CBFan
Well-Known Member
My lad is a 17.2hh 7 year old who has always been a bit 'reluctant' about going forward but has always gone out ok. and his 'reluctance has always been worked through...
He has (had) a few health issues. Firstly he has shivers so does suffer with muscle soreness / tightness in his back, secondly he had a bone chip removed from a ligament down near his fetlock earlier this year, which has healed well and no sign of any problems since.
Just recently I've been having problems with hacking him - he's just seemed rather reluctant to go... finding down hills particularly tough. I have started by addressing any possible pain issues by having his back done and then started feeding Devils Claw, and I saw a marked improvement, though still some reluctance. Have also hoof-booted him all round (he is barefoot and was previously only booted in front) He seems to have more of a spring in his step - definitely walking more positively down the drive before I get on, but less so once I am on board.
We don't have company to hack with during the week so we have to go out on our own and it just struck me this morning that his reluctance may be a confidence thing rather than anything else now, as I have noticed he's started trying turn and go up paths that I don't want him to (that head for home!), yet if I get off, he'll happily walk beside me (not that I do I hasten to add) also, when I tend to be heading in a homeward direction, he gets a noticeable spring in is step! So I'm starting to think he is now taking the piddle!! Any thoughts?
We hack with one other horse at the weekend and happily follows her but isn't too bothered if we get left behind... also the other week, we tried to pass another group of horses and he was reluctant to say the least...
He has (had) a few health issues. Firstly he has shivers so does suffer with muscle soreness / tightness in his back, secondly he had a bone chip removed from a ligament down near his fetlock earlier this year, which has healed well and no sign of any problems since.
Just recently I've been having problems with hacking him - he's just seemed rather reluctant to go... finding down hills particularly tough. I have started by addressing any possible pain issues by having his back done and then started feeding Devils Claw, and I saw a marked improvement, though still some reluctance. Have also hoof-booted him all round (he is barefoot and was previously only booted in front) He seems to have more of a spring in his step - definitely walking more positively down the drive before I get on, but less so once I am on board.
We don't have company to hack with during the week so we have to go out on our own and it just struck me this morning that his reluctance may be a confidence thing rather than anything else now, as I have noticed he's started trying turn and go up paths that I don't want him to (that head for home!), yet if I get off, he'll happily walk beside me (not that I do I hasten to add) also, when I tend to be heading in a homeward direction, he gets a noticeable spring in is step! So I'm starting to think he is now taking the piddle!! Any thoughts?
We hack with one other horse at the weekend and happily follows her but isn't too bothered if we get left behind... also the other week, we tried to pass another group of horses and he was reluctant to say the least...