Head shaking

[pistolpete]

Pony is NOT a head shaker but could not keep his head still on hack on Tuesday. He is always a cheerful soul stands like a rock at the mounting block etc.
on Thursday he moved away from mounting block three times. He’s not normally spooky and he was jumpy too.
Vet has been today and says nothing wrong with his ears. I’m sure he’s had midge bites. He’s a share he’s not mine. What else can we do if his ears are bothering him this much? Bless him. Vet gave him a good check over and back etc all ok. Any thoughts?

 

[Flowerofthefen]

Has he pulled himself? Is his back etc OK? Saddle fit ok? You could try riding in an ear bonnet to protect his ears from midges if you think it's that. Is he sound? Could be a number of things.

 

[pistolpete]

Thank you for replying. Back checked by vet. Yes bonnet going on too. Think maybe he should wear one all year round. Has had coffin joints injected too as had been tripping but that has been for ages. Bless him if he doesn’t want me in him I’m going to struggle.

Has he pulled himself? Is his back etc OK? Saddle fit ok? You could try riding in an ear bonnet to protect his ears from midges if you think it's that. Is he sound? Could be a number of things.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

So ... you say he is not yours, he is a share.

At this point I would involve the owner: you have had the vet and their (albeit cursory) examination hasn't shown anything up. I don't wish to be critical but there is much much more which might be an underlying issue with headshaking and I would not be at all happy with the vet who attended you. Did he/she conduct a trot-up? Did they look inside the mouth for possible teeth issues? I feel you were short-changed by this vet tbh and don't call what you had as a "good check over". Am not impressed! Sorry.

Next thing I would check is saddle, and teeth. Also farrier, as you say he "has been tripping". I'd also ask for recommendations for an experienced loriner to check the bridle & bitting as this could be another issue. Also I'd get the horse checked over by a physio.

I have had the sweetest mare who started headshaking and sadly that turned out to be trigeminal nerve issues. Hoping it isn't this with this horse. But I do think now you need to involve the owner.

 

[pistolpete]

So ... you say he is not yours, he is a share.

At this point I would involve the owner: you have had the vet and their (albeit cursory) examination hasn't shown anything up. I don't wish to be critical but there is much much more which might be an underlying issue with headshaking and I would not be at all happy with the vet who attended you. Did he/she conduct a trot-up? Did they look inside the mouth for possible teeth issues? I feel you were short-changed by this vet tbh and don't call what you had as a "good check over". Am not impressed! Sorry.

Next thing I would check is saddle, and teeth. Also farrier, as you say he "has been tripping". I'd also ask for recommendations for an experienced loriner to check the bridle & bitting as this could be another issue. Also I'd get the horse checked over by a physio.

I have had the sweetest mare who started headshaking and sadly that turned out to be trigeminal nerve issues. Hoping it isn't this with this horse. But I do think now you need to involve the owner.

Thank you yes absolutely agree. Owner is aware. Just trying all angles.

 

[pistolpete]

UPDATE. Pony has a very sore wither. Other horse (18 hands) was grooming with him and in no time at all he was bleeding slightly from over enthusiastic allogrooming! So mission is now to pad area with fleece or foam to allow healing. The area was weakened by having to wear fly rugs all summer. He has a ridge there bless him. Thanks to previous wither threads on here we have some ideas.