Ceriann
Well-Known Member
Had my mare nearly two years - she is now 6. 3/4 ID with a sensible, steady temperament and safe as houses in traffic etc. Green to school. Our two years has not been straightforward - mixture of bad luck and saddle issues resulting in a failure to bond for a while. In that time, she has been moved twice (to me in livery once and then home to me) but is now out 24/7 and has a companion.
She has always been, and remains so, a bit grumpy. Initially she lacked manners but we worked on that and she is now generally v respectful of space etc and is like a lamb on halter. She doesn't like being brushed, can be irritable around girth area, is indifferent to fuss (walks off in field if I approach her) - at times she can be downright unpleasant (she's bitten me 4 times since I've had her - each time meaning it). Once taking rug off, once brushing her girth area, once when I approached her in field and patted her and lastly (after 12 months of no biting) when I checked her rug in the field. She is no different summer or winter. She is very food oriented so I don't treat her and she currently gets no feed.
She is v good to hack out - v sensible on her own and has never napped or misbehaved. V little fazes her. But any time we have fallen out ridden or she's been scared of something (this has happened 5 times) she explodes - think bucking bronco. I've not once been able to sit this out and come off her each time (most times in quite spectacular fashion). Not all of these episodes are her fault (only once appears to be for no reason) but her reaction is scary - from a horse that tolerates most things to a complete meltdown.
I am super careful with her saddle as we now believe first saddle (despite being checked) was badly fitting. I get saddler out as needed but at least every 6 months. Despite previous saddle concerns she is not remotely back sensitive and wasn't at the time - you can press on her back pre or post riding and she doesn't blink. Teeth are done and she has a physio when saddle done. Farrier is v good. She was back and back leg scanned after one of her episodes and no issues.
Last bad episode left me with a broken hip. Don't get me wrong not her fault, I remounted on a hack and saddle slipped (my fault - head up my backside at the time) - but she didn't just spook she exploded (and saddle didn't go completely - it slipped maybe 30 degrees left).
I am convinced something isn't right - she just doesn't seem happy. It's only me she's grumpy with too - though suspect that's because OH only leads her or holds her etc for farrier. I feel a complete failure as everyone who rides her loves her, she was a livery yard favourite and the yard I use to school all compliment me as she's so well behaved. Part of me thinks there must be something physical and part me thinks I'm trying to find a reason. I've got time to contemplate my options with her but as part of this I feel I need to consider any/all possible physical issues. I've thought ulcers before but she looks v well.
Any suggestions welcome. I'm not a bottomless pit of money but open to any thoughts or recommendations. She is currently turned away whilst I recover. Thanks to those who have got this far!
She has always been, and remains so, a bit grumpy. Initially she lacked manners but we worked on that and she is now generally v respectful of space etc and is like a lamb on halter. She doesn't like being brushed, can be irritable around girth area, is indifferent to fuss (walks off in field if I approach her) - at times she can be downright unpleasant (she's bitten me 4 times since I've had her - each time meaning it). Once taking rug off, once brushing her girth area, once when I approached her in field and patted her and lastly (after 12 months of no biting) when I checked her rug in the field. She is no different summer or winter. She is very food oriented so I don't treat her and she currently gets no feed.
She is v good to hack out - v sensible on her own and has never napped or misbehaved. V little fazes her. But any time we have fallen out ridden or she's been scared of something (this has happened 5 times) she explodes - think bucking bronco. I've not once been able to sit this out and come off her each time (most times in quite spectacular fashion). Not all of these episodes are her fault (only once appears to be for no reason) but her reaction is scary - from a horse that tolerates most things to a complete meltdown.
I am super careful with her saddle as we now believe first saddle (despite being checked) was badly fitting. I get saddler out as needed but at least every 6 months. Despite previous saddle concerns she is not remotely back sensitive and wasn't at the time - you can press on her back pre or post riding and she doesn't blink. Teeth are done and she has a physio when saddle done. Farrier is v good. She was back and back leg scanned after one of her episodes and no issues.
Last bad episode left me with a broken hip. Don't get me wrong not her fault, I remounted on a hack and saddle slipped (my fault - head up my backside at the time) - but she didn't just spook she exploded (and saddle didn't go completely - it slipped maybe 30 degrees left).
I am convinced something isn't right - she just doesn't seem happy. It's only me she's grumpy with too - though suspect that's because OH only leads her or holds her etc for farrier. I feel a complete failure as everyone who rides her loves her, she was a livery yard favourite and the yard I use to school all compliment me as she's so well behaved. Part of me thinks there must be something physical and part me thinks I'm trying to find a reason. I've got time to contemplate my options with her but as part of this I feel I need to consider any/all possible physical issues. I've thought ulcers before but she looks v well.
Any suggestions welcome. I'm not a bottomless pit of money but open to any thoughts or recommendations. She is currently turned away whilst I recover. Thanks to those who have got this far!
post op KS she was much more mellow , almost pleasant!! And is on Regumate for her lady problems and if she is still bad next spring we will scan. Seriously thinking of scoping so I've covered all bases. I'd have a full MOT, but then With all she had going on I'm probably the prophet of doom and gloom