Eyes on stalks

[Peggy1]

I recently bought a 14 Yr old connemara 6 months ago and he was very calm. During the time I've had him he has become increasingly sensitive and spooky although slightly jekyll and Hyde character being calm. On going through his previous owners they all said the same spooky and sharp at times. Sunday there was clay pigeon shooting in the distance and he galloped and went berserk in the field until he was wet and on bringing him in eyes on stalks and stressed. Today when I got him in he was sure something was across the fields and eyes on stalks again and not listenjng to me. My question is how should I react to this behaviour ? Is there any hope in sorting out this?

 

[splashgirl45]

I would first look at what you are feeding him, many horses get more lively in the winter due to less time at grass and usually less exercise so getting him on less heating food would be a start. My mare used to go nuts if I used haylage instead of meadow hay and she was also quite reactive if she had too many carrots … they should still behave even if they are excited so maybe lead him with a lunge line and a bridle if he is being rude in hand so he realises he can’t drag you around .. sorry I know you didn’t say he was but thought I would mention it

 

[humblepie]

If there was a clay pigeon shoot which upset him, then it is not totally out of the ordinary that he would still be looking in that direction the next day wondering if there were things going on so perhaps give him that one but totally agree with the above on the general day to day stuff.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Is he happier to ride out with company? There are horses on 'my' yard that have never, ever been off the yard alone, and are simply not used to calmly observing new things. It's often a matter of observing their personality - some will act as 'look out' and assess potential danger very calmly, others think 'Aaargh! Can't do this!' and you end up in the next county. Usually, time and patience sorts things out, but I appreciate it can be tricky. Good luck.

 

[Wishfilly]

Does his feed and general routine change in the winter?

I do think it's reasonable he'd be upset by a clay pigeon shoot, particularly if it's not something he's seen/heard before. If he is especially upset, I agree with the advice to bring him in with a bridle, or alternatively one of the headcollars with additional nose pressure so you've got a bit of extra control?

With mine, if he is not paying attention to me, I sometimes stop and back him up when leading, as it helps get his focus back onto me, rather than whatever's scared him. It doesn't always work, but worth a try?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would look very carefully at his feed. Is he having more/different feed from in the summer? Lots of horses can't tolerate alfalfa but really anything can cause a reaction in any horse - my cob can't tolerate linseed.