Gutted 'headshaking'

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Janah

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My boy has shown signs of headshaking over last few weeks. Happened same time last year only for two weeks or so. Anyway went to ride today to find him really stressed. Meant to ride. Took me three attempts to get headcollar on because of headshaking. Gave him his tea instead and took him ages to eat as headshaking between mouthfuls. Trotted off and headshook every stride, broke into canter, same. Thought I shoud keep him in, only problem is he would be only one in so that would cause more stress.

Will call vet tomorrow.

I have put him on Naf headshaker ( not real name as can't remember it as down at yard) made no difference.

Gutted. He is 20 yrs old and never had this problem before.

Jane
 
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for you because I'm sure you'll get some good advice on nosenets and other helpers.

Also suggestions re: environmental factors to avoid.

So sorry for you and horse.
 
My vet recommended hay fever tablets. Never tried them though so can't advise either way. Mine head shakes when hot throughout the year.
 
My mare started showing signs of this a few weeks ago - I started giving her aloe vera gel in her feed from aloe equine and it has stopped completely.
 
My tb headshakes in summer, due to hayfever. I find the Global Herbs supps work best for him. He was on the Shakefree and worked really well, then last year I tried the pollenex (cheaper) and it worked just as well. He also goes out with an equilibrium full head fly mask on, with the nose piece and both of these seem to keep it under control. They do say piriton's effective but they need almost a pack a day, so ends up costing more than the horse supps! (makes a change!!).
 
Why is it at this time of year particularly? Pollen? Flies? Noticed Hugo doing it a little bit this last week.
 
Holly Hocks said:
My mare started showing signs of this a few weeks ago - I started giving her aloe vera gel in her feed from aloe equine and it has stopped completely.
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I give mine this (from Holland and Barrets), but the juice form, was recommended to me as a detox. I give to them once a month and is really effective IMO too!
 
It's the birch pollen at this time of year which has kicked in. Headshaking is an absolute curse! However I swear by a nosenet and find I cannot hack without it - and that's for 9 months of the year!
 
We are sporting our seasonal ladies tights over the nose, works well for us, and cheap at £1.50 for a pack of 5.

They are open at the mouth so he can eat and drink when on a long ride :)

DSC00007.jpg
 
Clean out the inside of his ears and put on a fly mask with ears, the flies that suck the blood have just come out so it might be this.

Try it first and then if not go down the allergy route.
 
Pedantic said:
We are sporting our seasonal ladies tights over the nose, works well for us, and cheap at £1.50 for a pack of 5.

They are open at the mouth so he can eat and drink when on a long ride :)

DSC00007.jpg
Click to expand...

How are you getting the tights to stay on? And how do they open at the mouth? I have been trying to work out a tights method as to me they are much finer than the nets you can buy specially - which havent helped us in the slightest!

OP - does sound like headshaking. It's difficult to find the cause without a lot of trial and error. I am still a little unclear about the cause of my boys head shaking. I think its probably a combination. Warm sunny, fly ridden days are the worst. He wont tolerate flies at all. Last night I rode and it was chilly, dull and windy - perfect for us!
 
First fit bridle/bit etc to horse/pony as normal, then get tights ,tie legs into a knot at the gusset, cut off legs and keep for later, make a slit about an inch at each side just below the waistband, slide tights over horses muzzle, undo reins at the bit (do one side at a time ) slip/force tights over the bit ring where you made a slit, refix rein, do other side, make small hole and tie to nose band using leg offcut, do the same underneath the chin, then gently pull downwards and cut off the knot, careful the horsey hasn't got his tongue out ;) then pull up and adjust accordingly, takes me less than 5 minutes once learnt, depending how snotty and how long a ride is, a pair will do 2 or 3 rides, fitting the bridle/bit with the tights already on takes a bit of practice.

TIGHTSNOSENETcopy.jpg
 
Pedantic, you need to change your name to Heath-Robinson, or possibly Mr Fixit, then start a sideline in mackling up amazing gadgets for the horsey world. First the headlamp, now this? There is a Dragon's Den appearance to be made here!;)
 
bug2007 said:
clean out the inside of his ears and put on a fly mask with ears, the flies that suck the blood have just come out so it might be this.

Try it first and then if not go down the allergy route.
Click to expand...

so agree, these tiny black flies are a bane. If you rub the inside of the ears with your thumb & it comes away bloody then they are to blame. Mask with ears is the job
 
Have had a good look at my boy's ears, nothing!

I have kept him in today as chucking down with rain and his rug got soaked last night, reduced headshaking.

I am sure it is pollen related, though I'm not 'a vet'.

Thank you all for your input.

Jane
 
Pedantic said:
First fit bridle/bit etc to horse/pony as normal, then get tights ,tie legs into a knot at the gusset, cut off legs and keep for later, make a slit about an inch at each side just below the waistband, slide tights over horses muzzle, undo reins at the bit (do one side at a time ) slip/force tights over the bit ring where you made a slit, refix rein, do other side, make small hole and tie to nose band using leg offcut, do the same underneath the chin, then gently pull downwards and cut off the knot, careful the horsey hasn't got his tongue out ;) then pull up and adjust accordingly, takes me less than 5 minutes once learnt, depending how snotty and how long a ride is, a pair will do 2 or 3 rides, fitting the bridle/bit with the tights already on takes a bit of practice.

TIGHTSNOSENETcopy.jpg
Click to expand...

My friend also uses tights - but in a different way. Childrens tights age about 7 years seem to be best!! Put waist band over muzzle and pull up to the nose band. Use legs to tie behind the muzzle. Loop though nose band if needed.
Whole mouth is enclosed but he still seems to be comfortable and able to drink in puddles!!

I use a nose net and lots of other supplments etc. Carl Hester Air Power is good, also use Aniseed, Marsh Mallow Leaf and Buckwheat, Anti Hystamine tablets and Pollenex nose spray or Carl Hester Vapour Rub on nose depending on how bad he is.

Rape is definately a trigger for my gelding.
 
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