Napping help!

[throwaway0922]

So around 6 months ago my Irish cob started napping. I straight away checked back, teeth, saddle etc but all was fine and it is a clear behavioural thing. Our main problem is hacking, he will randomly start to back up and if you apply pressure he will rear (only small but can quickly escalate). This happens even when we are in a group and is very unlike him as he is a very brave horse. I have tried everything at this point (circling, groundwork, being firm, having a lead etc). I have even tried regular lessons with three different instructors all with different approaches. Any similar experiences or ideas on how to help him? Thank you!

 

[Upthecreek]

I think you need to get a loss of performance workup by the vet. The cause of the behaviour will most likely be a physical issue causing him pain or discomfort as brave hacking horses do not start napping for no reason. You say your main problem is hacking, what other problems are you having?

 

[throwaway0922]

I think you need to get a loss of performance workup by the vet. The cause of the behaviour will most likely be a physical issue causing him pain or discomfort as brave hacking horses do not start napping for no reason. You say your main problem is hacking, what other problems are you having?

yes i’m worried your right. the only reason ive thought it was behavioural since the initial check ups is because it happens if a horse calls or leaves the arena etc. I have had problems with separation anxiety with him before. Such as tonight he was schooling beautifully until the other horse left the arena and he suddenly became very tense and shouty. We’re on a big yard so horses coming in and out isn’t something i can control.

 

[TheMule]

yes i’m worried your right. the only reason ive thought it was behavioural since the initial check ups is because it happens if a horse calls or leaves the arena etc. I have had problems with separation anxiety with him before. Such as tonight he was schooling beautifully until the other horse left the arena and he suddenly became very tense and shouty. We’re on a big yard so horses coming in and out isn’t something i can control.

You said above that it was mainly out hacking and that it was random. And you stated it happened in groups too, implying he doesn’t follow the other horses?
So which is it? Triggered by something specific, or random?

 

[throwaway0922]

You said above that it was mainly out hacking and that it was random. And you stated it happened in groups too, implying he doesn’t follow the other horses?
So which is it? Triggered by something specific, or random?

i reread my first post and it is confusing sorry! By random i meant he would be fully relaxed and no signs of refusal before the napping, which is triggered by other horses and sometimes people he’s familiar with. I don’t understand why he does it hacking with others (although it does happen less) as you would think he wouldn’t mind the triggers so much when with others. He is a VERY social and nosy horse so that might be part of it. This is my first time using the forum so i wasn’t sure how much context to add.

 

[Upthecreek]

When you say the napping is triggered by other horses and sometimes people he is familiar with, please explain how. What do they do to cause the napping? Does he nap when you hack alone?