horse is suddenly acting weird, need help....

[Patterdale]

You're not an inexperienced owner with their first horse.

No, but when I was I doubt my parents had insurance either. And if a load of internet randoms had been giving me a hard time over it, guess what…..my parents STILL wouldn’t have had insurance, but I’d be a bag of nerves and stress.

What are you all looking to achieve here??

Not everyone does things your way. Back off.

 

[Crazy_cat_lady]

How experienced is YO OP? It sounds like they aren't being overly helpful towards a first time owner

You definitely need at minimum public liability insurance - he could get out the field and cause a car accident. I no longer have horses due to costs but when I had mine he was insured for vets fees too. I have quite comprehensive cover for both the cats. It may also be worth checking his insurance will cover you - if not I'd want rider insurance too (I've still kept mine even though I don't ride in case I ever ride another horse every so often)

Perhaps you could do some research with your mum into some quotes, or give a couple of the companies a ring, they may be cheaper than she thinks

Putting money aside each month to cover vets fees is something people on here do, but I found the cost of insurance to be cheaper. If you did this, you'd still need public liability insurance as mentioned above

If the vet does come out, depending on when you got him I'd be inclined to run bloods (people here may be able to advise the cut off period). You see a lot of horror stories about horses being doped - id rather find out before I started riding. If he has been you have a whole new thread to start

OP you mention the previous owner only had him 5 weeks - did you ask why? I'm cynical and I hope I'm wrong about the possible reasons this may have been

Does YO ride? If so I'd be inclined for your first ride to book a session with her where she gets on him first then stays with you while you have a go. Did you have him vetted and try him at the viewing?

 

[southerncomfort]

Assuming OP hasn't made a typo, the previous owner only had him 5 weeks and she's had him 2, so poor horse has had 2 massive changes in a very short timespan and now has a stallion to contend with that he can't run away from. If he's only doing this when stabled, he may well just be very frightened and upset. Can you move him to another stable OP or leave him out if he's happier in the paddock?

This jumped out at me too.

Poor boy is probably feeling very frightened and insecure.

 

[Patterdale]

The other side of this is that these days, with insurance you will unfortunately see many inexperienced horse owners pushed/coerced into expensive, time consuming, stressful and largely irrelevant interventions. I see it time and time again and it absolutely boils me.

Horses really do not need to be as complicated as the last ten years would have you believe.

It is absolutely fine for a young lass to have a horse on a livery yard, not have it insured for vets fees, and to see how it goes when seeming unsettled, on the advice of the vet.

It’s no more complex than that. It’s had 3 homes in the last few weeks and it’s entitled to be wondering wtf is going on.

 

[Cortez]

This jumped out at me too.

Poor boy is probably feeling very frightened and insecure.

The horse is 14, I presume he's been in a few places in his life.

 

[Gloi]

Do get public liability insurance though. You never know what might happen. Horses do the most random things. I once had to fork in my youth out because my pony suddenly decided to bite a parked car on the yard

 

[poiuytrewq]

Do get public liability insurance though. You never know what might happen. Horses do the most random things. I once had to fork in my youth out because my pony suddenly decided to bite a parked car on the yard

Maybe he was hungry

 

[toppedoff]

Do get public liability insurance though. You never know what might happen. Horses do the most random things. I once had to fork in my youth out because my pony suddenly decided to bite a parked car on the yard

I shouldn't laugh at that but my god horses do love a bit of chaos

 

[Ample Prosecco]

If "Three people with experience" have seen this horse in the flesh and don't think there's a need to get the vet, might this not just be a case of an over anxious inexperienced new owner (we were all that once) and a stressed horse who's emerged from his initial slightly shut down response to a yard move and is now dealing with new place/new owner/new routine/ change of hay and feed ...

I'm not sure that sending a young person down an internet rabbit hole looking at all the dire things that people on here who've never seen the horse think it might be is really helpful.

This!!

OP is 15, never owned a horse before. I generally agree with 'going wth your gut' but if you are anxious and inexperienced your gut can be telling you rubbish!

If knowlegdable, experienced peoople are saying OP is being 'over-dramatic' and if a vet has heard the concerns and decided the horse does not need to be seen, then I doubt there is too much to worry about. Or that a 'wait and see' approach is fine for now, unless the puicture changes.

I vividly recall my own daughters around that age getting totally hyped up about nothing much, with the same sense of 'I can just tell there is something wrong'. And getting annoyed with me for not instantly getting the vet out, when they let their imagination run away with them.

OP try to relax, let the horse settle and take it day by day. And don't google anything! If you want clear data for the vet, TPR is a good idea, and videoing the 'tremble' if that is still happening. And picture or video of the cheekbone.

But do get public liability insutrance, even if you don't insure for vet bills. At your age I assume you aren't paying for the full costs of the horse? So whether you keep a vet fund separately, or whether you insure, is really up to whoever is repsonsible for the costs.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Now that I know he is stabled alongside a stallion and a mare I'm not surprised that this gelding is upset. The stallion is probably threatening him every second that they are both in their stables. OP, can he live out with company instead?

 

[ycbm]

Now that I know he is stabled alongside a stallion and a mare I'm not surprised that this gelding is upset. The stallion is probably threatening him every second that they are both in their stables. OP, can he live out with company instead?

Also on the other thread, just posted, that the behaviour is worst when first brought into the stable.
.

 

[eggs]

OP do please get public liability insurance even if you don't insure your horse. Something like the Harry Hall membership is not at all expensive. https://harryhall.com/oneclub

I self insure my horses but have public liability insurance through my membership of British Dressage. Not to have it is madness as under the law of strict liability if your horse escaped from his field and caused a traffic accident (for example) you could be facing a major lawsuit.

 

[Maxidoodle]

OP, an absolute essential is public liability. World horse welfare also do it and it’s not expensive, just £58 for a year. Please have a read, as it explains well why you need public liability. https://www.worldhorsewelfare.org/support-us/membership/championplus-membership

 

[axe1312]

Oh for goodness sake, the horse sounds unsettled, they’ve spoken to the vet who isn’t concerned, I don’t think there’s any need to wind up and panic this poor girl (who can’t force the vet anyway) to the extent that has been done here.
Just follow your vets advice and keep an eye on it.

thank you, im so worried, i want whats best for him, but hes my first horse, and im new to all this. so my family are just taking others advice. he seems to be the worst in his stable, but i am working on making it super positive for him. hes also out of work, so im going to do some in hand tomorra, he loves to work. and ive been sitting in his stable with him, so if it is stress or anxiety, hopefully he will feel more comfortable. he is eating from my hand again so thats good. and he is still being goofy, by pooing in his food bucket, splashing his water, picking up his rug etc. he seems to be slowly getting better, i just hope i havent missed anything serious.

 

[axe1312]

I would highly, highly recommend insuring him. Even if it is just for the first year for vet fees. Get some quotes. Without insurance I would be in serious debt. The fact the previous owner only had him 5 weeks is strange unless she is a dealer? He just sounds like he is settling in.

Hope he settles down.

shes not a dealer, she brought an 16hh irish sports horse at 65, and realised she wanted a 14.2hh cob happy hacker. which isnt what i wanted. i needed something calm and patient, but still able to go far with riding.

 

[axe1312]

Assuming OP hasn't made a typo, the previous owner only had him 5 weeks and she's had him 2, so poor horse has had 2 massive changes in a very short timespan and now has a stallion to contend with that he can't run away from. If he's only doing this when stabled, he may well just be very frightened and upset. Can you move him to another stable OP or leave him out if he's happier in the paddock?

her stables is full, so he has what is available, which admittedly isnt very big, but theres room for him to circle, lay down etc. but she is getting more stables built, so he will be changing stables in the next few months. he is staying out tonight, as we accidentally flooded his stable, and it needs to dry. so hopefully it will cheer him up staying out. but he cant stay out all the time, the horses have to take turns so its fair.

 

[ycbm]

{stable} .. which admittedly isnt very big

How big is not very big? He's a 16hh sport horse, the absolute minimum he's in should be 12x12.

Also, horses don't always agree with us about what makes a positive experience. When you say "i am working on making it super positive for him", what do you mean?

Why is he out of work? Work is the most likely thing that will take the edge off him.
.

 

[axe1312]

and how at 15 are you going to put money away? If your Mum is quibbling about paying £200 then she wouldn't be happy paying my last years worth of vet fees which came in at around £15,000.

Please, please, please get insurance. As for your current issue, if your vet isn't concerned and experienced people that see him in the flesh aren't worried either then I would at your age probably have to go along with that. I'm assuming your parents aren't horsey?

im not, my dad is. its not a problem paying £200 if its needed, but everyone is saying it isnt. i guess i came on here hoping i would get advice, like change his feed, work him, its nothing, boredom, i dont know. but instead everyone is coming at me, i just want whats best for my horse. i have £72 left in my savings, and instead of buying what most teenagers do, ive spent all my money on my dogs medication. it isnt necessary, but i want it for her, so i have to pay for it. i really just want whats best for my horse, weve got him boredom toys, treats, food, soaked hay, a stable i spend like an hour polishing every day, every brush i could find so that i only use his favourites.

 

[ycbm]

so hopefully it will cheer him up staying out

I'm sorry axe but I think the lack of a predictable routine is as likely to make things worse. In normal circumstances when you haven't had an accident with the water, does he have a set routine where he is out in the same paddock at the same times every day?
.

 

[axe1312]

How big is not very big? He's a 16hh sport horse, the absolute minimum he's in should be 12x12.

Also, horses don't always agree with us about what makes a positive experience. When you say "i am working on making it super positive for him", what do you mean?

Why is he out of work? Work is the most likely thing that will take the edge off him.
.

havent measured it, but it is wide enough to stand 3 of him, with space to fidget, and would also fit another behind him. id like it to be bigger, but it cant be bigger until the new stables are built. they are just make do, he has the 3rd biggest stable, he is the biggest horse there, but there is a 15.3, who has a stable pretty much his size, and then a stallion pony has a huge stable, but he stays in all day so he needs space to move. and he has no saddle so ive been doing inhand and bareback, but on sunday he just bolted off while i was holding him, he did it 3 times, and also wouldnt let his bridle be put on, so we left him thinking he may just need some time, and i havent worked him sinse, as i dont know if hes up to it, hes getting very strong.
and he is always fed in his stable, i sit in there with treats, or just stroking him and talking to him, he has a likit in there too, and he has the most bedding on the yard, he gets 2 haynets full up, a salt lik, and a likit, and a huge bucket of water, he also has the option to see out of his stable, and to see his neighbour.

 

[axe1312]

I'm sorry axe but I think the lack of a predictable routine is as likely to make things worse. In normal circumstances when you haven't had an accident with the water, does he have a set routine where he is out in the same paddock at the same times every day?
.

yes he is always in the same paddock with the same horse, and the same horses next to him. it isnt exactly the same time, but he will go out in the morning after breakfast and a small groom (or stoke,) depending on his mood. unless he is worked, then he will groomed, worked, then turned out. that was a routine, until he started bolting off, he now hasnt done any polework, but does still go for short walks around the yard and he really likes that.

 

[axe1312]

How experienced is YO OP? It sounds like they aren't being overly helpful towards a first time owner

You definitely need at minimum public liability insurance - he could get out the field and cause a car accident. I no longer have horses due to costs but when I had mine he was insured for vets fees too. I have quite comprehensive cover for both the cats. It may also be worth checking his insurance will cover you - if not I'd want rider insurance too (I've still kept mine even though I don't ride in case I ever ride another horse every so often)

Perhaps you could do some research with your mum into some quotes, or give a couple of the companies a ring, they may be cheaper than she thinks

Putting money aside each month to cover vets fees is something people on here do, but I found the cost of insurance to be cheaper. If you did this, you'd still need public liability insurance as mentioned above

If the vet does come out, depending on when you got him I'd be inclined to run bloods (people here may be able to advise the cut off period). You see a lot of horror stories about horses being doped - id rather find out before I started riding. If he has been you have a whole new thread to start

OP you mention the previous owner only had him 5 weeks - did you ask why? I'm cynical and I hope I'm wrong about the possible reasons this may have been

Does YO ride? If so I'd be inclined for your first ride to book a session with her where she gets on him first then stays with you while you have a go. Did you have him vetted and try him at the viewing?

my yo has had horses her whole life, and has done studies in college too, i dont know what, but it was horse related. the previous owner was scared of his height, but forced herself to ride everyday so that he stayed fit. at the viewing i walk trot and cantered him. i also saw him being ridden at the vetting. and ive ridden him bareback sinse ive had him, he was amazing, i tried trotting while i was on a lead rien and was fine, but when i decided to do it on my own i fell off, but he was so good, he just stopped and waited for me to get back on.

 

[Rowreach]

im not, my dad is. its not a problem paying £200 if its needed, but everyone is saying it isnt. i guess i came on here hoping i would get advice, like change his feed, work him, its nothing, boredom, i dont know. but instead everyone is coming at me, i just want whats best for my horse. i have £72 left in my savings, and instead of buying what most teenagers do, ive spent all my money on my dogs medication. it isnt necessary, but i want it for her, so i have to pay for it. i really just want whats best for my horse, weve got him boredom toys, treats, food, soaked hay, a stable i spend like an hour polishing every day, every brush i could find so that i only use his favourites.

Hey, not everyone is coming at you, there are two of us who have offered sensible non-panic-inducing advice, and you have knowledgeable adults in real life who are able to see your horse in the flesh and are telling you not to worry or overthink things.

I'd say this forum will be very useful to you in time, but maybe this thread not so much. Just take a breath, enjoy your horse, and listen to those around you and not a load of random people on the internet.

 

[AmyMay]

Well, he sounds like a complete Poppit, and I’m sure he’ll settle in due course.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Hi axe1312, I can tell how much this horse means to you and how you are doing everything you can to make him happy. But I also think you are driving yourself mad second guessing every twitch and yawn. Plus asing for advice from people who have never met him and then being reeinfoced on your view that the vet is wrong, the YO is wrong etc. All that is probably sending your anxiety into orbit. Not to mention getting grief about NOT getting a vet you almost certainly don't even need. So maybe it's time to take a deep breath and stop worrying!

He sounds perfectly fine to me, if a little unsettled, which is totally nornal for any horse who has recently moved. Getting your new horse home is nerve wracking for everyone, but especially so for inexperienced owners. What you really need - rather than internet advice - is experienced help on the ground to reassure you that he is ok and give you advice on how to settle him as quickly as possible. Some horses don't like a lot of fuss. Some horses need very clear routines. What you think is 'super positive' may be very different to what he actually might like - which could be to be left alone a lot more. So I would stop asking for advice from the forum and start listening to the experienced advice of those around you.

And get on with enjoying your lovely new horse. We need pictures!! And a name x

 

[axe1312]

Now that I know he is stabled alongside a stallion and a mare I'm not surprised that this gelding is upset. The stallion is probably threatening him every second that they are both in their stables. OP, can he live out with company instead?

the stallion cant touch him, and the whole time ive watched, the stallion has no interest in him, hes more interested in the mare next door to him. and he cant live out all the time, the hores take in turns and its a terrible routine i dont want to start

 

[Ample Prosecco]

Hey, not everyone is coming at you, there are two of us who have offered sensible non-panic-inducing advice, and you have knowledgeable adults in real life who are able to see your horse in the flesh and are telling you not to worry or overthink things.

I'd say this forum will be very useful to you in time, but maybe this thread not so much. Just take a breath, enjoy your horse, and listen to those around you and not a load of random people on the internet.

Cross-posted but yes! This!!

 

[axe1312]

Hi axe1312, I can tell how much this horse means to you and how you are doing everything you can to make him happy. But I also think you are driving yourself mad second guessing every twitch and yawn. Plus asing for advice from people who have never met him and then being reeinfoced on your view that the vet is wrong, the YO is wrong etc. All that is probably sending your anxiety into orbit. Not to mention getting grief about NOT getting a vet you almost certainly don't even need. So maybe it's time to take a deep breath and stop worrying!

He sounds perfectly fine to me, if a little unsettled, which is totally nornal for any horse who has recently moved. Getting your new horse home is nerve wracking for everyone, but especially so for inexperienced owners. What you really need - rather than internet advice - is experienced help on the ground to reassure you that he is ok and give you advice on how to settle him as quickly as possible. Some horses don't like a lot of fuss. Some horses need very clear routines. What you think is 'super positive' may be very different to what he actually might like - which could be to be left alone a lot more. So I would stop asking for advice from the forum and start listening to the experienced advice of those around you.

And get on with enjoying your lovely new horse. We need pictures!! And a name x

his passport name is jericho jackson, we call him jj

 

[Gloi]

I think people here are just concerned for you.

 

[axe1312]

Cross-posted but yes! This!!

thank you. it so hard, my brain is going crazy and although everyone is saying hes fine, im panicky, so i cant help but google google gooogle.