Spooky horse

[Fimbacob]

Just wondered if anyone had experienced this before, what you think the problem is and how can I fix it??!
My horse who I have owned for four years has suddenly started spooking at almost everything! This is very out of character for him as he is usually the one who never bats an eyelid and gives other horses the lead past scary objects. He nearly sat on a moving car yesterday so I am rather concerned!! He doesnt seem like hes trying it on and most of the time he just jumps but then carries on as normal. Nothing has changed in his routine and this is on hacks he has done a thousand times, even though I realise the environment is always changing, hes spooking at things like gates that have been there for years and hes been past before. Back, teeth and saddle have all been checked recently and are fine. He is nine now so not a youngster. I considered his eyesight but it is also noise related, not just vision. Do you think it could just be the spring grass??

 

[Fimbacob]

 

[HaffiesRock]

My friends Gelding is EXACTLY the same. He is normally calm as anything. I went in his stable to feed him yesterday. I opened the door all the way, put the chain across the front (All while speaking to him) waled under the chain, put his tea on the the floor and he jumped out of his skin. He was very jumpy on the way up tp the field also. This is all the day after they went on the new grass...

 

[roshah]

has anyone else been riding him lately?

 

[shadowboy]

Line is exactly the same. Has been for last 2 months, I've tried everything- calmer, eyes checked out, back, teeth. Nothing seems to have made much difference. He was the type you could ride in gale force winds and he would be fine but now he's spooky and has even bolted with me once! I'm hoping its the fact that its just the grass is more lush than in previous summers, and not that he's had a personality transplant!

 

[Fimbacob]

Thanks for the replies!
No one else has been riding him Roshah, although he was only in light work recently and I am increasing it at the moment. Fingers crossed it is just the grass then! If other horses are doing the same thing, it indicates it may not be a specific thing to him. Phew! Thanks!