Horse lost confidence

[O'Flaitre]

I'm not sure if I am after advice or a bit of reassurance that I am not the only one having difficulties with their horse after a period of not being ridden. My yard banned riding during lockdown. The ban was lifted just over a week ago. Maybe I was naive but thought that apart from having lost his fitness I thought he would just pop back into work ok but he seems to have lost his confidence shying and spooking at everything. His bottom lip wobbles constantly and has began shaking his head up and down. He was always a bit spooky but nothing like this. I did still go to the yard everyday during the 6 weeks we were not allowed to ride and did in-hand work and lunged so I don't know if he is being naughty or he has genuinely lost his confidence. Has anyone else had a similar problem? This is the first horse I've owned and I have only had him just over a year so I haven't ridden a horse who has been out of work before. It's making me nervous to ride him which I know does not help.

 

[Equi]

In the time off did his feed/routine change? If he was still being fed the same but minus the work he could just be exploding with calories. There is also the grass which is rocket fuel. What is he spooking at exactly? Have you tried tacking him up and just walking about for a bit, maybe lunging a little etc then hopping on to "finish"

Many many horses are going to be be feeling very out of routine and worried because they thought they were now "non-ridden" and almost need taken back to basics as if they are being broken.

 

[SOS]

As equi said, it sounds like he’s fresh rather than nervous. If he’s been lunged a lot for 6 weeks he’s probably quite a bit fitter too! It’s hard exercise on the lunge. Tossing his head and lip wobbling/smacking can be impatience or freshness. Cut his feed right back and start slow. Remember he will need a few weeks of slower work under saddle so don’t aim big for your rides, have a plan of where you are going and what exercises you can do during the time. Pole work and hill fitness can give you something to focus on. It also sounds like you are slightly nervous of this new behaviour, which is understandable, but perhaps a few lessons with an instructor can get you all tuned back up.

For what it’s worth lots of horses have breaks and come back into work completely fine so try not to think of it as hugely abnormal, especially since he’s been in a routine of groundwork. Hunters have 3-4 months off a year and my other horses have always had a month or two off in the autumn and they are expected to come back a little out of routine but sensible.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

If he has had some time off ridden work, his saddle might not fit as it did before. I suggest that you ask someone experienced to check the fit, or get a saddle fitter out, if you can. But I agree you should be able to get back on a horse which has had a couple of months off work without any problem except a loss of fitness.