Horse Anxiety Help Needed

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charlotteelizabeth38

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I have a 9yo showjumping mare who I've noticed in the past month she's gone from being a very relaxed horse, to one who box walks, spins and rears in her stable, started randomly putting in refusuals (which is not AT ALL) like her and has started refusing to get into a trailer, despite having travelled all over for months without an issue - and no bad experience in particular that triggered her to stop loading.
Normally, she's a very forward going, quick thinking mare. But recently she's getting even more forward thinking to the point she's becoming a real handful to ride.
She moved stables a few months ago and has become quite attached to the horse in the stable opposite her. At first she was just showing signs of this anxiety when he would be turned out without her, but recently he can be stood in and she stills spins and paces around her bed to the point her rubber matting all comes up and she tramples her hay throughout her bed.
If anyone has any suggestions to help her, it would be really appreciated as she's evidently not a happy horse at the minute and it breaks my heart.
 
It sounds like she is in pain somewhere. The behaviour is certainly extreme. I would be looking to stop work and get the vet for a full work up. If not ulcers (I'm not convinced myself tat just moving stables rather than yards would be stressful enough in itself - but high performance horses are at risk) then I'd be looking for back, hock, etc pain. Or possibly something like ovarian cysts? What does your instructor say about her behaviour under saddle?
 
Certainly ulcers is a possible cause .
How about a change of stables mares in particular can be funny about stables and it would separate her from the gelding which would be good .
 
Thanks everyone for your help. I'll definitely be getting the vet out before any more competitions (I don't think my body could cope with any more high-speed falls, haha) I'll keep you updated on diagnosis and prognosis x
 
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