How to diagnose pain in a horse?

[Rebecca84]

Hi,

I’m fairly new to owning horses and have a lovely new 14.2 mare. She’s generally well behaved but she does have some difficulties (a bit of bucking and sometimes bolts)

I know before addressing these issues as bad behaviour I need to see if she’s in any pain. How do I go about this? She passed her vetting check so the vet didn’t spot anything. Who should I ask to check her over?

 

[little_critter]

If you suspect pain then you need to get the vet out tell them what your horse has been doing to cause your concern and ask them to check the horse over.
How long ago was the vetting?
Another thing to consider is the saddle fit. As the horse is new to you did it come with a saddle of have you bought one for it? Was the saddle fitted by a saddler?

 

[Baywonder]

Sorry you are having problems with your new mare. I would be considering / looking at the following:

How she was when you tried her out before you bought her?
Check the saddle fit - even if it is the one she came with, it is always best to be on the safe side
Teeth - when was the last time they were checked?
Speak to your vet and explain what problems you are having.

 

[Shay]

Back / tack / teeth as a basic check. Did you hold bloods from the vetting? If so get then checked now. Hopefully it is just a saddle fit issue but bloods -even frozen - have a "shelf life" Get them checked ASAP. Then tack / back / teeth.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Goodness me, you had me confused there, OP!
I answered on your other thread. You really only need to make one thread about the same topic.

 

[Rebecca84]

If you suspect pain then you need to get the vet out tell them what your horse has been doing to cause your concern and ask them to check the horse over.
How long ago was the vetting?
Another thing to consider is the saddle fit. As the horse is new to you did it come with a saddle of have you bought one for it? Was the saddle fitted by a saddler?

Vetting was about 2 months ago. Maybe I will get it done again

The saddle is new and fitted by a professional

 

[Rebecca84]

Goodness me, you had me confused there, OP!
I answered on your other thread. You really only need to make one thread about the same topic.

sorry!

 

[Rebecca84]

Sorry you are having problems with your new mare. I would be considering / looking at the following:

How she was when you tried her out before you bought her?
Check the saddle fit - even if it is the one she came with, it is always best to be on the safe side
Teeth - when was the last time they were checked?
Speak to your vet and explain what problems you are having.

She was fine on the try out. She doesn’t buck or bolt often even now, but a few times is enough for me to worry that something is up

Teeth and saddle both were fine when checked, but yes I will speak to any vet

 

[MrsMozartleto]

Ditto the others' advice re vet, saddle, teeth.

When is she bucking and bolting?

I'd strongly suggest no riding until she's been checked over. If an issue is found then follow the professionals instructions. If no issue is found, please get a good instructor in to help you.

 

[little_critter]

Has an instructor seen the problem behaviour?