Really need some advice, back and teeth issues.

Chestnutter

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<font color="#666666">I hope this doesn't turn out too long, but here goes.

I've had my horse for almost a year now, and have never had any major problems with him. He's very prone to getting lame but he's a typical TB and is very sensitive.
He'd been off work for a while after he knocked his tendon, and has been back in work for about a month though - although things haven't been quite as good as they were before he was off, but i put that down to time away etc.

So I rode the other day, and he really violently threw his head up in the air, a couple of times. He's never done this before, and it was only when i picked up the contact and asked him to start working properly after we had warmed up. He would do it for a couple of strides, then stop, and then carry on. After about 10 minutes, he stopped then "listened" i suppose i should say, although i doubt he wasn't listening before. It was mainly in trot, although a little bit in walk and canter too.

I got on today, and wasn't really expecting him to do it again, thought maybe it was to do with the weather or whatever, considering he had never done it before.
But i had warmed up, then asked him to go forwards into trot (in an outline now - i don't know if this is right or not but i always walk and trot round a couple of laps first with just a loose rein so he can warm up, ? ) and he did it again, but even more violently this time. At some points he would throw his head up so high i could see his nostrils, and he would like, stop dead. He had no impulsion whilst he was doing it, and was really adamant on not putting his head down and just going forwards.

I know he's not doing it to take the mick, it's very out of character and i really think he might be in pain. His bit is fine,
however, i found he did it MUCH less in sitting trot, and when i had my hands super duper light, he barely did it at all.

So probably pointless post, as he appears to have other symptoms of needing to see the dentist,
but i was wondering, on the sitting trot front, does it sound like maybe a back problem instead?

Would love to hear what you think, or if anyone has had the same problem?
Thank you, sorry for long post !
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He may have issues with his teeth. He could have a wolf tooth that has come through/fractured etc. Getting the dentist out would be my first port of call. Then get his back/saddle checked.
 
Well being honest, I haven't had the dentist out to see him while he has been mine, not sure about before then.
Yeah he's definately sound, this is the first problem we've had in the month he has been back in work.

Yeah, i think i will look into getting the dentist out for him. Thanks !!
 
hiya,

my boy does this - he goes through stages of doing it and not doing it. I ruled out back, saddle, teeth, lameness, ears, bit, bridle, etc etc etc - and it was doing my head in. He wouldnt do it in the paddock or on the lunge. only when ridden

the 3rd osteopath i had out found a spot on his withers where if he touched/tickled this part would elicit the *exact* same response as he did when ridden. i eventually figured out he is very sensitive to the saddlepad - if it slips down onto the withers while i am riding ( esp rising trot ) then he gets upset - like you if still my seat and hands, he stops.

anyway, it might not be the same problem, but definitely something to consider and make sure your saddlepad stays up inside the gullet.

but i really really recommend you rule out everything above because it might be something completely different.
 
Wow this sounds just like my horse - she suddenly started doing this when being schooled. I had the vet last week who rasped her teeth, although she said they were pretty good and unlikely to be causing her any issues, and felt her back. She said her back is quite tight so we have been referred for Physio, in the mean time i can just hack her.

I wish she could speak it would be so much easier!!!! ( and cheaper!)
 
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