Normally angelic pony nips when trotted in hand??

little_critter

little_critter

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I'm getting increasingly concerned about my girl. She's been very lacking in energy over the last 2 weeks - feels like she has nothing in the tank.
I called round feed companies yesterday seeking advice - and will be changing her feed to see if it will pep her up.
However I have noticed that when I ask her to trot in hand she pins her ears back and 'nearly' nips me (makes contact with muzzle but no use of teeth).
She's normally an angel to handle and I think she too polite to really nip.
I'm worried now that her lack of energy and reluctance to trot is a sign of pain.
She's not lame and doesn't appear stiff at all. I can't see anything physical that would cause her pain.
Should I be getting the vet out to check her over? or a back person?
I'm having a lesson tomorrow and will quiz my instructor (she's known my pony longer than she's known me)
 
Well she's trying to tell you something, but what?

How long have you had her? What do you usually do with her?
Is she in season?
Teeth problems?
 
I've had her since Jan this year and she's my first horse so I'm on a steep learning curve.
Teeth were done in Feb.
She was in season the other week - doesn't appear to be now.
We usually school and hack - probably more hacking than schooling at the moment because I initially thought she was getting bored with schooling so was trying to keep her interested.
 
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My pony once became very reluctant to walk forwards, ears back, trying to bite me in hand. I thought initially she was just being a cheeky youngster trying it on but I couldn't have been more wrong. She had developed mild laminitis and it was obviously painful for her to walk hence why she was acting as she was so definitely worth checking for that!
 
Jeez - even more confused now!
One minute I think she's lacking energy so I up her feed, next minute I need to keep an eye out for laminitus!
She did have a grazing muzzle on up until last week when I thought I'd dieted her too far so took it off. Weight wise she looks ok.
This sounds like a really numpty question but I'm still learning...other than 'the stance' what else can I look out for as early signs of laminitus?
I've tried checking for a digital pulse but can't find it.
 
OK. As Charla says, possible lami? Heat in feet? Pulses?

I'd get the vet in to check her over, perhaps take bloods, maybe she's got a virus?

Is she still moulting? Some horses go a bit 'off' when they are shedding their coats.
 
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