a dimwit, but he never scares me out of riding.

Same with my mare.

 

[Wagtail]

Not sure if you have seen this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr05hMmLCY4

have you tried dietary supplements (charcoal, clay, protexin, magnesium oxide, aloe vera...) in case that would help over the long term?

Thanks will take a look.

No, no way. Its only a horse and I, and you, only get one neck. Its not worth it.

Get a safe, enjoyable one, then you'll look back and think "wtf was I doing persevering and risking my safety for so long?"

Very good advice. Wish I wasn't so attached.

i know how you feel...not exactly the same situation but very nervy mare who is also the most loving person i've ever known. She doesn't cope when left alone or out hunting. I'd love to keep her but parents have put their foot down

Sorry to hear that. But as a parent myself, I would probably be advising the same. I hope she finds a nice home.

 

[Wagtail]

Sorry this will be a long post!but a good story. yes i have the horse you have just described, and have had for almost 2 years, but not yet given up on (nor ever will)...

he has one of the worst cases of ks the vets have ever seen – but we didn’t operate, were advised not to.
he has had gastric ulcers – lack of forage/turnout due to yard restrictions
he has severe muscle spasms through his back and around his stomach.
he most likely has nerve damage.

I have been bucked off in canter, run away with, even thrown on the floor before my bums in the saddle!!!

You could call him unpredictable and exploding (I generally call him other, unwriteable, things), but he goes further than your horse does. I’ve had him rearing, bucking, kicking, bolting when doing up the girth. But he will also blindly run around his stable, charge at the door, and finally can drop down at your feet like hes had a heart attack. Simply by doing the girth up one hole. – he doesn’t do this every day, in fact VERY infrequently now, but ive learnt to read the signs of when it will happen and pressure him no further.

However I still compete him BD with over 65%, ride him every other day currently, hack out, school (but don’t jump). Hes happy and works amazingly, doesn’t act as if in pain and certainly doesn’t look it.

Ks often creates ‘refered pain’, my boy had it, and yours could possibly have to (just even from ulcers). ‘mine’ was around the stomach and girth area, very deep in the muscles and caused the above to happen. The pain was caused by him holding/bracing himself due the ks...so muscles became tight and painful...in the end we couldnt even touch him anywhere around the stomach area. It took 3 physio sessions to sort him out, and lots of relaxed time in the field.

I also have a routine before getting on – takes a bit longer to tack up...but it works.
He is thoroughly groomed – every where really firmly, he also gets ‘itched’ over neck/saddle/loins area, to make him really relaxed and happy. Girth area is concentrated on with the brush, as is stomach. Warms him up and gets blood flowing.
Put saddle on with girth ‘one and one’ – so pretty loose....itch neck again, do up one hole one side....go do something else (boots/hat etc), put up another hole.

I do this so it is never loose, but not really tight. Here i bring him out of the box and walk and walk......finally getting the saddle up one more hole on each side during the long walk.

After this i can *normally* get on.

He will only take a gp girth, and it has to have a squidgy, but not fluffy, sleave!

I also NEVER ride if I feel that he is tense or ‘not right’ when being girthed up....just put away and allowed to relax...we can ride another day!

So yes ive learnt to manage it, and it has become routine to do these things now, but ive had to learn what he requires me to do to make him comfortable, which is only fair when i ask alot of him, considering what hes been through.

Thank you so much for posting this. It really has helped. Well done with your horse. I hope it continues!

 

[Wagtail]

I have just experienced the very same thing with my youngster but he is at the very strart of his career so I am looking in to the reasons for it. I first sat on him last Oct/Nov so he was still 3. I the took him out 'hacking' being lead/walked with and progressed to going out with a another horse. He had no issues hacing a saddle put on or girth etc.

However, this year (he's 4 now), he'd been hacked out a couple of times. I needed a new saddle for him as was using my horse's but if they are to go out together he needed his own! All seemed fine ish with this - been fiddling with the fit a bit. Got him a Wintec girth - those synthetic wide/shaped ones as had been advised to get wide as would be more comfy (never had issues with the previous girth though). Anyway, he's worn it a few times but has been getting preogressively more 'girthy' over the last few weeks. He also chucked me off at two little shows I took him too - he spun and bronced.

Took him back to basics a bit and had help from a trainer. Felt making some progress and then after chatting with saddler I thought i'd try his saddel on him with no padding etc. Just did it in the field with a headcollar on him (had no reason to think I shouldn't) ad he was ok, did the girth up (he kicked out a bit). I then asked him to move and BAM!! He just went mad. He threw himself away from me, I kept hold just thinking he was being a prat. He continued to bromc and I ended up stood in front of him. He then reared (he's never done that before) can came down on top of me. I let go at this point and he continued bucking in terror! I was very very lucky as I had no hat on and, although he hit my head it wasn't with a shod hoof!

he was clearly very upset about it and I truly believe I caused some pain and I am looking at the girth as the cause.

have you changed to just a normal, cotton type girth? Others on here have said string girths are good, or leather. It may be worthwhile trying this. Mine is sensitive having his chest and tummy brushed so maybe he is more sensitive than I gave him credit for.

To be honest, if I don't get to the bottom of it (and I know it sounds mad) I would consider getting an animal communicator in as a last resort!!

Thank you. Please let me know how you get on with him. It is so hard.

 

[Wagtail]

Not ignoring the other replies. I just have to get to bed so will answer tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your thoughts. They really have helped.

 

[puss]

I have explosive horse not pain related though Its just how he is hes had a bad past. You don't know when it coming his temperament can change in split second I just cope with it what else can I do but its very annoying because you don't know the trigger and im not sure he does. I deal with him everyday is different never know what your getting would be nice to relax around him but never could. If it was pain related im sorry but id PTS when everything else has been tried Its not worth the stress imo.

 

[Parker79]

Firstly - Wagtail, sorry to hear you are having this dilemma...haven't been on here for a while but you are always so supportive of everyone and I'm pleased you have had so many helpful replies.

In answer to your question....I personally I would keep going but obviously it is a personal thing.

On a practical note, as mentioned I would investigate different Ulcer treatment and see if he can stay on something permanently? Girth wise...I was told that leather girths are not great for even pressure...may be worth trying an all singing all dancing wide girth with elastic both sides.

Something else.....you will think I am bonkers but what about Reiki? you have tried allsorts now so give it a try....I didn't believe in it until I had it done myself....weird experience! I cannot understand how it works but it certainly worked for me!

So hard with a horse that is up and down...I had 11 years of it and it is certainly testing!

xx

 

[Wagtail]

That is your answer, I believe.

He may just need more treatment and then keeping him on a maintenance treatment long term?

I am hoping putting him back on the ulcer treatment will work. Fingers crossed. But then part of me thinks that it may have just been a coincidence he was so good whilst he was on it. I have had good periods before. I guess I will put him on the full dose for 6 weeks, and keep trying him. If he doesn't have an episode whilst on the full dose, then I will have my (expensive) answer.

Oh, forgot to answer your orginal question. That would be No. I like to know the extent of what their reaction is going to be and what triggers it. Something to do with tack etc I would like to hope can be solved. I don't think any horse is 'naughty', they are purely reacting to something. None of my horses have really reacted in an OTT/violent way so this is a new one for me!

I agree. I don't think horses are naughty either. There is always a reason.

I haven't read all the replies, just got to your post about keeping diary. I think that is your way forward. It does sound as if your horse has a headache. My ID bucked me off on the road as a car went past and when I looked back a few months, she had started reacting to noises. She had back musle dmage and vet did acupuncture, which sorted her out. Unfortunately shortly after that, she got septicaemia and was pts. I think that her problems started when I added glucosamine to her diet - how that translates into muscle damage, I'm not sure.
Years ago I had a WelshDxTB who we found was intolerant of cereals and sugar in her diet. Her behaviour was more than explosive by the time we realised what the problem was but for years she had been unpredictable both to ride and to handle, eventually though, I worked out that she was fine to take out in the morning but horrendous to bring back in when she was ready for her next meal. If we had kept a diary, it might have helped us and her sooner.
We kept her as a companion because although we modified her diet we could never guarantee that passers-by wouldn't feed her and she was extremely sensitive, even to one polo.
Take care.

ETA, I agree with oberon, it does sound as though he needs the ulcer medication.

Thank you. I have started my diary noting everything about the times he reacts, even the weather and time of day.

Hmm hard one. I'd be worried its his back so would be terrified he'd do it under saddle at some point. A friends horse was put down not long ago due to kissing spines - it would suddenly explode under saddle. One of my horses a long time ago was cold backed, he'd suddenly bronc me off occasionally when I first got on - well off quite a few times in the early days but kept going and he got over it. So if this was my horse, I'd try keeping him on the ulcer treatment if you can and see how he is. If he doesnt improve, Id worry it was his back and Im not sure Id want to be riding.

He has never reacted to me riding him, except the one time I tightened the girth whilst riding him. I know that if he is going to react, it is always when he tries to move after the girth has been adjusted.

QR-

If he does have ulcers and is having a flare, you might need to try something other than the Abprazole. I can't find the link, but I read something that said Abprazole isn't good at treating ulcer flares. Try him on a course of GastroGard. (I know it's expensive, but might be worth a try.)

Thanks. We have a mare here with ulcers and abprazole does not work for her by gastroguard does. Strange though because the active ingredient in both is omeprazole.

 

[Wagtail]

Sorry not read all replies.

In answer to your question yes I do and in our case things have improved.

I had an old thread on here titled dangerous mare and recently came back some years on with an update.

My girl would blow as you describe but over so many things. With regards to the girthing issue we had this almost exactly as you describe.

Firstly I removed us both from the stable environment and tacked up and untacked in the school. I also rode with a headcollar under her bridle so if I did lose her she was retrievable but also I could hold rope and not her mouth.

not sure if you've said but are you using a dressage girth? This turned out to be part of our issue- she hated the feeling on the girth ends touching her ribs.

So tack wise I used a sheepskin pad but high rise so nothing pressing on wither. Then I replaced girth straps with short ones and used a long girth with a sheepskin cover.

Whichever side you want just attach girth but only by one buckle preferably back one. Then as loose as possible attach buckle on other side but only one. Then return to other side and do up second buckle and then finally still as loose as possible do last buckle on other side.

By now my girl would be tensing up so I would not ask her to move but I'd step away from her still holding the leadrope. I'd offer her a polo or something but basically she needed to take first few steps by herself and so no pressure from me. I used to find she'd resist the pull on the rein,lean back and then blow her stack. Using this method she was so much better.

Not sure if this helps you but I promise you my girl is a reformed character. She now tacks up and does everything like a "normal" pony ;-) .

Only took a few weeks and we returned to going back to the stable. She still is explosive but I'm now far more confident with how to manage her. That said I wouldn't trust her with other people but only because I feel I chose to live with her but not fair to expect others to.

I hope this helps you in some way - my girl needs careful management but no explosions now for a couple of years (touching wood) ;-) x

That is so good to hear. My boy is worse with a dressage girth too. So pleased your girl is sorted, and well done.

 

[Elsbells]

Oh wagtail, it sounds awful.

There's been a lot of good suggestion so far and lots for you to think about. You've always been so helpful to other posters on here and it seems only fair that someone can help you too, even if its only talking about it.

It does sound like the ulcers are kicking off again doesn't it?

I find the Proffessional Choice girth fantastic for a sensitive horse, cost a lot but worth every penny. Well at least I don't get my bum bitten now!

I hope you find the answer and soon.

Good Luck!

 

[Kokopelli]

Andy sounds exactly like yours. I've been bringing him back into work because he had a bad liver and a bad back. When I did his girth up he would start broncing round the stable. Vet gave him some steroid injections and I started riding him to help strengthen his back.

All was going well, he was joggy and an idiot like always so I knew he was feeling better but we got half way round our hacking and he just stuck his head between his knees and started broncing, spinning and grunting. It's so unlike him I've had nearly 3 years and he's never done something like that for no reason.

I'm so considering giving up now, there's a high chance he's got kissing spines but call me cruel (like everyone on my yard) but I'd rather him be pts rather than have the surgery. If he can live happily out in the field then I'll do that but atm I think he's retired.

Sorry it's not much help but Andy sounds so similar to yours from what you've been saying and I can't stand it. He's a ghost of the horse I used to own and it kills me seeing him in so much pain. I wish I had my lovely boy back.

 

[Wagtail]

I have explosive horse not pain related though Its just how he is hes had a bad past. You don't know when it coming his temperament can change in split second I just cope with it what else can I do but its very annoying because you don't know the trigger and im not sure he does. I deal with him everyday is different never know what your getting would be nice to relax around him but never could. If it was pain related im sorry but id PTS when everything else has been tried Its not worth the stress imo.

I wouldn't put him to sleep as he's such a happy horse in himself. He is also so funny at times and makes me laugh. Yes, I believe his explosions are pain related, but not once I'm on board and riding him. I think he has shooting nerve type pain very occasionally when the girth touches him in a certain place after it has been tightened. I am hoping it IS ulcer related so I can treat it, but if not, I am hoping I can find a girth that suits him better.

Firstly - Wagtail, sorry to hear you are having this dilemma...haven't been on here for a while but you are always so supportive of everyone and I'm pleased you have had so many helpful replies.

In answer to your question....I personally I would keep going but obviously it is a personal thing.

On a practical note, as mentioned I would investigate different Ulcer treatment and see if he can stay on something permanently? Girth wise...I was told that leather girths are not great for even pressure...may be worth trying an all singing all dancing wide girth with elastic both sides.

Something else.....you will think I am bonkers but what about Reiki? you have tried allsorts now so give it a try....I didn't believe in it until I had it done myself....weird experience! I cannot understand how it works but it certainly worked for me!

So hard with a horse that is up and down...I had 11 years of it and it is certainly testing!

xx

Thank you. I am definitely going to persevere. He has had five homes before me and is so happy here and is totally in love with my mare. That was the main reason I backed out of sending him to the blood bank.

 

[niagaraduval]

No I can't.

I can however share your pain of owning a horse that you can't do anything with and is a constant worry. My horse has severe heaves, he had a massive attack 5 years ago, a lot of debt, he got over it. I left him out for 6 months with a heard of other horses in a huge field. The time came to bring him back in and he was a changed horse. I started riding him again, he could do everything the other horses could. It struck again, but worse this time. Every single night I could hear him struggling to breathe, coughing etc. I have lost count of the number of times I have phoned the vet out in the middle of the night crying my eyes out..
He still hasn't got over it. Every time I see him I get worried that he's on the turn again. I paid 2k for this horse as a youngster, he is now worth nothing at all. He costs me so much money but I love him so much. I know his time will come soon, I will have to make the biggest decision I have had to make so far... He is only 10.

 

[Wagtail]

No I can't.

I can however share your pain of owning a horse that you can't do anything with and is a constant worry. My horse has severe heaves, he had a massive attack 5 years ago, a lot of debt, he got over it. I left him out for 6 months with a heard of other horses in a huge field. The time came to bring him back in and he was a changed horse. I started riding him again, he could do everything the other horses could. It struck again, but worse this time. Every single night I could hear him struggling to breathe, coughing etc. I have lost count of the number of times I have phoned the vet out in the middle of the night crying my eyes out..
He still hasn't got over it. Every time I see him I get worried that he's on the turn again. I paid 2k for this horse as a youngster, he is now worth nothing at all. He costs me so much money but I love him so much. I know his time will come soon, I will have to make the biggest decision I have had to make so far... He is only 10.

I am so sorry to hear this. It must be a terrible worry for you. At least with mine I know he is comfortable and happy just being a horse. My only problem is whether or not I will be able to ride him. I hope your boy does get better eventually, though I agree it does not sound good. Heaves is something I know very little about.

 

[cbmcts]

Yes I have one but he was retired very young since he scared me witless with his behaviour.

Unlike yours his problem is mental rather than physical - after many work ups various vets have described him as 100% physically but brainless and silly with it! He's a OTT panic merchant, if something scares him he will try and tank off and if he's stopped go up and over. While tanking he'll go through and over anything and anybody in his way - truly dangerous. Yet when he's calm he fantastic but since you never know what'll set him off this time...well that's a level of unpredictability too far for my nerve I'm afraid.

With yours would it be worth having him scoped to confirm/deny ulcers? As the treatment isn't cheap and then you might have an idea of whether it is physical or mental and an eventual prognosis?

It's really tough because it's not the horses fault and yet you feel selfish because you really want to ride...

 

[scots]

Mine isn't explosive but can be mega grumpy still when girthing and bite. She had 10 processes operated on (interspinous ligament cut) and I know it's more down to tight pectorals than back hurting - she has a fairfax girth now and although still pulls a face (more learned behaviours I feel) she doesn't bite using that - and I used to use a sheepskin before with various girths even tried the cair one. So fairfax girth does it for me plus saddle doesn't slip with it

 

[Wagtail]

Yes I have one but he was retired very young since he scared me witless with his behaviour.

Unlike yours his problem is mental rather than physical - after many work ups various vets have described him as 100% physically but brainless and silly with it! He's a OTT panic merchant, if something scares him he will try and tank off and if he's stopped go up and over. While tanking he'll go through and over anything and anybody in his way - truly dangerous. Yet when he's calm he fantastic but since you never know what'll set him off this time...well that's a level of unpredictability too far for my nerve I'm afraid.

With yours would it be worth having him scoped to confirm/deny ulcers? As the treatment isn't cheap and then you might have an idea of whether it is physical or mental and an eventual prognosis?

It's really tough because it's not the horses fault and yet you feel selfish because you really want to ride...

I am not surprised you were scared. I would be. The only reason I am even contemplating riding my boy is because I know what triggers the behaviour. I am just baffled as to why it is only one in ten times that he does it, or as has happened this time, more than two months of no reaction and then BAM!

Mine isn't explosive but can be mega grumpy still when girthing and bite. She had 10 processes operated on (interspinous ligament cut) and I know it's more down to tight pectorals than back hurting - she has a fairfax girth now and although still pulls a face (more learned behaviours I feel) she doesn't bite using that - and I used to use a sheepskin before with various girths even tried the cair one. So fairfax girth does it for me plus saddle doesn't slip with it

Thank you. Will have a look at the Fairfax girths.

 

[Wagtail]

Not a good update unfortunately. He was good to lunge in the equiami this week, but today when I got him in from the field, he was very jumpy around his girth rea, before I even got the saddle near him. I tried massaging it, and this made him much worse sending him into spasms. I wasn't even going to try him, but wanted to try the new Tekna girth I had bought him. He ran away from the saddle and had a fit when I put it gently on his back. Then calmed down once he realised the girth wasn't done up. So put the saddle on and off him a few times, no problem, but I could tell he would freak out if I attempted to girth it. So looks like we have a massive setback. I have never known him so sensitive to the touch before. It is both sides, behind his elbows. He is terrified. When I stroke him there, his sides spasm. Feel like giving up right now.

 

[ImmyS]

Not a good update unfortunately. He was good to lunge in the equiami this week, but today when I got him in from the field, he was very jumpy around his girth rea, before I even got the saddle near him. I tried massaging it, and this made him much worse sending him into spasms. I wasn't even going to try him, but wanted to try the new Tekna girth I had bought him. He ran away from the saddle and had a fit when I put it gently on his back. Then calmed down once he realised the girth wasn't done up. So put the saddle on and off him a few times, no problem, but I could tell he would freak out if I attempted to girth it. So looks like we have a massive setback. I have never known him so sensitive to the touch before. It is both sides, behind his elbows. He is terrified. When I stroke him there, his sides spasm. Feel like giving up right now.

I havent read the whole thread so sorry if im repeating anything. i would be looking into the issue of ulcers again. I would get him scoped to be sure so you know exactly what you could possibly be dealing with, if comes back with ulcers then treat with gastro guard and then use a prentative. If comes back clear, hind gut ulcers could still be a possibility so I would still treat him as an ulcer suffering horse. That point behind the elbow where you say he is sensitive is an ulcer 'hotspot' so to speak.

 

[Wagtail]

I havent read the whole thread so sorry if im repeating anything. i would be looking into the issue of ulcers again. I would get him scoped to be sure so you know exactly what you could possibly be dealing with, if comes back with ulcers then treat with gastro guard and then use a prentative. If comes back clear, hind gut ulcers could still be a possibility so I would still treat him as an ulcer suffering horse. That point behind the elbow where you say he is sensitive is an ulcer 'hotspot' so to speak.

I am currently treating him for ulcers with abprazole. It did seem to work to begin with - he had a month on the full dose and then was weaned off it. Then he got bad again even though he is out 24/7. So I am wondering if it is a red herring. He has been back on the treatment now for over a week, but is getting worse. The problem is dosing him with the paste. He is almost impossible to worm as he hates syringes. The abprazole is omeprazole, so has the same active ingredient as gastroguard but goes in the feed. I am wondering if he just isn't eating it properly. He likes to spill his feed.

 

[ImmyS]

I am currently treating him for ulcers with abprazole. It did seem to work to begin with - he had a month on the full dose and then was weaned off it. Then he got bad again even though he is out 24/7. So I am wondering if it is a red herring. He has been back on the treatment now for over a week, but is getting worse. The problem is dosing him with the paste. He is almost impossible to worm as he hates syringes. The abprazole is omeprazole, so has the same active ingredient as gastroguard but goes in the feed. I am wondering if he just isn't eating it properly. He likes to spill his feed.

Have you tried any supplements like coligone, activated charcoal, bicarbonate of soda etc..? Maybe the egusin course would be worth trying?

 

[Sparkles]

No actual experience from me, but in my very modest opinion, no. I couldn't live with the unpredictability of it all. It's that kind of behaviour that one day results in a head injury IMO.

I hope you find someone who gives you the answers you want though.

^ This was going to be my reply also, after being on the receiving end of accidents caused by such ones.

 

[Wagtail]

Have you tried any supplements like coligone, activated charcoal, bicarbonate of soda etc..? Maybe the egusin course would be worth trying?

No, I haven't tried any of those things. Certainly worth looking into. I have some charcoal. But to be honest, I don't think it is stomach pain now. He should be clear of ulcers after the treatment thugh I am still giving him the abprazole.

^ This was going to be my reply also, after being on the receiving end of accidents caused by such ones.

Thanks. I know you are probably right. Very hard to come to terms with though.