Horse naps at start line of cross country

[NikKnock]

Hi, my 10 Yr old thoroughbred has started napping at the start gate of hunter trials. He gets half way to the first fence and baulks, then we're lucky if i can get him up to the first jump. Today the first jump (and second and third!) were so low that I could practically jump from a standstill. He's not the bravest of horses but this not wanting to leave the other horses is a worse development. Admittedly he did clamber over a solid jump at the last competition we did and i reckon he's scared himself a bit, but i think even the "clambering" was as a result of napping. Its now got so bad that i don't seem to be able to get round a course without a lead by waiting for someone to pass me, and then he goes like a bat out of hell scared to be left behind. Any advice please?

 

[LEC]

I think you have answered your own question. You have a hugely anxious horse who completely lacks confidence.

What you should do is stop competing, put the hours into building confidence and make it an enjoyable experience. As an ex racehorse they never do anything alone so under pressure it crumbles and most people don’t put the time and effort into building the foundation blocks right.
This isn’t a dig at you but something I see time and time again with ex racers. It’s really alien for them being by themselves and people don’t prepare them enough for that and take it for granted.

 

[NikKnock]

I think you have answered your own question. You have a hugely anxious horse who completely lacks confidence.

What you should do is stop competing, put the hours into building confidence and make it an enjoyable experience. As an ex racehorse they never do anything alone so under pressure it crumbles and most people don’t put the time and effort into building the foundation blocks right.
This isn’t a dig at you but something I see time and time again with ex racers. It’s really alien for them being by themselves and people don’t prepare them enough for that and take it for granted.

Thanks for your reply. He's a thoroughbred but not an ex racehorse. He's got worse recently since having a fieldmate and then the fieldmate having to go .

 

[ycbm]

Is this the horse that your farrier took the pads off in June?

 

[NikKnock]

Is this the horse that your farrier took the pads off in June?

Yes!

 

[ycbm]

OK. I've seen this behaviour occasionally and the horses have turned out soon after to be unsound. I would definitely be looking at what is happening with the feet that are no longer protected by pads. The timing is suspicious. I know they were removed for good reason, but it may be that you have a TB who can't cope without the cushioning.

If it does turn out to be his feet, then there may be things you can do with the diet to strengthen them.
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