Headshaking, anyone else's horse started already

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whatawizard

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My TB started headshaking out of the blue last June right through till October, has been fine all winter and then started to show signs again this week. His is a strong nose flick type shake, he has been to vets for total workup but they can't give a physical reason. Tried a number of vet suggestions to absolutely no avail. Rode today and he was doing it in the yard before setting off and was dreadful to start with and then after about 20 mins he stopped doing it, then about 20 mins further on it started again. Its very frustrating as something is really bugging him and all I want to do is make him comfortable, all suggestions welcome.
 
yep!

did your vets not investigate/ suggest a pollen allergy?

Get an equillibrium net relief muzzle, pretty expensive for what they are, but so worth it to enjoy a comfortable ride!
 
Vets didn't do allergy tests unfortunately,
Tried the equilibrium nose net last year and he couldn't stand it and so he sneezed constanly till he gave himself a nosebleed, total nightmare!
 
My TBdoes the same he has pollen allergy I found the net just made him worse because he spent the whole time trying to get it off i used to give him naf respiritor through the spring/summer mounths but last year i found naf easy breathing and it worked so much better and is about half the price.

I going this weekend to get some!!

Aso someone suggested getting the full net that you can tie on to the head collar and pour warm water on some cotton wool with a couple of drops of olbas oil and let him inhale for 10 mins a day. I have never done this as i dont think he would let me.
 
My pony does the same. I spoke to Global Herbs who were really helpful and recommended their Shake Free. They do liquid and powder versions and I found the liquid version better and if my memory serves me correct, I think the liquid is cheaper too!

Stopped her head shaking and stopped her gunky eyes.
 
Well I know I've started with my HF this last week and Mack has just started shaking his head about, never done it before, however getting his teeth checked next week (routine anyway) but he was really itching his nose when I got off, certainly showing the signs of HS syndrome...but I'm hoping its his teeth to be honest.

I have net for the other so I will try him, get him dosed on something that may help, problem is we have a wood chip school with a huge tree that hangs over it, so for headshakers is a nightmare. :(
 
Mine is usually worst in March as he has a tree pollen allergy and the march winds coupled with the trees budding can cause him lots of probs. It's controlled with a nose net. Luckily this year most of the winds have been from the North and as we're in the North this means they don't gather as much pollen before getting to us so he's been pretty good so far. Touch wood. Def try a nose net.

It took me ages to figure out that tree pollen was causing mine to headshake!! If his saddle isn't too comfy or his teeth or back are in need of attention these could also be a cause. Keep a close eye on the pollen forecast too to see if it links to his shaking at all (though they don't forecast for tree pollen only general pollen count). Also any recent changes is forage, bedding etc etc could cause it. I think a lot of people find that it only occurs when the horse is ridden too but that doesn't necessarily mean it's riding related.

I hope you manage to pinpoint it soon. It's very distressing when you can't help them!!
 
I know most people hate this, but I got my horse to accept the nose net after I trimmed his muzzle hairs.

Before anyone rants at me, it was not done for aesthetics - pure need to keep my horse comfortable for work.
 
Yep, I put my boy's nose net on last week. He had started to throw his head up in canter on hacks, and rubbed his nose on his legs on a lot when ridden. He'll have the net on now probably until late October.
 
Speak to Ann Townsend Indian Herbs Equine 01249 760664 very helpful lady and informative.
I have just recently purchased some herbs to help one of my boys for the same problem and as I use Indian Herbs Equine anyway she was the first port of call
Best of luck
 
My mare headshakes all year round apart from two weeks at the end of December and beginning of January. She wears a nose net all year round and is on Pollen-X by Global Herbs. She also wears a full face/nose fly mask all summer.
 
I used a nose net on my mare, have heard that feeding a teaspoon of local honey a day also helps as it contains the pollens that are in your area and helps combat their allergy. Haven't tried it myself!
 
Yep - daughter's pony had a rough hack out today, lots of shaking, but it was particularly bright down here (sussex). So he's back on the antihistamines and I'll dig out the nose net. He has diagnosed tree and grass pollen allergies amongst other things, but the pills do the trick. I must order some more...
 
Yep my boy started about a month ago but he's generally bad this time of year so as someone above said, Im thinking maybe it's tree pollen. I gave up with the nose net but instead I use the Hilton Herbs supplement, the name escapes me but it used to be called Hackaway. Seems to work for us but he probably doesnt have it as bad as some horses.
 
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