I can't mount my horse??

DappleGreyDaydreamer

DappleGreyDaydreamer

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This is really strange to me, but yesterday my gelding (who I've had since the summer and has always been fine before) suddenly wouldn't let me mount him. Every time I put the block beside him or walked him to it, he would either back up or swing his hindquarters away. It wasn't like he was frightened of it, he seemed completely calm, just constantly evading me. It took me a good 10 minutes to get on, and once I was on he was 100% back to normal. Same deal today, but it only took me a couple of minutes to mount him as I tried backing him up every time he refused, rather than circling him which seemed to get the message across quicker.

I'm quite concerned, as he's never displayed this type of behavior before, and me being an over-anxious horse owner as I am, I'm worried he's hurt his back or that his saddle doesn't fit him well. I had a fall last Sunday where he did a dodgy jump and I went flying off the side, honestly I think I was more hurt than he was because I landed on my ankle, but I'm worried now that maybe he did hurt himself at the time, but it is odd that any injury would crop up so many days after our accident..

I'm probably just worrying for no reason, but I don't want to start treating this like a behavioral problem unless I'm absolutely sure it is one. Problem is, neither me nor my family has much money to spare to be fetching all sorts of medical professionals out to check his back, teeth, saddle, bridle etc no matter how much I would like him checked.

I was just hoping for a second opinion, as I'm worried about back/saddle issues because he's always tossed his head and chewed at the bit for as long as I've had him, but he never did it at his previous home when I tried him out. I always thought that was excitement, as he's still young and never does it when jumping because he loves it, and never when other horses are around him.

Really sorry for rambling, thank you for any help!
 
If you've never had his tack checked, there are no two ways about it - you really must have a saddler out. Surely you know how to fit a bridle and bit yourself?

Have you had his teeth done since you got him back in summer? The same goes - you really must have them done. Dentistry is an annual and often six monthly running cost. As with saddler visits, dentistry is not an optional extra but a requirement.

I really don't think anyone can give you a second opinion on the current issue until you have taken the necessary steps to ensure, as far as is possible, that your boy is pain free and comfortable.

For what it's worth, the fact that the head tossing and bit chewing stop when he is distracted means very little. They are quite often signs of discomfort regardless.
 
I agree with the above, you needs someone out for saddle and teeth. Also stupid thought, but the wind has been very strong. If there any chance you horse is just turning is bum into the wind?
 
Are you young by any chance and parents pay for your horse? If so I can understand it can well be base to get them to understand that dentists etc are required
 
I found that when my mare started evading the mounting block, her bit had been marked by her teeth. She needed the dentist and a new bit.

Could it be that when you fell off the bit bruised your pony's mouth?

Unfortunately routine vet/dentist appointments have to be taken into account when working out how much keeping a pony costs.
 
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wench said:
Are you young by any chance and parents pay for your horse? If so I can understand it can well be base to get them to understand that dentists etc are required
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I'm 16, nearly 17, and he's my first horse, so yes my parents pay for everything I can't afford on my part-time at the local newsagents (which isn't a lot). I'm trying to talk them into helping me out with the last £30 to get a vet out for his back currently
 
Jnhuk said:
Suspect with your other thread with issues re canter, that your horse is giving your signals that you need to get tack/back checked out
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Agree with this - Your horse is telling you the only way he can that he is uncomfortable - a saddle check - is there anyone on your yard knowledgeable enough to check your saddles fit?

Check the fit with no saddle blanket on under the saddle so that it is easy to see and feel for areas that are not fitting.

Also suggest that next time the equine dentist is on the yard you have your horses teeth done.
 
It was interesting to see this post came up near your last post about your horse not wanting to canter. http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?716317-My-horse-won-t-canter

A few weeks ago your horse would not canter, now you have a mounting issue. It is possible your horse is doing his best to peacefully tell you of pain he is in. I would say until you pay for the tests on saddle, back and whatever else you stop riding, or you may well find that the horse's protests do not stay so peaceful for ever.
 
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