Help please! Unfit Arab

[Hannah12308]

Hello, really would like some advice.
I currently am loaning my Anglo Arab, he came to me very skinny and have managed to bulk him up in the past few months. First got him and was a dream to hack, I've moved him to a new yard with a school. I am aware that he is very under muscled and am gradually getting him into more work but recently he has become very nappy in the school and has tried to buck when going into canter. Could this be where he is so physically unfit he can't do this amount of work? (He has never bucked with previous owner). Would really love some advice? Thanks!!

 

[be positive]

It could be many things or a combination of several, if you have got weight on him by feeding him and been hacking to build up the muscle tone he will have changed shape so the saddle may no longer fit, he may not yet be really comfortable or balanced and increasing the schoolwork could just be too much too soon, do you still hack him or are you only schooling?

It may be that he has an underlying issue, do you know why he was so poor and not in work when he came to you, it would have been in the autumn when most horses look very well even if they have not been in work, as he is on loan you may be limited to what you can do but the first thing would be to get the saddle checked, second to get a vet to give him a basic check then if all seems well physically find a good instructor to help you with the schooling, it never hurts to have an experienced pair of eyes on the ground and they should be able to advise on a fitness programme to help build him up and tackle the napping which is probably his way of telling you something is wrong, it is just a case of finding out what it is.

 

[Hannah12308]

I mainly School him now as the place I have moved him too isn't as great hacks. When I got him I think he was basically left in the field where there was hardly any grass at all but he was ridden maybe once a week not even that as previous owner had a few other horses. I'm definitely going to get saddle checked as he has put on some weight and teeth getting done Friday! Really hope I find out what's bothering him, his such a lovely horse but disheartening sometimes as my confidence isn't great. I also think maybe the schooling might be too much too soon for him. Thank you for your reply, you have really given me some great advice!!