Head shaking

[lucydhill]

Hi everyone,

I've had my mare for about 3 months now, and she's been out of work for about a year. We've just started riding again, and one major vice she has is she thrown her head up and down when we ride. It only really happens when we're out on a hack and we're on the way home. On the way out she's fine, but once we've turned around she throws it up and down so violently she can barely concentrate to move forwards. it doesn't phase me particularly, but it's bloody annoying! Her teeth have been done, and her saddle has been fitted by a professional. Any suggestions? I try to distract her by doing some leg yielding and moving in a serpentine, but it doesn't seem to work. I mostly think it's her being bored - if we trot on, she stops doing it, and if she spies something unusual that distracts her, she stops doing it. I'm not sure what else to try. Any suggestions welcome.

 

[nato]

My horse headshakes and is cured 99% by a nosenet. I recommend the Equilibrium Nosenet

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Try hacking circular routes, with as many loops as possible, so that she isn't anticipating her return home. Also check that her browband fits loosely.

 

[ossy]

Is the head shaking like an involuntary twitch or is it more the horse consciously swinging head up and down like avoiding contact? I would manage/treat them differently

 

[horsesense]

I would second the use of the Equilibrium nosenet. The problem may be due to dust, insects or soil and mud splashes to the nostrils and face generally and may get worse after the horse has worked a while and has sweated a bit and this attracts insects. Also if you ride in the morning, as the temperature rises mid morning, again insects become more prevalent and the problem can get worse

 

[nato]

Is the head shaking like an involuntary twitch or is it more the horse consciously swinging head up and down like avoiding contact? I would manage/treat them differently

Worth noting that my horse is a headshaker and both twitches and swings her head up and down, quite violently in fact - I have nearly been thrown out of the saddle multiple times. The more distressed she becomes the more she shakes, and this does often result in throwing her head around. If I give her a loose rein she is more comfortable because she can twitch and blow, and doesn't have to concentrate on what I'm asking her to do but focus on whatever is bothering her.

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

Hi everyone,

I've had my mare for about 3 months now, and she's been out of work for about a year. We've just started riding again, and one major vice she has is she thrown her head up and down when we ride. It only really happens when we're out on a hack and we're on the way home. On the way out she's fine, but once we've turned around she throws it up and down so violently she can barely concentrate to move forwards. it doesn't phase me particularly, but it's bloody annoying! Her teeth have been done, and her saddle has been fitted by a professional. Any suggestions? I try to distract her by doing some leg yielding and moving in a serpentine, but it doesn't seem to work. I mostly think it's her being bored - if we trot on, she stops doing it, and if she spies something unusual that distracts her, she stops doing it. I'm not sure what else to try. Any suggestions welcome.

Click the link in my signature and go to veterinary. A-Z. And loads of previous members advice on headshakers