horse turning itself inside out-help

smiggy

smiggy

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I had a situation this weekend where my normally sane and sensible 6yr old Connie just lost the plot, went litierally on one stride walking on a loose rein to rodeo arched back leapy bucks followed by rearing (at which point we parted company)
we were at a clinic day thingy, various things had occured to stress him out but he hadnt shown it externally, no jogging about etc, I think it all got too much and he just exploded (would have preferred a bit of jogging to be honest :rolleyes:)
Def not back/teeth/tack/pain
The help bit is what to do if he does it again, had such a little time to react, just massive boot the minute i feel it happening?
and how do i get the confidence to take him out and about again? He is a real baby having had a lot of time off last year with bad feet, just been back in work 4 mths now, hacking alone and in company, schooling including professionally once a week or so. That was the second outing we have had since then. First outing he had a friend with him, was generally a more laid back day and I came home grinning he was so good. Now I am scared to take him out anyway in case we have a repeat. Im not the bravest and nearer 50 than 40 and cant afford too many broken bits.
Should I pay someone to take him out lots? (obv I would explain the issues)
Am I mad to even get back on?
Help?
 
Are you sure nothing set him off - ie a horsefly, wasp etc? If not, have you checked his saddle as, if he's been out of work for a time and now has started work it may be now he has built up muscle and hhis saddle could be pinching around his wither area. My friends youngster (5 now) was acting v out of character when i went to watch him showjumping the other week - broncing after the fences etc and just generally seeming unhappy (he's normally very laid back) after looking at how he was also positioning himself in a stand I looked at his saddle and suggested that maybe this was too low and pressing on his withers.

Well turns out I was pretty much on he money. The saddler came out, said similar and has changed the fitting and horse is back to normal. Bless him he must have been in considerable discomfort.
 
Hi, this could well be a one off - don't be scared of getting back on again but take precautions i.e get back on in a situation you are happy with, and ride according to what you feel. Also if you are really worried then it can't do any harm to get someone else to ride for you as long as they understand the issues and you are happy that they can cope and will deal with the situation in a way that you will be happy with!!!
 
aside being certain about tack/back/teeth etc. I would go back to basics, maybe you went a bit quick. Maybe take him to some really small shows, dont ride just lead him around, let him munch t he grass etc. Then gradually build up to riding and going to bigger shows? he is still only a baby so dont get too upset, he will settle in time!
 
It could be a one-off...I do feel for you its awful losing your confidence.
Why not get a friend/RI to ride him out (knowing the issues ofc) and if he behaves, for you to get back on him to ride halfway back? Just build your confidence back up slowly.
Or go back to basics with him - long reining round the hacks, lunging etc just to build your confidence with him on the ground, then hack out with someone walking, then company then yourself riding etc.
Take it one step at a time and do it when you feel comfortable - the happier you feel, the more secure he will feel.
good luck
K x
 
Thanks guys
am pretty sure it wasnt triggered by sting etc as we had a couple of minor episodes earlier in the day, sudden onset humping and bucking but stopped when I growled at him and kicked him on.
Teeth recently done, saddle checked two weeks ago, back seems fine on palpation.
Thing is im not worried about riding him generally, am 99% sure he wont do it in the school here or on hacks but I am terrified to take him out to parties and I want to do dressage, clinics, endurance etc. He was schooled as usual on monday both in the school and in the school and he went beautifully.
I was never getting on him again on sunday but having had time to think about, realise how much i love this horse and enjoy riding him and cant chuck it all away.
Going to quieter parties is probably the way forward, perhaps getting a jockey as if im worried thats not going to help is it/
 
I agree from what you said it sounds like a one-off. As you say you are sure he would not repeat it again in normal riding- like hacking or at home, but dont let this put you off taking him out and about. I would, as you say, take him to quieter gatherings where there is less stress. For example go to a horse show or clinic but do not take part, just walk him round to take in the surroundings and call that it. There is obviously something that sets him off but as usual with horses some things are just an utter mystery :confused:
 
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