Foot stomping

[muddybay]

In my last two lessons whenever I stop my horse to talk to my instructor my horse starts foot-stomping and last week he dug a proper hole doing it! Does anyone have any idea what might be causing it?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I would say that it is either rudeness/impatience or itchy legs if he does it at other times

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Mine will occasionally do a stomp or throw his leg at his face (sort of an odd Spanish walk, if you will) because he sweats and is itchy, and also hates the foam from his mouth dripping down. He's a queen. I've never once allowed him to rub on his leg so his attempts are feeble and uncommon.

Some are also impatient/need their feet to be moving. Especially if they're still breathing heavy they may prefer to wall and not stand.

 

[LEC]

frustration/anxiety. They need to learn to switch off a bit better and relax.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

Could be feather-mites. I wouldn't discount it as "behavioural" until you've established what's going on.

 

[Roxylola]

I'd think feather mites, or other irritant causing the legs to itch more likely than behavioural issues especially if its a stamping rather than pawing or fidgeting

 

[muddybay]

He only ever does it in the school and it started last week. I laughed at it at first but when he did it again I wondered whether there is more to it! I'll check his feathers tomorrow what are the obvious sign for feather mites?

 

[LEC]

I'd think feather mites, or other irritant causing the legs to itch more likely than behavioural issues especially if its a stamping rather than pawing or fidgeting

If it’s only in the sjing arena it’s not mites.

 

[oldie48]

If he's only doing it in the school I'd say it's impatience. He's finished his lesson and wants to go out. I'd just keep him walking whilst you talk to your trainer especially if he's hot and sweaty.

 

[Roxylola]

If it’s only in the sjing arena it’s not mites.

I've known lots of horses who stamp for itchy legs in an arena - I guess its how the surface feels to them, like horses who get down and roll on some surfaces.
And does the rider often stop and just wait at other times, apart from when they're talking to the trainer. You can get a jab for mites or treat with lime dip etc its not difficult to rule out

MB, I'd look for scabs/dandruff - the mites create irritation which produces scabs which they eat. Its so common especially this time of year

 

[muddybay]

It's normally in the middle when I stop for a breather just to talk for a minute! I do have an issue with stopping sometimes but he's fine once he starts moving again
I'll check his legs tomorrow he's dark bay (hence the name) so might be hard to spot but I was going to cut his feathers anyway so should be a good time to check
I just can't imagine going to a show and waiting to go in the arena and he starts doing that