Horse won't bend

T

trotter259

Well-Known Member
Joined
13 July 2008
Messages
136
Location
Yelverton, Devon
Visit site
My gelding has had back issues in the past, which are now sorted and he is 100% better. My osteo gave me exercises to do with him to supple him up, being getting him to bend round to his bottom by giving treats, he is now fab at this.

But, he won't bend when saddled. He had MAJOR saddle issues when I first got him and would bronc until it was off him (due to the back issues and being ridden in a broken saddle for years!). He won't even do the stretches he does without the saddle on!

Help!
 
He probably doesn't believe he can bend at the moment with the saddle on without it hurting him. Keep gently asking him, even if it means one ear turns less than a mm towards the direction you want to begin with and increase from there.
 
Will he do it with just a numnah on? Maybe try it with a roller so there's something touching his back but no weight and if possible ask a (strong and preferably gullible!!) friend to try to take most of the saddle weight whilst its on him then gradully put more of it on him whilst he's bending for his treats?
 
He'll do it with the roller on, just not his saddle. He had issues with the roller too, poor lad.

I just want to make him realise that it's not going to hurt and that it's a good thing.

Thanks for all your help and ideas, will try them tonight.
 
He won't with either, and he is worse with a rider. I want to get him happy and comfortable doing it with the saddle on from the ground before I put pressure on him whilst being ridden.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top