Help! Loan Horse

[LJS]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice about the situation i'm in.

Im due to get a loan horse at the end of the month, have ridden it a couple of times now, everything ok, been the same everytime.

However I rode her yesterday for the first time without her owner being there. Took her in the school, she was really backwards, wasn't working forwards, and threw in a couple of bucks when I was for her to work forwards in a light outline.

When putting her saddle on she threw a right fit, wouldn't stand still and was swinging for me and snapping.

Now I am unsure what to do, i'm concerned it could be a back problem, how do I go about bringing this up with the owner?

I'm only concerned because the horse has never gone like this before?

Any help and advice will be GREATFULLY recieved.

 

[ISHmad]

Horse definitely sounds uncomfortable. I'd tell the owner what happened so that he or she is aware. I'd be getting back and saddle fit checked to begin with. Also with the snapping and not wanting to move forward wonder if it might be ulcers if the back check comes back okay.

 

[LJS]

Ok, I defintly think the back needs checking to rule that out. She's a typical moody mare but I personally feel this doesn't account for such behaviour and does suggest that she's in pain and is uncomfortable..What are other signs of Ulcers?

 

[Snowysadude]

Is she still at the owners yard or your yard? Coming from an owners perspective I would want to know if there was a potential problem with my horse that I may not have noticed. If its still on the owners yard however, coming from a loaners perspective I wouldnt want to be blamed for a problem on returning a horse if it was there before taking the horse so if it were me I would ring the owner and explain what happened as it may just be that she was being a bit marish (as the weather has been a bit warmer... she could be confused...) or there could be a problem with her back, or it could be nothing! But its better all round if the owner knows now than before you take her . If your worried and you already have her at your yard then you could see what she is like tomorrow and if its the same you could ask the owner if she has been like this before or get a physio out?

 

[siobhain]

Could be something to do with Seasons/Ovaries if she hadn't acted like that on previous visits?
I know its a bit early in the year but mine has already had her first season and she is VERY unwilling to work/go forwards when she is in season whilst pretty forward going at all other times

I would just be honest with the owner and ask her about it.

 

[LJS]

Thanks for your replies, the horse is currently at the owners yard and will be staying there when I take over. I have just emailed, told her absolutely everything. I'm just concerned for her incase she's in pain and if she does have something wrong I would like to be aware before I get her online. She really is a typical mare so maybe it is that shes coming into season. Horses eh?!

 

[Steorra]

When you went to view her before, did you watch the owner tack up? Was she grump with her too?

Some horses are 'one person horses' - the mare I part loan is one. When I tried her I was warned that she would initially be grumpy in the stable and would test me out under saddle. And sure enough, though she was fine for her long term loaner to tack up and ride, she was very resentful of me for the first 3-4 weeks. Pulling faces, grumpy, hollow etc. She has settled down now and is sweeter every day.

Alternatively she could be being 'marish' - a mare at the yard has come into season this week. Some mares get very hormonal!

Speak to the owner and see what she has to say - she might be able to give an explanation. If she can't I would ask to try the horse again, and if she is still unhappy say that you want this issue looked into before you take her on, or decide that you are willing to risk taking on a horse with possible issues.

Speak to the owner and see what she says - if she cares about her horse she should be willing to help you get to the bottom of the problem.