Horse snatching the reins

[spotty_pony]

So my older boy likes to go on a long rein (on the buckle preferably). He will collect up a bit but does tend to snatch the reins when walking along our hacking if he thinks he is held together too much. Now I may be overthinking this but but he has a narrowed vertebrae in his spine and has this medicated last about eight years ago. I was always led to believe it was a secondary problem to his hock arthritis and so by treating the hocks (which he last had medicated in November, this would help the other problem too). There is no pain when touching or pressing his back and he is not lame - the only sign is the snatching of the reins. He has had teeth/physio/saddle all checked so I am wondering if it’s worth looking into remedicating the vertebrae? I presume a narrowed vertebrae is the same as mild kissing spine? Thoughts please.

 

[Lois Lame]

'So my older boy likes to go on a long rein (on the buckle preferably). He will collect up a bit but does tend to snatch the reins when walking along our hacking if he thinks he is held together too much.'

What is he like if he allowed to go on a loose rein while walking along out hacking? I mean is there a reason that you don't want to do this?

 

[eahotson]

If you are worried you could as k a vet and also a good acpat physiotherapist for their opinion.A decent instructor on the gound for one session might help.Sometimes we all slip into some bad riding habits that we are not aware of.

 

[Sossigpoker]

That behaviour is often linked with back and/or hind limb issues so interesting that you say that he has had his hocks and back medicated.
I'd get the vet out for sure. Your horse is telling you he's not comfortable.

 

[spotty_pony]

'So my older boy likes to go on a long rein (on the buckle preferably). He will collect up a bit but does tend to snatch the reins when walking along our hacking if he thinks he is held together too much.'

What is he like if he allowed to go on a loose rein while walking along out hacking? I mean is there a reason that you don't want to do this?

I do most of the time, but he occasionally trips and then almost falls on his knees if he’s not paying attention which is my reason for keeping a bit of a contact.