New horse demonstrating his 'quirk'. Opinions welcomed!

Just wanted to say, my Shire x TB is not particularly sensitive (luckily for me as I can be a bit nervous!) but has been a bit "humpy" with me the last few days with a new saddle. Possibly down to my extra weight, as he didn't do it with sharer.

I LOVE this cross, my boy can be a bit spooky, but apart from that is the sweetest, easiest horse ever. We are hoping to get him to Medium level, so it is interesting to hear about your schoolmaster.

Good luck with him, he is totally gorgeous!

Isabelle
 
Not a regular contributor to HHO, but felt compelled to add to this thread as another person who has a somewhat quirky horse to mount. Mines stemmed from during backing (long story!) but when they went it was when you were half way over and it was full on bronc. We seem to have moved past this now *touch wood*, but I NEVER take the mounting for granted. For mine, I believe it was a confidence thing and had become habit. If you would like to hear more, feel free to PM me. :)

Best of luck, your boy sounds lucky to have fallen into such a lovely home.
 
IsabelleJ said:
We are hoping to get him to Medium level, so it is interesting to hear about your schoolmaster.

Good luck with him, he is totally gorgeous!

Isabelle
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You never know - he might be another Alf, who worked at GP level at home with his first owner - the skys the limit!!

KPM said:
Not a regular contributor to HHO, but felt compelled to add to this thread as another person who has a somewhat quirky horse to mount. Mines stemmed from during backing (long story!) but when they went it was when you were half way over and it was full on bronc. We seem to have moved past this now *touch wood*, but I NEVER take the mounting for granted. For mine, I believe it was a confidence thing and had become habit. If you would like to hear more, feel free to PM me. :)

Best of luck, your boy sounds lucky to have fallen into such a lovely home.
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Thank you - I'd be interested to hear your story, although Alf didnt do it at all til last year - he was so safe up until then that they were able to build a pile of pallets, and put a mounting block on top of them in order to get the disabled rider who rode him during the Paralympic selection process up on him! It's very new, and very strange.

Im the lucky one! He's very special, and I feel very privileged to have him!
 
This is the first time I've ever felt compelled to respond to a forum but you could have been describing my horse. He's 15 and has been with me for 10 years and intermittently he has always had this quirk. Generally he's a lovely horse with a wonderful temperament who hasn't got an ounce of malice in him. I've had all the usual suspects, saddle, teeth, back etc regularly checked but after his initial humping of his back he settles down and behaves normally. The problem gets worse in the winter months so I always ride him with an exercise sheet to keep his back warm and this seems to help a little. It is also much worse if we are at a new venue for either lessons or competitions. In the warm summer months when he has lots of turnout he can go for weeks on end without any problems provided I mount him in the arena but if I get on at the mounting block on the yard which means we're going for a hack he'll do it again. All these factors have led me to conclude that its most likely between his ears. Over the years we've had chiro's, accupuncture, massage and even invested in an equissage the vet has also checked him over but no one can find anything wrong its just been put down to "cold backed". I've now decided to request an appointment at a local vet hospital to get x rays and scintography done so I hope I'll finally be able to get to the bottom of it. Although to date he never has exploded with me its still a horrible feeling as though he is trying to run away from his rider and there is absolutely nothing I can do to about it until he has had his little moment and got it out of his system. I'll be following your posts with great interest to see how you get on.
 
Silversheltie said:
This is the first time I've ever felt compelled to respond to a forum but you could have been describing my horse. He's 15 and has been with me for 10 years and intermittently he has always had this quirk. Generally he's a lovely horse with a wonderful temperament who hasn't got an ounce of malice in him. I've had all the usual suspects, saddle, teeth, back etc regularly checked but after his initial humping of his back he settles down and behaves normally. The problem gets worse in the winter months so I always ride him with an exercise sheet to keep his back warm and this seems to help a little. It is also much worse if we are at a new venue for either lessons or competitions. In the warm summer months when he has lots of turnout he can go for weeks on end without any problems provided I mount him in the arena but if I get on at the mounting block on the yard which means we're going for a hack he'll do it again. All these factors have led me to conclude that its most likely between his ears. Over the years we've had chiro's, accupuncture, massage and even invested in an equissage the vet has also checked him over but no one can find anything wrong its just been put down to "cold backed". I've now decided to request an appointment at a local vet hospital to get x rays and scintography done so I hope I'll finally be able to get to the bottom of it. Although to date he never has exploded with me its still a horrible feeling as though he is trying to run away from his rider and there is absolutely nothing I can do to about it until he has had his little moment and got it out of his system. I'll be following your posts with great interest to see how you get on.
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Thats REALLY interesting!! Whereabouts are you btw?
 
Can't say I've had mounting problems with my mare so I can't help you there, but I just thought the comments about Shires and Shire crosses being quirky, sensitive souls interesting. My horse (like yours) is Shire/TB and while she hasn't any issues remotely like the ones yours has, she's a character and certainly quirky and sensitive. Fabulous horse, though.
 
Update!! Had to bring Alf in the other day, after just two days in his new field, with friends. They turned a new horse out next to him, and he got himself in a complete state of hysteria - belting up and down the hedge, threatening to jump the gate and generally being a prat! Was worried about his stifle, so caught him, and had a hell of a job bringing him in - he'd completely lost the plot!
I gave him some Rescue Remedy when I got him in, then another dose in the morning - and when I got him out to ride him, he stidd like a complete lamb to get on - no sign of tension/nerves/general fliddishness, and then worked calmly in the school without spooking at the mounting block/jumps/threatening bits of tree...
He was the same this morning, after another shot of RR. I only gave it to him as a 'just in case' thing - never really used it before, and am sceptical about such things. Am wondering if its coincidence, or whether I need to consider eating my hat!!

Stuck him on a calmer yesterday, and will give him a week to let that start working before trying to put him out with his buddies again. He's very happy in his stable, and just coming out to graze in hand/work. I on the other hand am quite grumpy about having to muck out!!
 
That sounds quite incredible I've heard wonderful things about the RR because they've been suggested for me!!! I'm not the bravest of riders:-) I too am quite sceptical about them so will be very interested to hear how you get on this week.

I tried another tactic with my boy yesterday, he was lunged for a short time before I attempted to get on him then my husband stood at the mounting block and walked along beside me feeding him a few treats, this seemed to completely take his mind off things and he was no problem at all. It's so confusing wondering if I'm doing the right thing in having the x rays and scintography because this suggests the problem is all in his head but I know that once the weather turns cold and he's kept in for longer periods it will start all over again.
 
Silversheltie said:
That sounds quite incredible I've heard wonderful things about the RR because they've been suggested for me!!! I'm not the bravest of riders:-) I too am quite sceptical about them so will be very interested to hear how you get on this week.

I tried another tactic with my boy yesterday, he was lunged for a short time before I attempted to get on him then my husband stood at the mounting block and walked along beside me feeding him a few treats, this seemed to completely take his mind off things and he was no problem at all. It's so confusing wondering if I'm doing the right thing in having the x rays and scintography because this suggests the problem is all in his head but I know that once the weather turns cold and he's kept in for longer periods it will start all over again.
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It is very odd. If his behaviour was pain related, I would have thought he would have been more likely to do it after his shenanigans in the field - he was very stiff yesterday morning - silly old git!! I almost didn't work him, but thought a bit of walking might loosen him up - and it did.

I tried the treats thing with him, but when he is having one of his moments, he's so tense that he isn't remotely interested in food.

I think you're right to have him investigated - if you dont, and can't rule out pain - you'll always be wondering. I'm going to carry on throwing all the diagnostics/treatments I can at him, with the objective of having him as sound and comfortable as he can be.
 
Hmm, worth maybe trying a week with RR and then a week without? Very interesting though, goes back to those Shires being worriers comments.

I would love Sidney to get to GP, but at the age of 14 I think Medium is a bit more realistic! Been thinking about the worried Shire x thing though, and he is a very very anxious traveller. Gets worried as soon as he sees the trailer - not that I blame him, as he had a bad couple of years where he was in more and more pain from a bony spur on the coffin joint that we didn't know about. This ended with him falling over in the trailer one day :( Bless him, he is good as gold and loads first time, but you can see him stressing :(

The Sidders does have a bad habit of charging around the field every now and then, usually when it's hard ground, just to worry me!!

Sounds like you are getting on a bit better, will be really interesting to see your progress.

Isabelle
 
IsabelleJ said:
Hmm, worth maybe trying a week with RR and then a week without? Very interesting though, goes back to those Shires being worriers comments.

I would love Sidney to get to GP, but at the age of 14 I think Medium is a bit more realistic! Been thinking about the worried Shire x thing though, and he is a very very anxious traveller. Gets worried as soon as he sees the trailer - not that I blame him, as he had a bad couple of years where he was in more and more pain from a bony spur on the coffin joint that we didn't know about. This ended with him falling over in the trailer one day :( Bless him, he is good as gold and loads first time, but you can see him stressing :(

The Sidders does have a bad habit of charging around the field every now and then, usually when it's hard ground, just to worry me!!

Sounds like you are getting on a bit better, will be really interesting to see your progress.

Isabelle
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He's kiboshed things a bit by going unlevel as a result of his shenanigans in the field (I was totally expecting it after he was stiff yesterday) He's not exactly lame, but not exactly sound, so have just mooched around the footpaths in hand today, eaten lots of grass (him) and caught the sun (me). The yards tame osteo was up in her non official capacity - she had a quick look at him which confirmed that he's tweaked his left (problem) stifle, and she's shown me a massage technique which makes him go all gooey. He is a SILLY OLD FOOL!!
He's having Easy Joint, Supercalm and Riaflex Devils Alternative, and eating it quite happily which amazes me - he's only getting a handful of chaff, and it smells very odd with all the gubbins in it!
 
TarrSteps said:
Well, whatever else happens, he's clearly landed on his feet. :) ;)
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Yeah! Spoilt brat!! I was never this much of a sap when I was working with horses full time!!

He's worth it - he's such a nice person. I'm a sucker for a horse that whickers every time it sees you walk across the yard!! I know its carrot related, but its still lovely!
 
Silversheltie said:
That sounds quite incredible I've heard wonderful things about the RR because they've been suggested for me!!! I'm not the bravest of riders:-) I too am quite sceptical about them so will be very interested to hear how you get on this week.

I tried another tactic with my boy yesterday, he was lunged for a short time before I attempted to get on him then my husband stood at the mounting block and walked along beside me feeding him a few treats, this seemed to completely take his mind off things and he was no problem at all. It's so confusing wondering if I'm doing the right thing in having the x rays and scintography because this suggests the problem is all in his head but I know that once the weather turns cold and he's kept in for longer periods it will start all over again.
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You are a very thoughtfull rider and have been hiding your light under a bushell ,as they say. Only 3 posts to your name but I find what you have to say interesting. Please post more.
 
Not read all the posts so forgive me if I interrupt & you've solved it by now! My gut instinct says pain or fear of pain. One of my mares had a similar quirk but it was vertical rearing & usually going over backwards, we came to the conclusion, having a very traceable history of breeder, trainer then me, we figured out she simply presumed all pain would feel like her accident even if it was a twinge caused by a spook or the fact she was2-3 months into fittening (slowly etc etc after resting her after treatment & giving her some time off to chill) and her muscles were pushed to the next gentle stage & she'd feel it & react.To be fair she had been brought down coming over a chase fence when the horse beside her fell & then she was landed on by several others...just they forgot to tell me any of this till i specifically asked. I'd get a physio out even if you've already had his back looked at (- before anyone jumps on me, I know some back ladies will only do backs) I presume his teeth are ok? again if its a really ingrained habbit it simply could be a bad experience at some stage of his life that he associates & will for ever more. I hope you get him comfy & sorted safely:-)
 
SaharaS said:
I'd get a physio out even if you've already had his back looked at (- before anyone jumps on me, I know some back ladies will only do backs) I presume his teeth are ok? again if its a really ingrained habbit it simply could be a bad experience at some stage of his life that he associates & will for ever more. I hope you get him comfy & sorted safely:-)
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I am still not convinced it is pain. My gut instinct is that its between his ears. He does have a known physical issue (DJD in passenger side stifle) but he's very stoic about pain, so I don't think this reaction is because he's twinging. He comes across as very laid back, but under the surface, he's very sharp, and reactive - he'll wander around with the rope over his neck like a large dog, but will jump 6 feet in the air and snort like a dragon if someone sneezes, then he turns into a dope on a rope again!

I'm throwing as much investigation/treatment at him as I can anyway, as I want to give him a comfortable future - and I'm not comfortable riding him til I know whats going on.

Do read it all - there have been some really interesting posts, and its given me much food for thought. The response to this post is the reason I like HHO!

Firstly - the horse was very well looked after in his previous home - all service items (vaccinations/worming/teeth/physio) carried according to schedule!

Brief sum up of all the activity that is planned for him. Saddle fitter coming today , then at some point over the next few weeks, he will be thermal imaged, before being treated with a range of different machines as a case study project. He had a brief session with an osteopath yesterday, who will come back and do some cranial work with him, and I also intend to call on the services of a McTimoney practitioner (who was recommended to me by a HHO'er), and Anna Johnson, the physio who used to do my old horse.
 
I have a horse like this. He came to me as an unrideable mess. I just could not work out whether it was taking the mick, fear or pain. We unravelled most of his issues but he was always tricky for the first few minutes. I honestly lost count as to how many times I had his back checked and pronounced that there was nothing wrong :o

The matter was solved once and for all with an xray (after one crashing fall too many for me). He was not suitable to operate so was retired on the spot. Very sad, he had become such a brilliant horse. Ironically, he cannot be ridden but is quite happy pinging a five bar gate when he feels like it :o
 
Saddle has been ticked off the list. Saddle fitter came out today, and after much inspection, pronounced that it fitted as if it was made to measure, and didn't even need flocking. Most pleased. Still an expensive exercise, as I had mentally prepared myself for a big spend on either getting the saddle right, or a new saddle - so I had him measured up for a new bridle instead!!
 
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I've just been informed by my insurance company that if the vet hospital fails to find anything wrong my horse through the x rays and the scintography they won't pay for the tests but I can't rule out a physical problem without them, looks like this is going to be an expensive month :mad:
 
Silversheltie said:
I've just been informed by my insurance company that if the vet hospital fails to find anything wrong my horse through the x rays and the scintography they won't pay for the tests but I can't rule out a physical problem without them, looks like this is going to be an expensive month :mad:
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Oh Lord - that sucks a lot! Good on you for carrying on regardless though.
 
Bit of an update on the loopy one! This last week, he seems to have finally settled. The mad spooking in hand has stopped, he's coping far better with being out in the big fields, and he's decided that the mare he fell in love with isn't really that interesting any more.
Physically, he's put on a bit of weight, and lost the heave lines that were a permanent feature in the first month he was here. I think he was holding a lot of tension underneath - sucking his stomach up.
I promised him a months holiday when he arrived, then couldn't resist getting on him, and in hindsight, I think that was a mistake. Almost a month to the day that he came off th elorry, he has suddenly reverted to the chilled out horse that I first went to see - and I'm delighted that he's so relaxed.
He has his big vet assessment on Thursday, and the vet wants to see him ridden, so I'm going to bring him in, knock some mud off him, and start riding him gently tomorrow. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling he's going to be just fine.
Hes turned into a bit of a snogger too - big slobbery ones, and usually just after dinner when his nose is caked in calm&condition!
 
Fab news :D hope he continues to be the chilled chap you went to view and that theres nothing physically wrong with him.
 
Ah this is so interesting, I have exactly the same problem with my 6yo KWPN, i've had him just over a year and he was sold as green and quirky and i got a 'bargain'... :/ He has been vet checked, back, teeth and sees an osteo 4/5 times a year. On the 2nd viewing the groom let slip that he had bucked her off but she thinks it was cold backed. He didn't like being mounted and would have to get leg ups at first and be quick, then you had try and keep him still once you were on otherwise he would buck like billyo!! He's had me off a few times doing this, once you fall off he keeps going for a couple of minutes, i cannot ride him without a gel pad or he refuses to trot and try and leave him tacked up for a good 10mins before i get on, lunging before also helps him. He got over being mounted after 1-2months of being with me and now stands beautifully still, but sometimes he will put his back up straight away and just have to stand talk to him, give him a pat and wait 20secs-2mins until he takes a deep breath and relaxs, then you can walk on and hes absolutely cracking to ride. Until April he'd completley got over his back issue and hadn't put up his back for weeks.. then i had a fall at Larkhill on xc and broke my ankle, 2 days later my instructor (who had ridden him 3/4 times before) got on and within minutes had her off... So we decided to turn him away until i had recovered. Since then hes been really good apart from 2 occasions, one i mananged to control and make him stand until he relaxed and another where he had me off. Highly recommend air jackets for this!! He now seems to have settled again. I had a lesson with OT last year and he was the second person who has now said to me that he believes this horse has most definately been beaten :( Whatever happened something from his breaking troubles him. Hopefully it will be something he grows out of, as otherwise he's a cracking little event horse :)
 
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