New horse possible headshaker

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neddy2

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16 October 2009
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Forum advice please! I have bought a lovely 15hh cob who is great and as described by the dealer in every way. BUT I have had him 6 weeks and only really walked in the first few weeks as he was very unfit and he was fine. Have done a bit more over the past few weeks and he has started to flick his head, not unseating but very annoying because now I am aware of it and I notice it. Is this likely to be the first signs of headshaking? Do I have any comeback against the dealer. I am really happy with the horse but he is no use to me if he is a headshaker. Any help/advice appreciated!
 
May be worth checking his teeth etc as it could be down to discomfort or pain. We have loads of little midges/flies around with us when I ride out after work at mo. My horse will flick his head and snort when going through them (and has always done so). I've owned him 11 years and had exactly the same thoughts as you when I first got him (it was aound this time of year). May also be worth trying a nose net and see if this helps. I'm no expert on headshaking but always thought it was worse in summer so maybe it would have shown up much earlier if he was a true headshaker? I don't think you could hold the dealer responsible if he's shown no signs until now. Did you get him vetted? Hope it all works out. Good luck!
 
uv said he's very unfit, our section D stallion used to through his head about when he got tired..perhaps as he gets fitter and more fresh, he will stop...u could get his back and teeth checked just in case, however, if he's just started it could be down to his fitness
 
I have two headshakers - one due to sweetitch/flies and midges and the other due to light sensitivity. Not pollen! Both completely 'cured' and rideable by using nosenet and field fly mask on sweetitch, and just fly mask on sunlight boy. Very very occasionally still get a shake from sweetitch boy but ride on a loose rein so the rein absorbs the shake and not my shoulders! Don't give up on your chap - it's completely liveable with.
 
Yes, I did get him vetted. I left him in yesterday in case it was anything in the field that was irritating him and he still did it. It is not bad by any means and a rider that just wanted to hack could prob ignore it but I can't. I bought a nosenet yesterday so I am going to try that today. If that does not work I'll try a hackamore, I have let the dealer know I am having problems but she has not responded to my email yet. He is such a great horse I am really p****d off!!!
 
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