new horse problems - help please!?

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darksecret99

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Hi

My new horse has been with me just over a week now.... a 5 yo gelding. He travelled a long way and when he first arrived he stood in the stable, kicking and swishing as if he was trying to get a fly of his belly or like he was a bit colicy, but he was eating, drinking and pooing as normal and not looking to roll so i figured he was just itchy from being hot in the trailer etc. this settled down withing a few hours and there were no signs of it again until this monday. In general he seems to be settling in well.

I groomed and lunged him each day last week and then rode in the school on saturday and had a lesson on sunday... all ok. We went out for our first hack on monday and he was very good, but when i got back and tried to give him a brush he started all the swishing and kicking again... i persevered and managed to brush him and pick all his feet out (but it took ages and I had to keep dodging the waving legs!).

He has no signs of sweet itch or any sores etc.

Yesterday I got there and he was in a right foul mood, and he was swishing and kicking as soon as i touched any part of his body behind the shoulder, but he let me brush his back legs (?!).... I spent ages, tried using a soft brush gradually working my way back, then a curry comb incase he was tickly, tried making soothing noises and then then tried telling him off and he only seemed to get more agitated. So i gave up brushing and put him on the lunge and he was good. But when i finished lunging, again i couldnt go anywhere past his shoulder. I got a friend to hold a front leg up so i could gave him a quick brush and then put him away.

This morning, he was threatening me with his back legs as i was changing his rug... i dont think he is doing it to be nasty though, he does not put ears back - he just pulls faces like when they are having a scratch - its as if something is sore or itchy or tickly, but everything looks fine!

He is not a nasty animal, he loves attention, follows you round the field like a dog and would let you fuss his head all day!

I am not a nervous person, but when a 17.1 starts waving his back legs around I am not going to take any risks! He is at a livery yard and although there is always someone not far away, most of the people are not confident with large horses, so it is difficult to ask for help.

I have kept his feeds the same, but the grass, hay and routine is different.... so i wonder if he is being over sensitive because his digestive system is adjusting... has anyone else had problems like this?

I dont want to punish him if he is reacting this way bacause he is uncomfortable/sore, but then again, I dont want to not do anything and end up with an unhandlable horse!

Help!!!!

PS. sorry for waffling but its difficult to explain?!
 
Call his old owners and see if this is his normal behaviour??
he may just be a grump till he settles in

Has he been excerised or out in field ???
 
He may be sore from travelling a long journey? Some horses are also super sensitive to being brushed etc. I would start off with a sort mitt or something.
 
Not had this problem myself before - hopefully someone else will be more helpful but I would say he could still be feeling very unsettled even though he is working okay. Moving to a new home and new 'herd' is very worrying for a horse and he is probably feeling vulnerable so takes a defensive attitude which is understandable. I would do some ground handling with a horse like that to just establish that I am the one who says 'move' i.e. behave like a more dominant (leaderlike) horse. With a halter that gives you control (I have an old Richard Maxwell one) quietly walk him about making him stop when you want to, back up, move his quarters away from you either way, stand in front of him and ask him to come forward then stop him - do this every time you handle him. It is surprising the calming effect this has on a worried or fractious horse.

Good luck.
 
Likely to be something really simple like a change of feed or something but as Samp suggested some horses just don't like to be groomed - my last horse hated it - had to use a soft mitt to groom him and at that he just about tolerated me doing it! Good idea to ask previous owners if you can
 
Agree with 4whitesocks. I have a chap who has never liked being brushed- extremely ticklish. I have to use very soft brushes or my fingers!! But he is only 15hh so much easier. def ring previous owner. But would suspect it is change of diet/routine/home etc that is making him a bit defensive.
 
Thanks for your ideas

He has been out in the field each day and worked almost every day and has been remarkably chilled about everything.

I have been doing groundwork with him and he has been excellent (more like a pet dog than a horse!). He does try to take the P when ridden, napping etc, but soon gives up and behaves if you are firm with him.

After he worked hard in his lesson on sunday i gave him a good brush cos he was hot and sweaty. He really enjoyed it, just stood there while i scratched and fussed him all over, which is why i am so confused by this sudden change in personality!!

He has been clipped, but grown out and is moulting...
 
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He has been clipped, but grown out and is moulting...

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I would be inclined to try one of those lovely rubber massage things - horses get so itchy when they are moulting - rather than grooming.

Also, some horses just do not like to be groomed. The mare I had last year hates it, and I would have to tie her up quite short to avoid being bitten. Like yours she was a big girl (17hh) so no what you mean about the size thing.

You may also find it more beneficial to just sweep over his body with your hand and manually groom his girth and saddle area whilst his coat is moulting and re-establishing themselves.

I have to be honest, the horses on the yard are very rarely groomed. The hunters are washed in warm water after a day's hunting. Field dirt usually being removed with a cactus cloth.

Whichever route you decide though - tie him up.
 
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