Mare doesn't like girth tightened

Snowy Celandine

Snowy Celandine

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I've got a mare who has never liked her girth being tightened, even though I do it very slowly, in stages, and walk her round before tightening it enough to mount. I saw on another thread that this might be caused by ulcers and wondered if I should mention it to the vet when he comes to vaccinate my other horse? She's fine to ride but has always been very sensitive about having her girth/roller done up, even though everything is always done gently and never rushed.
 
V good plan to mention it to your vet. Could be due to several things so your vet will be able to check your mare out and offer advice.
 
Yes, I definitely would. Its not a huge problem if they have ulcers, it can be expensive to treat but it is relatively easy. We gave our mare Gastroguard (more expensive than gold!!!!) but it worked wonders. I would see whether maybe they could scope her just to check.

There are also other causes/signs to look for - TBs/ex racers are known to be prone, horses that are kept in are prone, horses that crib bite or weave are prone. xxx
 
Don't know if anyone has suggested getting her back looked at. I had a horse that backed up and reared up if you did his girth up quickly. He still backed up when doing it slowly. I had his back looked at and he had a pinched nerve. he had some treatment and I spent a few weeks massaging his pectorals before andfter every ride but I never had a problem with him again after than.
 
Thank you keanmu. I had her back checked a few weeks ago, just as part of my normal routine with both my horses and the physio said it was fine with nothing to report at all. It would be so much easier if horses could talk and tell us where the problem was :D Still, I expect my mare would be really cheeky to me if she could talk. Imagine getting a running commentary from your horse when you were riding, listing all the things they thought you were doing wrong :rolleyes:
 
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