Naughty? Teeth? Advice please....

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Brambridge04

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I started breaking and backing my mare the other week, she took the bit, smothered in honey i may add, perfectly, same second day....however since then i cant get near her with it, she rear's so high that she nearly smashes your head in.....and from watching someone else attempt seems a different animal to the one the other day!

I'm going to get a dentist out, as i dont think she has EVER had her teeth done (new to me so not my fault....) but do you think this is it, or is she just being s b*gger?
 
I would says there's a 99.9% chance it's her teeth.

If her teeth have never been done they need to be done asap and before you try to put another bit in.

Then you can worry about her psychology.
 
She is 5, so im nearly 100% on teeth, but having had naughty horses before, i just had that little inkling of could she just be trying it on, but i dont think she is....
 
Brambridge04 said:
I'm going to get a dentist out, as i dont think she has EVER had her teeth done (new to me so not my fault....) but do you think this is it, or is she just being s b*gger?
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Sorry - but it IS your fault! Nobody in their right MIND starts backing a horse without first having its teeth checked out! :rolleyes: (Regrettably there are a LOT of so-called 'trainers' who do - which is why so many young horses are stuffed before they start!!:mad:)

How many horses have you actually backed?? I would suggest not many - if you overlooked this vital step! Chances are that she will be very 'difficult' - even after her teeth are done - because horses don't forget painful experiences very easily!! I would suggest you consider 1) getting her teeth done - the EDT will be able to tell you if the mouth was likely to have caused the problem. 2) Consider getting an experienced and sympathetic trainer to take her on after that - telling them EXACTLY what has happened and what the EDT found in her mouth. Otherwise I foresee some more 'problem horse' posts in the future!
 
Yes, I think you were stupid starting without having the dentist out. Bloody idiot. I hope you've not caused problems that people like JanetGeorge end up having to fix but I wouldnt be so sure as now her only experience is that you hurt her with that plastic thing!
 
I think people are getting a little bit OTT.

yes, teeth should be checked before backing but i know hundreds and hundreds of horses who haven't been checked before backing and they have survived quite happily with no issues.

to the OP, it could be that her teeth need doing but equally it could be that her teeth are fine but you have banged her in the mouth while putting the bridle on, the bit is fitted incorrectly and is banging her teeth or even could be back pain etc and she is associating the bridle with work which is making her sore.
 
You're not alone, the horse I bought recently was 12 years old and the EDT thought it likely that she had never seen a dentist in her life. Poor girl had sores inside her mouth and yet she had put up with it uncomplainingly. Its always a good idea with a new horse to give them an MOT before starting work if you can't be sure that routine stuff like teeth, saddle fit, jabs etc have been kept up to date.
Because you suspected there might be physical problem for her behaviour,then I doubt you will have done lasting harm. Horses are forgiving creatures if everything else is right and you take your time with her. We all make mistakes and this is one that you won't be forgeting again. :)
 
My EDT charges £45 for a routine rasp and when my filly needed 3 wolf teeth out, the vet bill was around £120 for call out and extraction. At the same time my cat went in to a small animal vets for 4 teeth to be extracted and the bill was £140. Seems the horse's treatment was cheaper this time.:rolleyes:
Good luck .
 
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