Dizz is being a prat

MrsMozartletoe

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I've given her two weeks off. She loses weight going into winter and she loses weight when she moves yards, so I thought it best she have time to eat and chill and not be worked, just let her settle.

Last Sunday I spent some time with her in the stable - we moved so they could be out twenty-four-seven, but as we have stables, I thought it a good idea to get them used to the stables just in case they're needed - and she was a bit bargy, but a poke or two and she was back to her usual charming and gentle self :). When we were in field, setting up the pen, she and I played - the first time ever! It was brilliant :D :D :D

Due to me not wanting anything to wrong with my back before the check-up on Wednesday, D took D1 and D2 to the yard on Monday. Dizz circled D2 who had her feed, got a bit close, D2 pushed her back (D2 is used to handling Dizz and Dizz has always appeared to like D2), but Dizz turned and kicked out!! :D. D2's hand was outstreached and the kick just got the back of it (swollen, but not broken). She also kicked out at D1, who did not take kindly to it. Dizz hasn't kicked at a human since kicking at me nearly two years ago in the stable when she was on box rest.

The next day D1 went in with Dizz and LC. LC was his usual lovely self :). Dizz waved her teeth at D1! She got short shrift though :D, after which, she turned her bum on D1 but didn't kick out.

I've banned either D1 or D2 going in the paddock until I can be there. I want a discussion with Dizzy :mad::eek:

Discussion apart, I'm trying to figure out what has upset/changed her. The following are, I think, the key points, but I don't know if one or more of them can account for her bahaviour:

1. Moved yards.
2. Not seen as much of me as she usually would (though sometimes I odn't get to see her all week and she hasn't been like this).
3. No herd, just her and LC. LL will be joining them this Sunday.
4. No work. Though she's had time off before and not been like this, she just usually gets a bit bargy, which is soon turned round.
5. Paddock is about half an acre in size.
6. YO takes her dogs in when she poo picks, but Dizz doesn't have a problem with dogs.
7. YO is experienced horsewoman.
8. Lots of grass.
9. Feed has stayed the same (due to the weight issue; it's non-heating and has not caused a problem before).

Back done a couple of months ago; teeth due next month; saddle fitted a couple of months ago, but not relevant here I wouldn't have thought.

Dizzy was a bit of a wild thing in her younger days. She has calmed down a lot, but maybe we're regressing? Is she missing me? Is she missing the work, but if that's the case, why has she been okay in the past - or is a combination of many things?

Any suggestions folks?

The ubiquitous hot choccy for anyone who made it this far - sprinkles, chocolate flake and a Hobnob for any useful answers :D:cool:
 
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Mine are rigt pains in the bootocks if they feel I have abandoned them. The breaking out and general mischief explode ten fold.

She is probably feeling a bit unsettled and wants her Mummy back now please.

They are funny beasts aren't they. P will be an absolute idiot if he gets his knickers in a twist and I am not there. As soon as I turn up he is as quiet as a mouse could do anything not at all bothered now boy.

Think its probably a combination rather than one specific. Perhaps she is just sulking and letting EVERYONE know!

Hows it going with your back? getting any better?
 
Sounds to me like she is unsettled and unsure of what's what in a new yard, different routine, different handlers, her mum isn't there etc so she is testing the boundaries.
Once you get back to some consistent handling she'll feel reassured that she doesn't need to be the boss and will return to her normal self, I'm sure!

I would like a nice cup of earl grey and a chocolate hobnob please :D
 
Both of my normally impeccably behaved girls are being total prats at the moment and are extremely full of themselves, both on the ground and whilst being ridden. I'm putting it down to the grass coming through at a rate of knots. Perhaps that may be exacerbating any unsettled feelings Diz is having?

It is always difficult when things change - one of mine takes it in her stride and carries on regardless, while the other turns into a complete stress head and worries herself silly. I hope she gets back to being her usual Dizzy self soon.
 
Thankies folka :D

D1 says she was stood with her head down and ears back yesterday; they stayed out of the paddock!

D and D1 have just got back form checking the neds. They had to go in to poo pick, but Dizz was back to her usual self, coming up for a nuzzle and saying Hello.

We'll be starting a routine again on Saturday, as I have to be on client's site tomorrow and cannot yet cope with the early mornings and the long drives.

Right, two hot choccies/flake/sprinkles and a Hobnob, and an Earl Grey and choccy Hobnob :D
 
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I recently got a new horse....he has has issues with his back and saddle so I have been spending lots of time with him doing groundwork and getting him used to being tacked up etc- and generally getting to know him.

The highland has turned into a total thug...jealous or what....its like having a deliquent teenager on the yard. His nose has been severely put out.....I'm sure he will settle down, as will Dizz. They do get anxious at change quite often bless them.
 
Mine get really stroppy in Autumn, think its linked to coat change. Maybe moving yards, the weather change, not seeing you as much has made her feel a bit down. Hopefully after the weekend she's feeling better.
 
Sounds like she's just feeling a bit unsure/unsettled. I'm sure once you get your routine sorted out then you'll see a big change.

Just be thankful she's not like that all the time like someone else we know!! lol!
 
My normally very well behaved TB has been a bit of a prat this week as well. Im sure its a mix of some nice grass coming through and the fact that this week my yard mate is on holiday so Im doing her 7 (yes 7) horses as well as himself. I have had to change my routine very slightly, in terms of who comes in first etc to make this work safely and someones nose is well out of joint. This manifests itself with silly bucking and squealing when I walk past his paddock, when Im in with him he comes galloping up to me, does a western style slide and stops inches from me, then when hes had a fuss he turns round and gallops off, bucking and kicking as he goes. I like to think the kicking is not aimed directly at me, he is not putting ears back or anything so I will give him the benefit of the doubt until normal service is resumed on Saturday. I cant ride him this weekend as during one of his exploits he has thrown a shoe and my farrier is on holiday so he is just going to have to manage on his delicate little TB hooves until Monday, serves him right!! Hopefully Dizz is just reminding you of her sensitive side and will soon settle back down again. Take care.
 
Hm. I think you're all right. Thank you :D. Hot choccies, sprinkles, flakey things, and Hobnobs all round :D

Reading back over the replies, including mine, I do think the poor lass is feeling a bit down :(. Maybe I mean more to her than I thought, plus she's probably missing the other horses (she was a popular lass - wish I could explain things to her), added to all the other stuff.

Yes W, very glad she's not like that all the time - I swear you should wear body armour lol. Though D1 still insists, any time... :D:rolleyes::D
 
It appears that my baggage has a similar personality to the dizzy one :p If she thinks I have forgotten her or worse abandoned her ( heaven help me if I have a holiday :eek: ) she lets me know she is not impressed :rolleyes: ) I tell you Queen Vic has nothing on Bella in one of her grumps :p :o :D
 
Aww bless the dizzy one! I'm sure she'll settle down again, but it probably isn't a bad idea to remind her of her manners!
Poppymoo my Olly got really jealous of Sandy when she first arrived, I actually couldn't get near him for a week until he realised that he was getting ignored whilst she got all fuss!
 
I have just moved my boy and he is really anxious, routine tho has stayed the same but it must be the change, i was really upset by this but i have to realise he will settle and so will dizz!!!
 
I've given her two weeks off. D

1. Moved yards.

8. Lots of grass.
9. Feed has stayed the same

combo of the above? unsettled, different/more grass with hard feed? also, i don't know about round you, but there's a definite feel of electricity in the air around here.

i'm sure she'll be back to normal very soon. don't worry. xxx
 
I've spent so long in bed I don't know what the air is doing out there :(

She seems very keen to get to the feed..., but not had any for the last three days. Can't have her being an idiot.

Grass. Yes. Gone from not a lot to tonnes of the stuff. She's penned to restrict quantity :)

Think I could do with some of her energy!
 
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