Girth problem : Grumpy Horse

[tubby1]

I have a lovely well mannered cob cross mare. Over the past few months she has become increasingly grumpy when having her girth done up. I have had her saddle professionally fitted & checked so I don't think it's that. I am very careful when doing her girth only do 1 hole at a time alternating sides. There is nothing obvious I can feel that is hurting her but if I poke behind her shoulder she will put her ears back but she doesn't do this consistently. I have done a lot of school work with her & thought maybe she was getting fed up. So now doing lots of hacking as well. Once I am on she doesn't object to getting her girth done its only on the ground. This started when she had a massive grass belly but that is no longer the case . Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated.

 

[JillA]

Check her against this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr05hMmLCY4 If she shows a positive response, either speak to your vet or you can modify her diet by adding bicarbonate of soda, lose the sugars and starches (cereals), a probiotic such as yeasacc and ensure her system is never empty. Not expensive and worth a try if ulcers are her problem.

 

[hihosilver]

My 5 year old has just started doing this as well. He has been fine over the summer but now he has got very hairy he puts his ears back when I do up the girth. I have had saddle/back checked I can only assume he can feel it more with his hair? or I have changed his routine and he is coming in at night.. he was out 24/7 in the summer!

 

[canteron]

Its expensive, but the fairfax girth helps a lot of horses who have this problem, when you actually see them you can see why they are so much better. If you contact your saddler you may be able to try before you buy.

However, as its a recent problem, I would also think a bit wider. Is she very tight between her forelegs? Has her stride length shortened? May be worth the physic?

 

[PollyP99]

My 5 year old has just started doing this as well. He has been fine over the summer but now he has got very hairy he puts his ears back when I do up the girth. I have had saddle/back checked I can only assume he can feel it more with his hair? or I have changed his routine and he is coming in at night.. he was out 24/7 in the summer!

A WB I used to ride was like this in winter, he would make out/warn of a bite in winter, in summer didn't mind at all, owner said it was hair related - sounds like yours is to, maybe hairs pull as it tightens?