Scooting

[jo3]

Got a pony that has recently started scooting when ridden. He is sensitive when you talk while riding him and only does this when trotting and cantering. He also grinds his teeth only when ridden, we have checked for ulsers but that came back clear. Had his saddle and back checked and also eyes and ears. Previous to this he had no signs of any issues, he has been out and about before this. Any ideas!?

 

[ycbm]

How old is he and what work was he doing before he started scooting, by which I'm assuming you mean shooting forwards?
.

 

[jo3]

How old is he and what work was he doing before he started scooting, by which I'm assuming you mean shooting forwards?
.

Hes 7. He was in regular work, schooling and hacking.

 

[ycbm]

OK, can you identify any particular thing that causes him to shoot off?

 

[jo3]

Not really. He is sensitive when you talk but sometimes does it out of the blue

 

[HeyMich]

I would definitely say pain somewhere. When you say you've has his back checked, was that x-rays? If not, I would suggest speaking with your vet and getting a full lameness work up with x-rays. And get another opinion on his saddle too. Good luck.

 

[jo3]

OK, can you identify any particular thing that causes him to shoot off?

Perhaps sometimes his voice but generally no reason we can see

 

[jo3]

Perhaps sometimes his voice but generally no reason we can see

He just seems very sense and not relaxed

 

[jo3]

Can’t understand why the change from being very easy to do.

 

[HeyMich]

Can’t understand why the change from being very easy to do.

Pain. Please call the vet.

 

[Apizz2019]

You mentioned teeth grinding.

Could it be dental pain maybe? I'd recommend a vet dentist, not a normal vet, to check his teeth.
It could also be his bit - he might be running away from that?

If me, I'd probably have the vet out for a full lameness workup and follow up with teeth, bit etc after the the lameness work up shows nothing.

It does sound like a reaction to pain sadly.

Good luck!