Horse doesnt like being ridden

F

frasers84

New User
Joined
5 May 2024
Messages
8
Visit site
Hi all

I bought a 15 year old Connemarra 8 mths ago and discovered my long after that he was allergic to hay which caused him to have mild breathing issues when around hay.
He has improved very well since all hay has been removed but does not seem to want to be ridden at all. I have had a professional ride him and although he went better he was still a bit reluctant. He's also had his saddle checked. When he does go forward he moves very well, no sign of lameness at all.

I am wondering if he has developed a dislike of being ridden due to having to work extra hard given his allergies and what I could do to make him enjoy being ridden again.

I am taking him on a hack with another horse as he prefers that from time to time but would be grateful for any tips or hearing if any others can relate to this. Thanks
 
Sounds like exercise intolerance to me - probably caused by the allergies. I would be getting the Vet to listen to his breathing whilst he is being ridden.
 
Yes, he has been seen by a vet and once we removed the hay completely he made a good recovery and vet was pleased with his breathing stating it had returned to normal.

He's very alert and seems very content In the field too.
 
Probably just prefers having a companion whilst being ridden. My cobs like this he's very reluctant when alone but fine in company. They feel safer with others.
 
What makes you think he doesn't like being ridden? You say he's not very forward but when he does go forward he moves very well. What does a pro rider do to get him to move forward that you can't do yourself?

You also say he's not lame but many owners think their horse isn't lame until a professional says otherwise and sometimes bilateral lameness can be very hard to see to a layperson.

How does he react when you tack him up? Is his workload varied? Does his fitness needs working on? Does he have the correct type and volume of feed for his workload? What is the surface like he is ridden on? Is his saddle comfortable? Does he understand what is being asked of him? Is he overweight?

These are questions which you need to be asking yourself I think. When you say he is reluctant, in what way? I.e tail swishing/ears back or just feeling lazy generally?

I wonder if getting a vet out and giving him a spin on the lunge for the vet might be advantageous. I had a previous horse who was like this, he just hated schooling and SJ but came alive on a x.c course or during a fun ride. Think he was just bored in the school.
 
Last edited:
A lot of ponies can be a bit off at this time of year. Coat changing takes up a lot of energy at a time when nutrients in grass are dropping. Dave is always very flat in October. I counter it by bringing him to have hay. I know you can't do that, but can your pony have haylage or a grass replacer & maybe a good all round balancer?
 
Dave's Mam said:
A lot of ponies can be a bit off at this time of year. Coat changing takes up a lot of energy at a time when nutrients in grass are dropping. Dave is always very flat in October. I counter it by bringing him to have hay. I know you can't do that, but can your pony have haylage or a grass replacer & maybe a good all round balancer?
Click to expand...
That's true. Bailey always got depressed for a few weeks this time of year.
 
When I say "Flat", I mean napping, throwing a stampy feet tantrum when asked to walk away from food, even a person he thinks has a sweetie in their pocket, absolute food obsession. He presents as a hangry bloke. No, no, no I won't, then a big sigh, Oh if I must & is then absolutely brilliant.
 
Dave's Mam said:
When I say "Flat", I mean napping, throwing a stampy feet tantrum when asked to walk away from food, even a person he thinks has a sweetie in their pocket, absolute food obsession. He presents as a hangry bloke. No, no, no I won't, then a big sigh, Oh if I must & is then absolutely brilliant.
Click to expand...
Your horse sounds very similar to mine, I don't enjoy riding when he's so reluctant and we have ruled out many issues that could be causing it.
He definitely prefers to hack out in company but was hoping he could be ridden on his own but may have ro accept he can't
 
Could be any number if things, I'd go fir a poor performance work up with the vet.
As others have said mild lameness is easy to miss especially if bilateral and at 15 could easily have some arthritis niggling, could even possibly be ulcers bought on hy tge love and than being poorer with his breathing.
 
frasers84 said:
Yes, he has been seen by a vet and once we removed the hay completely he made a good recovery and vet was pleased with his breathing stating it had returned to normal.

He's very alert and seems very content In the field too.
Click to expand...

frasers84 said:
Yes, he has been seen by a vet and once we removed the hay completely he made a good recovery and vet was pleased with his breathing stating it had returned to normal.

He's very alert and seems very content In the field too.
Click to expand...
You didn't say if you had a full vetting prior to purchase, nor if this was an existing known condition, both v helpful to know in going forwards.
 
Is it like riding with a handbrake on? PSSM1 is quite common in Connies, so worth checking that. It may be his previous home had him in more work, so the glycogen didn't build up as much. My boy does better worked more often - daily if possible (it doesn't happen, I just know it works for him!).
 
What is he like in the field with his mates? Zoomies? or does he hang back and just vaguely follow?

Has been off long enough to have effected his fitness noticeably?

Have you changed from hay to haylage? Mild Laminitis?

Did his hard feed ration get reduced when he stopped work?

Is he carrying extra weight?

Is his breathing really OK? my old COPD lad was never really 'right' if he was stabled. His fitness was a balancing act along with his weight. I wonder if your lad actually has COPD (or the modern day equivalent). After a flair up he could just return to full work it took time to build up from short hacks, longer hacks and then back to full fitness eventually. Think running on a treadmill with your mouth closed and a peg on your nose - their lunges are a organ that need conditioning to the work load the same as any muscle.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top