Horse has become really lazy

[Katie270]

I Jump 80cm-1metre at home with my horse however he had a short break due to lockdown and self-isolating. Before he had a break he was forward going and willing to jump anything I put in front of him but after his short break he became really lazy and I’m having to use a lot more leg than I use to so I put this down to him being unfit however he is really forward going when on hacks and holds his canter really well but In the arena he’s like a different horse and becomes really lazy and barely trots never mind canters. Has anyone else had this problem?? I’m not sure if he’s bored of the arena although I do try change what we are doing quite a bit but I’m limited to space

 

[AmyMay]

How often do you go into the arena with him?

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

Is this the horse you have just posted about loss of confidence with? I wonder if the two things are linked? Do you have an instructor that can help you assess what's going on and set you both back on the right track?

 

[Katie270]

How often do you go into the arena with him?

2/3 times a week, I try Hack him once a week, do flat/pole work once a week and jump once a week so that his not doing same thing everytime I ride

 

[Katie270]

Is this the horse you have just posted about loss of confidence with? I wonder if the two things are linked? Do you have an instructor that can help you assess what's going on and set you both back on the right track?

Yes same horse, I definitely need an instructor as none of family are horsy but can’t find any at the minute

 

[Sail_away]

I’d get the vet, a drop in performance/ behavioural change under saddle would ring alarm bells for me. Mine is set to retire now and the only thing you can reliably see without scans is that he’s not as forward to ride as before. Before I stopped riding him even when he was unenthusiastic in the school he was a tank out hacking so I wouldn’t rule lameness out if it only turns up in certain situations.

 

[AmyMay]

If he’s a happy little soul out hacking, I’d drop the school work for a month and just get out and about.

 

[Katie270]

If he’s a happy little soul out hacking, I’d drop the school work for a month and just get out and about.

Probably will do this as he’s happy hacking and I don’t want to push him to do stuff he doesn’t enjoy

 

[DressageCob]

How much fitness work have you done after his time off? Jumping is quite gymnastic so I would expect to do a lot of fitness and stamina work before jumping after a break.

I also agree with others that from the description he may not be comfy. He also may have lost his confidence, since you have lost yours. It’s amazing how much the attitude of the rider influences the horse

 

[Katie270]

I’d get the vet, a drop in performance/ behavioural change under saddle would ring alarm bells for me. Mine is set to retire now and the only thing you can reliably see without scans is that he’s not as forward to ride as before. Before I stopped riding him even when he was unenthusiastic in the school he was a tank out hacking so I wouldn’t rule lameness out if it only turns up in certain situations.

Had a vet out and they said everything was fine, he’s 10 so don’t want to retire him yet

 

[Sail_away]

Had a vet out and they said everything was fine, he’s 10 so don’t want to retire him yet

I’m not mentioning my horse to suggest you retire yours - just to point out that even if your horse isn’t visibly lame, that doesn’t mean there’s not an issue.
I’m surprised the vet wasn’t more willing to work with you - how did they examine your horse? I would expect at least a bute trial to start and possibly bloods.
It may be behavioural. But having read your other post it sounds like he has a history of issues that may well have a physical cause.

 

[Katie270]

How much fitness work have you done after his time off? Jumping is quite gymnastic so I would expect to do a lot of fitness and stamina work before jumping after a break.

I also agree with others that from the description he may not be comfy. He also may have lost his confidence, since you have lost yours. It’s amazing how much the attitude of the rider influences the horse

I lunged him for a while then started hacking him, and did hillwork whilst hacking then after about a month I started doing trotting and canter poles and loads of pole work or work on his muscle and his fitness

 

[Krittersg]

My mare starts getting ring sour the minute she's uncomfortable with anything, but still hacks out like a happy champ. Typically it has been the saddle, but not always.

I hope you manage to find the cause and get back to happy horse everywhere!

 

[Katie270]

I have got a fitter out check the fit of saddle and they said it was fine, but I am currently saving for a new saddle and I’m going to pay to get it fitted hopefully that helps

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I have got a fitter out check the fit of saddle and they said it was fine, but I am currently saving for a new saddle and I’m going to pay to get it fitted hopefully that helps

Is this not the owner's responsibility? I'm getting a bit confused from your posts regarding the owner not having a lot to do with the horse and you getting the vet out (apologies if misunderstood) and now also a saddler?

ETA from your other post I'm not really clear if you are full loaning or part loaning/sharing

 

[Katie270]

Is this not the owner's responsibility? I'm getting a bit confused from your posts regarding the owner not having a lot to do with the horse and you getting the vet out (apologies if misunderstood) and now also a saddler?

ETA from your other post I'm not really clear if you are full loaning or part loaning/sharing

I supposedly part loan him however I would say I full loan him as do everything for him I have mentioned it to owner a couple of times but they’ve Just he is lazy due to being unfit

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

OP I would just think really carefully if I were you about what you are getting pulled into here, and the support network (or lack thereof) you have around you (i.e. riding school/instructors not particularly empathic and apparently not that fussed about you getting back on with injuries including a head injury, an owner who doesn't seem fussed about what their horse is up to and apparently happy for you to be sorting out vets and saddlers etc).

It's great that you've made some fab progress with this horse, and you sound like a much braver rider than I, but from your posts it just seems like this could head in a direction where you end up hurt (either physically, financially, emotionally, or a combo of all three).

 

[Katie270]

OP I would just think really carefully if I were you about what you are getting pulled into here, and the support network (or lack thereof) you have around you (i.e. riding school/instructors not particularly empathic and apparently not that fussed about you getting back on with injuries including a head injury, an owner who doesn't seem fussed about what their horse is up to and apparently happy for you to be sorting out vets and saddlers etc).

It's great that you've made some fab progress with this horse, and you sound like a much braver rider than I, but from your posts it just seems like this could head in a direction where you end up hurt (either physically, financially, emotionally, or a combo of all three).

I'm Definitely not in the best position however I would hate to give him up as he is like my own

 

[SaddlePsych'D]

I'm Definitely not in the best position however I would hate to give him up as he is like my own

But he isn't yours and in the end 'giving him up' may not be your choice; at any point the owner could move him or sell him on. This is what I mean by getting hurt emotionally. It's brilliant to build up that relationship with a loan or share horse but you must hold in mind that ultimately the horse is not yours.

I realise I might sound really negative here and I don't mean to at all - it just would be a real shame for you to get hurt more seriously, end up massively out of pocket, and/or lose your love of riding altogether.

 

[Sail_away]

Oh apologies OP I’d missed that you were sharing him, technically or otherwise. That complicates things in terms of lameness work ups etc as I assume you don’t have insurance for him?
I’d have a serious look at what other horses are around for share. You don’t have to stop sharing yet but it would be good to get a feel for what else is around - you may really click with one and enjoy being able to progress more smoothly.

 

[Katie270]

Oh apologies OP I’d missed that you were sharing him, technically or otherwise. That complicates things in terms of lameness work ups etc as I assume you don’t have insurance for him?
I’d have a serious look at what other horses are around for share. You don’t have to stop sharing yet but it would be good to get a feel for what else is around - you may really click with one and enjoy being able to progress more smoothly.

I have insurance for him don’t think I would ever loan again as would prefer to own

 

[Sail_away]

I have insurance for him don’t think I would ever loan again as would prefer to own

So you technically share but pay for his veterinary insurance and look after him every day? Do you pay livery and other bills? If so I’d advise getting a proper loan contract in place - it seems like at the moment it’s difficult to know who’s ultimately responsible for the horse.

 

[Wishfilly]

This sounds like quite an odd set up- even with a full loan, usually the owner will still pay for insurance as they will want control over the vet treatment for the horse.

I think you need to decide how much time, money and energy you are willing to invest in a horse who isn't yours and could be taken away at any time. You could spend lots on lessons and vet treatments and new tack, make him into a really nice horse, and then the owner may decide to sell on, as suddenly he will be worth a lot more money! I know that sounds awful to say, but I have seen in happen in the past- including people who really trusted their owners would never do this.

I would seriously consider whether it is better saving the money you would spend on this, and buying a horse you don't have such a difficult history with, and would also have full control over their management?

I know it is really tough when you love them like your own, but it is really important to consider how much money you are willing to invest in someone elses property.

I'm aware this post probably makes me sound very hard hearted, but it's only because I have seen a lot of heartbreak caused in the past.