Greenpickled
New User
We have a lovely horse - 7yrs old he’s a really great guy to have around. He’s easy, level headed, on the face of it doesn’t get het up at events, all his phases are coming along nicely schooling, jumping etc no issues at all.
But… he has an odd ‘thing’. which seems to be getting more consistent. When going into an arena at an event, or if he is asked to move off after standing at training or in collecting ring he will kick out. Sometimes quite violently he kicks up and under his stomach and starts backing into other horses (not to kick them) he does it with both legs doesn't favour one or the other. He can also do it out hacking but only if asked to leave his buddy and more recently when he was asked to hack alone rider had to get off and lead him part of the way then he was fine rest of hack. So we are minded to think it’s a strop/napping or lack of confidence (hidden under his calm demeanour) The more you ask him to go forward, the more he goes backwards. The solution has been to get someone to walk beside him. But obviously we want to eliminate this.
This horse has had everything checked, saddle x3 per year, teeth every six months, vet physio for his back every 4 weeks, lameness work ups, willy washed, X-rays, he is fine in all regards. He is not girthy, loves his food and is at peak fitness.
When actually jumping he has no performance issues, never refuses, in his flatwork he is agreeable, albeit still young and a bit green.
Has anyone experienced this before, i mean we deal with it as best we can, but it can be alarming at events...
But… he has an odd ‘thing’. which seems to be getting more consistent. When going into an arena at an event, or if he is asked to move off after standing at training or in collecting ring he will kick out. Sometimes quite violently he kicks up and under his stomach and starts backing into other horses (not to kick them) he does it with both legs doesn't favour one or the other. He can also do it out hacking but only if asked to leave his buddy and more recently when he was asked to hack alone rider had to get off and lead him part of the way then he was fine rest of hack. So we are minded to think it’s a strop/napping or lack of confidence (hidden under his calm demeanour) The more you ask him to go forward, the more he goes backwards. The solution has been to get someone to walk beside him. But obviously we want to eliminate this.
This horse has had everything checked, saddle x3 per year, teeth every six months, vet physio for his back every 4 weeks, lameness work ups, willy washed, X-rays, he is fine in all regards. He is not girthy, loves his food and is at peak fitness.
When actually jumping he has no performance issues, never refuses, in his flatwork he is agreeable, albeit still young and a bit green.
Has anyone experienced this before, i mean we deal with it as best we can, but it can be alarming at events...
