Honey08
Waffled a lot!
Bumping this post - answers a lot of what previous two posters were asking - which are questions that previous people mentioned...
Depressed Stallion
- Thread starter Thursday
- Start date
Bumping this post - answers a lot of what previous two posters were asking - which are questions that previous people mentioned...
hadfos
Well-Known Member
Have you any pics of him 
I agree with the others tbh...unless he has exceptional talent,conformation,temperament then i would geld him!
But as HH says,sounds like there is an underlying problem for him to object so massively to jumping on the right rein,yes all are better on 1 rein than the other but we work at it and the bad rein improves,for him to object so badly says to me he maybe has some pain related issues?
I agree with the others tbh...unless he has exceptional talent,conformation,temperament then i would geld him!
But as HH says,sounds like there is an underlying problem for him to object so massively to jumping on the right rein,yes all are better on 1 rein than the other but we work at it and the bad rein improves,for him to object so badly says to me he maybe has some pain related issues?
Festive_Felicitations
Well-Known Member
Just saw this post as it has been 'bumped' have read all the replies and was thinking of some alternative solutions to your problem, if you haven't had your fenceing fixed yet.
In South America stallions spend alot of time tied up to trees as decent stallion proof fencing is reserved to the really big studs.
You need a SOILD tree with a good strong branch just above head height tie him so that he can get his head down to just above his knee (any lower and its too easy to get a leg over) this should give him enough room to move around a bit. Or else string rope between 2 trees and tie him to the middle like this:
If you can find a tree or place to put him that is out of his stable and that he can see what is going on either in the yard or on the road it should help give him something to think about. Obviously if its freezing you probably can't leave him out all day but an hr or 2 will hopefully make a difference.
I've never seen a stallion get loose or injure themselves when tied like this obviously we never waved in season mare under their noses to test it, but for added security you could put electic tape round him to keep others away, or may be create a small paddock with his friend in around him. One of the stallions I new who lived like this had a gelding friend who'd some and hang out under the tree with him to chill when he wasn't grazing.
In South America stallions spend alot of time tied up to trees as decent stallion proof fencing is reserved to the really big studs.
You need a SOILD tree with a good strong branch just above head height tie him so that he can get his head down to just above his knee (any lower and its too easy to get a leg over) this should give him enough room to move around a bit. Or else string rope between 2 trees and tie him to the middle like this:
If you can find a tree or place to put him that is out of his stable and that he can see what is going on either in the yard or on the road it should help give him something to think about. Obviously if its freezing you probably can't leave him out all day but an hr or 2 will hopefully make a difference.
I've never seen a stallion get loose or injure themselves when tied like this obviously we never waved in season mare under their noses to test it, but for added security you could put electic tape round him to keep others away, or may be create a small paddock with his friend in around him. One of the stallions I new who lived like this had a gelding friend who'd some and hang out under the tree with him to chill when he wasn't grazing.
MrsMozart
Just passing through...
I don't mean to take the thread off course, but what is the point of the tying to a tree?? Horse can't get his head down to eat, can't walk around normally.
Hate it!
OP - don't know if anyone else has suggested this, but have you had him checked by a vet? Could be a virus. Though, I have to say that I agree with the others, he needs a different regime. If you're not careful you could end up with a horse that starts to show his upset at being confined thus by turning 'vicious', come to think of it, he's already biting. Horses can't talk, they tell us what they think/want/need in their actions.
Hate it!
OP - don't know if anyone else has suggested this, but have you had him checked by a vet? Could be a virus. Though, I have to say that I agree with the others, he needs a different regime. If you're not careful you could end up with a horse that starts to show his upset at being confined thus by turning 'vicious', come to think of it, he's already biting. Horses can't talk, they tell us what they think/want/need in their actions.
Festive_Felicitations
Well-Known Member
MrsM - The idea is that they are tied up long enough to move around a bit more than in a stable, and they can see everything that is going on and feel more 'involved' so less isolated/bored. Its not ideal but better than nothing and I thought it might be a temorary solution for the OP.
If you trust your stallion enough they can be tied long enough to reach the floor you just have to trust that they won't panic if they get a leg over thier rope.
In the photo above each stallion had aprox a 10m circle area to walk around in, and when they felt like it lunge themselves at a canter. They all seemed happy, and it beat being shut in the American style barn with only each other to look at all day.
If you trust your stallion enough they can be tied long enough to reach the floor you just have to trust that they won't panic if they get a leg over thier rope.
In the photo above each stallion had aprox a 10m circle area to walk around in, and when they felt like it lunge themselves at a canter. They all seemed happy, and it beat being shut in the American style barn with only each other to look at all day.
Luci07
Well-Known Member
No experience of owning a stallion, but just that I have seen with mine over the years (geldings and mares) that if they are fit and going, then they seem to need "bottoming out" every now and then. So, when I actually was eventing, if there was too long a gap my mare would start to get really down. Even my boy turns off if he has too much work and no outings.
Also, just wondered if your boy could have picked up a virus? we have had a bout at our yard - it hit my old mare badly so she was stuck straight onto antibiotics (and then had lymphgitis - ouch) - we think my much younger gelding might have had it too but all he showed was being a little quieter than normal. Both horses have been stuck on propel for the moment to help.
Also, just wondered if your boy could have picked up a virus? we have had a bout at our yard - it hit my old mare badly so she was stuck straight onto antibiotics (and then had lymphgitis - ouch) - we think my much younger gelding might have had it too but all he showed was being a little quieter than normal. Both horses have been stuck on propel for the moment to help.
Weezy
Well-Known Member
I would be getting the stallion scoped for ulcers ASAP.
henryhorn
Well-Known Member
Good reply Weezy yes it could well be that..
JanetGeorge
Well-Known Member
I don't think this boy's problems are down to lack of turnout. He's an ID (is he graded RID??) - so should be pretty laidback and amenable.
I have 3 RID stallions at present and NONE of them is getting much turnout because of the state of the fields (I have 3 turnout fields fenced for the stallions - just 3 strands of electric - but tall and none has ever escaped.)
They are either ridden every day - or loose schooled - and not going out makes absolutely no difference to them except them being a teensy bit livelier when they hack out. One is 19, one 5 and one is 4. They ARE stabled next to other horses - with weldmesh above the kickboards - the two younger stallions are side by side and get on well together (although I wouldn't turn them OUT together!!) and the old boy has a gelding friend who he loves (although again, I wouldn't turn them out together!)
If he can't see and talk to another horse when stabled, can this be arranged. He could be just bored and fed up. If not, then a mirror, hanging rubber ball (my old boy LOVES batting his around) and similar toys may help.
But I suspect this chap has a pain issue somewhere - possibly front feet given his reaction to jumping at present. The only time my old boy EVER showed a bit of grumpiness was when he had jarred a bit of coffin joint arthritis in one front foot and was sore. Once that was treated, he was back to his happy, laidback self.
The only time the 4 year old has been in pain - or grumpy - is the last week. He's had an infection - or something (vets and I are in the dark on cause) - in his sheath, which blew up bigger than a football! For a couple of days he was miserable - (and the first 3 days of iv jabs were 'difficult') although never ill-mannered. Now it's on its way back to normal size, he's back to his happy self!
I would certainly STOP jumping him for now and give him as much variety as possible. I'd also get him thoroughly checked out - certainly back and saddle - even at 6 these chaps just keep growing!
I have 3 RID stallions at present and NONE of them is getting much turnout because of the state of the fields (I have 3 turnout fields fenced for the stallions - just 3 strands of electric - but tall and none has ever escaped.)
They are either ridden every day - or loose schooled - and not going out makes absolutely no difference to them except them being a teensy bit livelier when they hack out. One is 19, one 5 and one is 4. They ARE stabled next to other horses - with weldmesh above the kickboards - the two younger stallions are side by side and get on well together (although I wouldn't turn them OUT together!!) and the old boy has a gelding friend who he loves (although again, I wouldn't turn them out together!)
If he can't see and talk to another horse when stabled, can this be arranged. He could be just bored and fed up. If not, then a mirror, hanging rubber ball (my old boy LOVES batting his around) and similar toys may help.
But I suspect this chap has a pain issue somewhere - possibly front feet given his reaction to jumping at present. The only time my old boy EVER showed a bit of grumpiness was when he had jarred a bit of coffin joint arthritis in one front foot and was sore. Once that was treated, he was back to his happy, laidback self.
The only time the 4 year old has been in pain - or grumpy - is the last week. He's had an infection - or something (vets and I are in the dark on cause) - in his sheath, which blew up bigger than a football! For a couple of days he was miserable - (and the first 3 days of iv jabs were 'difficult') although never ill-mannered. Now it's on its way back to normal size, he's back to his happy self!
I would certainly STOP jumping him for now and give him as much variety as possible. I'd also get him thoroughly checked out - certainly back and saddle - even at 6 these chaps just keep growing!
tallyho!
Following a strict mediterranean diet...
Has someone mentioned feed already??
Oh well, I'll just repeat...
Seems a lot of straights in feed, I'd replace with as much fibre as poss as all that energy from oats and cubes is just not being used up so has excess energy that cant be burnt off.
Oh well, I'll just repeat...
Seems a lot of straights in feed, I'd replace with as much fibre as poss as all that energy from oats and cubes is just not being used up so has excess energy that cant be burnt off.
MissTyc
Well-Known Member
Sounds like he could do with a pickmeup - physical and mental!
If he were mine (my stallion is the cheerfulest soul in the world and I would be panicking if he behaved as you describe - and yes, he does sometimes have to spend a few weeks without turnout during the winter), I would be considering a course to antacids and a pickmeup like pink powder or even iron aid -- basically supplement to support digestion and immune system. He could have picked up a little virus, he could have some low grade ulcers, etc ...
for the mental side I'd introduce a new game. For mine this was long reining last year, building up to long reining while dragging a tyre around the fields. Also some in hand grazing - basically *attention!* not just cuddles but really stimulate his little brain.
If he were mine (my stallion is the cheerfulest soul in the world and I would be panicking if he behaved as you describe - and yes, he does sometimes have to spend a few weeks without turnout during the winter), I would be considering a course to antacids and a pickmeup like pink powder or even iron aid -- basically supplement to support digestion and immune system. He could have picked up a little virus, he could have some low grade ulcers, etc ...
for the mental side I'd introduce a new game. For mine this was long reining last year, building up to long reining while dragging a tyre around the fields. Also some in hand grazing - basically *attention!* not just cuddles but really stimulate his little brain.
anthony79
Well-Known Member
My gut feeling is a virus. Last year my KWPN gelding went all miserable just as described for this horse. No other symptoms but when you know a horse well, you are very aware that something isn't right.
Yes he could be in pain from another issue, but from description my money is on poor blood cell count. This in turn would slow down any repair to damaged tissue.
My gelding had a very high white cell count and with appropriate medication, made a full recovery within 2 weeks. Back to work within a month.
The first thing, I believe, is to get the Vet to take a blood sample for analysis. In the racing world this is an automatic response to a horse that is even slightly considering being off colour.
Yes he could be in pain from another issue, but from description my money is on poor blood cell count. This in turn would slow down any repair to damaged tissue.
My gelding had a very high white cell count and with appropriate medication, made a full recovery within 2 weeks. Back to work within a month.
The first thing, I believe, is to get the Vet to take a blood sample for analysis. In the racing world this is an automatic response to a horse that is even slightly considering being off colour.
Thursday
Well-Known Member
Never even though he could have a virus....will get on to vet about that asap. Thanks for the suggestion!