she "not right"

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UKa

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Hi, my girl is currently very grumpy and when ridden doesn't relax for the duration of a session (mainly noticeable while schooling) - she also is unhappy being cantered and very unhappy when I try to "round her up" i.e. take up the reins in canter in the school at the moment.

Horse is a fine built TB who feels the cold and has muscle issues (history of tying up) and back issues (presumably from old injury, it is being managed).

We turned them out 24/7 week before last and the grass wasn't great but quickly eaten down so supplemented with some hay and feeds. I was not happy they were still in paddock where they were in but initially gave in to pressure from the other owners. We moved them today onto more grass and I hope it will make a difference for my girl that she won't have to feel so hungry anymore and also put on some weight (she has become far too skinny). I am rugging her up well so to keep her warm.

I am now not so sure whether to give her some time off to give her time to eat properly and put on some weight (hopefully) that way and if she no better get our back specialist out early (he is due again on about 6 weeks' time) or get vet to see if any issues there (she was last seen by back man end of Feb). or maybe I should work her in a different way - lunge, just hack so she can see different things but take it easy for a while? Thinking of putting her on the lunge tomorrow to see if issues of cantering can be seen that way - the relaxation problem is sometimes character related her being a TB she isn't always the calmest...

I suspect the lack of adequate grazing for a while combined with the cold weather where she just needs more/ got a bit cold has taken its toll. I wish I had put my foot down earlier to move them...

What would you do? Thanks, hope it doesn't sound too silly all this. x
 
There is nothing silly about being concerened about your mare.

It could be a simple problem eg, as she is thin at the moment - her saddle doesn't fit right anymore, but will be fine again once she's put some weight on. A saddle check could confirm or rule this out as a possibility.

If you are worried that it's pain related, then get your Vet to check her over.
 
It probably is to do with the fit of the saddle. If you are concerned that she is hungry, I should bring her back in overnight, or if she won't stop in on her own, I'd bring her in for a few hours every day and make sure that she's had a decent feed.
 
Faracat said:
There is nothing silly about being concerened about your mare.

It could be a simple problem eg, as she is thin at the moment - her saddle doesn't fit right anymore, but will be fine again once she's put some weight on. A saddle check could confirm or rule this out as a possibility.

If you are worried that it's pain related, then get your Vet to check her over.
Click to expand...

I'll back up Faracat on that.
You tend to know with your own horses.
All the best hope she is alright ;)
 
I'd agree with the others too. She'd have to be very underweight for it to affect her ability to work, but wouldn't need to be hugely underweight to alter the fit of the saddle.
 
They were on paddock w very little on we gave some hay and fed but wasn't enough as her field mate also appeared hungry.they are now moved onto better grazing so hope it will help
 
Thanks everyone.saddle is possible of course due to her particular history I have to be careful to get the fit right.however I have a thorowgood that can be altered w fish so can get that checked
 
i'd get the vet....i don't think that it is really possible for people to 'diagnose' what is wrong with her on a forum. you have said yourself that she isn't 'right' so get the vet. good luck, hope its nothing serious.
 
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