Girthing issues - any ideas?

[LizColeridge]

I am coming to the end of my will power trying to get to the bottom of a girthing issue with our ISH horse since we got him 2 years ago - using patience and Monty methods, l can get him miles better and then he clicks back in to his old behaviour – doh!

He flinches like he is having an electric shock on being girthed as a worse case scenario and puts his back up & walks v. stiffly when first get on - however 5 mins later all normal. I had saddle checked, teeth checked, back checked by a McTtimoney chiropractioner [3 visits now and he was tense from head to toe], seen Gavin Schofield a couple of times and have most recently investigated for stomach ulcers as an option [although he looks fantastic, has a super top line and works in a super shape when he relaxes in to work], but a week of gastro guard has shown minimal improvement.

Just don't know what else to try - he lives out 24/7 at mom [alone but with sight of other horse in next field] with access to stable for breakfast and tea [chaff, Ride & Relax and Equaliser calmer [can thoroughly recommend by the way] I must admit l did contact someone to take him as a selling livery but then thought actually he is lovely and l'd worry about where he would end up - horse is for life not passing on when you get fed up with it l reckon. He super to handle, and a generally nice lad – deserves a happy life!

Anyone else experienced anything like this before and if so did you fix it, or am l alone in the world with this one?

 

[Lippyx]

Didn't someone on here have a horse that use to go down on his knees when being girthed up? Someone said about a nerve in the area behind their elbow that a girth can sometime catch, and once the horse has moved, and "released" it, they are all ok. Can not remember what it was called though?

Anyone help.....?

 

[lisak]

I have a similar issue with my Arab. He is very sensitive when being girthed up so i alway do it loose to start with then as i'm tacking up/doing my jobs i put it up bit by bit over 5/10 minuets. He blows out, grinds his teeth and his back comes up. I found by using a very wide girth made from neoprene has helped, as this distributes the pressure. He still does the same thing not as much though and since using it the physio has noticed he isn't tense around this area.
I did think ISH horses were thicker skinned, did your McTtimoney check that area? or with being a chiropractioner did they just check the boney bit.

 

[4leggedfurries]

My horse is a nightmare trying to girth up he bucks and rears when you try to put it on but as soon as it is, he's fine and doesnt bother, its just the initial putting it on. I just take my time, put it on the bottom holes on the offside, bring it under his belly while patting it as if to say 'here comes the girth' then just hold it up his side. I then put the buckle on the back girth strap and put it on the first hole. Wait a little, whilst reasurring him then put the front one on. I never have him tied up when i'm putting the girth on as this makes him worse. He's better when he knows he can move away. Then i walk him round tigthen it up one hole, walk him round again etc til its done up properly.

 

[LizColeridge]

Thanks for that. Yes McTimoney did check the area. Also had him massaged to - he did have big knots but not all the time. Do very similar procedure as you when girthing up. Thanks for responding tho.

 

[LizColeridge]

Thanks for that. Yes McTimoney did check the area. Also had him massaged too - he did have big knots but not all the time. He def worse with dressage girth so have had dressage saddle girth straps made shorter to day to take normal girth. Would generally us a girth cover and can remove if been good after a couple of days - they get so much more hot and sweaty don't they. ISH thick skinned yes - but reckon he got his skin from the tb side!!

 

[lisak]

Hopefully with your patience, Mc Timoney and time he will become better with it. I think they remember the routine and then anticipate pain even tho it doesn't hurt anymore! Hes lucky hes with you, trying to help him and not passing it off as him being naughty.