My Alflora gelding can throw his head about when being ridden

[Kirst]

Hi ... this is a long one

Looking for any ideas as to how to deal with this!

When we're hacking, there can be one little fly and he will shake his head, when they dont leave he then has this sort of 'hissy fit' that they won't leave and throws his head about in all directions. His ears can come flat to his head at times and his face looks very distressed. When there is a breeze and no flies he's fine.

I did think it might be linked to contact as he's an exracer but he's not stong and doesn't object to a contact as much #head wise# as when the flies bother him, and he is getting better with the contact and re-schooling side.

He can do it when being presented with something new like gates, but after a week or so he now doesn't mind the gates and doesn't do it anymore. He did it when i asked him to stand to mount instead of a walking mount.

He was in an eggbut snaffle bit and frothed alot at the mouth, which i know can be a sign of tongue and swallowing problems and cause head shaking so he is now in a Fulmer and no longer froths... but still shakes his head.

It's only ever in walk, and he is rideable, it just gets annoying and he can become careless with his head.

I'm not sure if it's his reaction to stress or panic where he isn't sure what to do, or how/why the flies wont leave. I'm reluctant to think it's allergies as he doesn't rub his nose on the floor at all and doesn't do it in the field.

I have read that Alflora off spring can be typically stressy when presented with new things so I'm not sure what to put it down too.

I have invested in a Net Relief Mask to help with the flies... wise or a waste of money?

Very grateful for any help or ideas!

 

[Holly Hocks]

I can't give you any advice, but my ex-racer mare is the same - so you're not alone. I generally ride her on a longish rein and she also only does it in walk. I use Powerphaser fly repellent every time I take her out and when the head tossing starts, I just keep my hand still and say no, to try and restrict the upwards movement quite so much. She's getting there, so good luck!

 

[bluewhippet]

My arab gelding does this when he is presented with something he finds a bit stressful, a lot of the time when schooling - he has had his back sorted etc and it really does seem to be his first reaction to a challenge.

 

[Kat]

I'd try an ear veil as well as a nose net, lots of fly spray and maybe garlic in his feed.

Is the fullmer single or double jointed? I'd see if he is happier in a French or lozenge link.

If he is still chucking his head around invest in a standing martingale, as this works on the nose not the mouth it won't interfere with the contact.