I have a feeling I am going to have to admit defeat

[WishfulThinker]

And take my boy off of Working livery..........

Last night with the nosenet he was fab, today - not so. In the indoor school he was not happy, and then out walking he was fine and in the outdoor he was shaking but not as much. My friend was riding him and she made him work - as in REALLY work, lateral work, tempo and gait changes. Basically engaging his brain and when she did he was fine.

However there is no way that he will be worked to this level in the school, they just don't go to that level.

He is unfit, but not majorly - he was sweating after 45 mins of hard work, but my friend was saying he is too unfit for the SJ on Sunday, which I had kinda hoped to do on him just to do something on him and give him a change of scene. Want to go up tomorrow as well and take him for a hack, but not sure OH will be happy being left holding the baby for a third day.

 

[dressedkez]

Do feel for you.....is all the work for your horse school work? I.e no hacking? If it is the former it will always be difficult to get him fit, and you are very reliant on the calibre of rider....to take out on a hack, you also want someone who knows what they are doing to get him properly fit - but they will do less damage (you would hope) going in straight lines?
I used to work in a stable (a long time ago....) where we had working liveries - it was heart breaking for those who either had decent horses / or knew a bit! If you can find another solution to fit your budget, that would be great.....

 

[WishfulThinker]

They do hack, although due to the weather they hadn't done many - last hack he was on he ditched the rider and headed for home - I think he was too excited.

Thing is that he has actually improved schooling wise.

I am nost sure if I should call it quits now or wait till they are turned out and see if he changes. I have been reading up on headshaking and causes etc, and its like little bits of each could be causeing it. He has been in the wars, as he is a pacifist not a fighter so he takes a beating and he has quite a few scabs under his very hairy coat. One of these is a long cut/scratch at the bas of his neck. I did wonder if these might be what is causing the irritation.
There is no cuts or swelling on his face so I don't think he has been kicked or hit his head. And the diff between yesterday and today was last night was kinda dark and no wind what so ever, and also there was a riding club using the yard so there were goings on for him to see.

Today it was light but overcast, and a light breeze. We did the indoor first and I think it might have just been harrowed and levelled as I had a gritty feeling when I was breathing in.

After he was ridden I checked and no discharge from eyes or nose - nose not swollen either. He did figure that the net would flip when he shook, so not sure if the net its self then annoyed him.

But it cant be a physical hurt as he didnt do it last night and doesnt do it standing still.

Argh.............just not good timing!! I go back to work in 3 weeks and I have to sort that out and other things.