Horse running backwards

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Stormi

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Hello. I have a 6 year old horse. It's been a month, that he runs backwards as soon as i get on or just before I get on. I don't know what's wrong. I 've had him for 2 years and he has never done that. Its getting really dangerous. Somebody checked his teeth today and he has few sharp edges, so the vet is coming tomorrow. Do you think that the teeth was the problem? ( he didnt show any signs of pain when i was riding him). any advises/opinions?
 
Maybe ask the vet to check his back and tack while he's there just in case? Or it might be a case of just being naughty, especially since he's still young. My pony does this while getting off the yard to hack out just because she doesn't want to leave her friends and food - to stop her I turn her in a tight circle rather than fighting with her mouth or kicking her as this can make her run faster, or rear. Every horse is different but I would think turning him in circles when he tries to run backwards will calm him down ready for you to ride. Good luck xx
 
He hasnt done that before though... I dont think he does that for play or anything because he just goes full speed backwards and he even might bum into something :/ .... today he even did a small rear at the end. do you think teeth might be the problem ?
 
It does sounds pain related to me. If he has only just started doing it and you say that his teeth are sharp I would say there is a pretty good connection. How often does he get his teeth done? My horse dentist comes every 9 months and there is nearly always some work to do. I think it's a good idea to have his back checked as well, he is obviously anticipating pain and trying to get away from it.

At the moment treating it as "naughty" behaviour could make things worse.

Just to add - I would get a qualified equine dentist to do his teeth rather than the vet. Vets do not have the same level of training as an equine dentist, after all you wouldn't go to your doctor to get your teeth done!
 
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Unfortunately, I live in Cyprus, so there are not any qualified dentists as far as I know. Thank you for the advice. I ll tell the vet to check his back as well.
 
How well does the saddlle fit? if he is 6 he will still be changing shape so it could be that he has got wider and the saddle is now pinching him hence the running back when he expects you to get on and his back to hurt, worth checking it to rule out a problem.
 
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