Spring Fever?

[Lynds]

Every year at end of Jan/beginning of Feb my pony goes a little bit mental. He is so frisky and bucking when ridden etc. Not mean, just so excited. This happens EVERY year at this time- Now I am guessing you clever people will say I'm over feeding and under excercising - but I don't think so...

He gets only gets hay, approx 10 kilos a day (His 15hh cob) and is out 24/7. He gets no hard feed, no supplements - nothing. (He looks in good condition (not over or under weight) and is shiny - has great feet and events v nicely on this diet) He's fully clipped and in work. This week he's been schooled 3 times and hacked 3 times. I have chosen not to hunt at all this year in the hope this calms him. (not working).

I am thinking it might be because he is quite riggy, and I think cut late. (He know's his business if you know what I mean..!!) Do you think his boy hormones may be making him feel happy with the nights slowly drawing out? It cant be grass - its all hidden by snow and field is v poor even in summer.

 

[ajf]

I think some horses do seem to have part of the year where they get naughty/quiet!

My (now ex) eventer is just about to get to naughty stage! He builds his own fitness up, loose schools himself (will canter round the school about 5 times one way, swap directions 5 times the other way, swap directions etc and then will walk to stop puffing then come over and say I'm ready to go in! I'm usually moving jumps or something so not even in the middle making him move/change direction!), he suddenly starts taking you on longer hacks and takes me into trot more and for longer and is basically just a pain! Heaven forbid I go anywhere near a canter route as I'm off! Then in the autumn when he thinks job done he winds himself down and gets lazy!

However, my other one, when he starts changing his coat just goes blurgh!

Strange ponies!

 

[Squiggles on Paper]

My horse gets springs in his feet at this time of year! The ground is suddenly hot coals and if another horse pasts he will turn into 'stallion mode' (he is a 10yr old gelding) prancing around, neighing, tail up etc. I put it down to the changing weather and the frost etc. Some horses just get excited I guess.

 

[Tangaroo]

My horses have always been like this at this time of year! They can be a pain to ride. My old boy tried to buck me off the other day and when i managed to pull him up he stood up vertical! He has never done that in the 10yrs ive owned him.
I have just given them a week off due to all the snow and ice etc cos i decided if they were going to be that stupid they could wait till there is no ice to fall over on.
Nice to hear its not just mine that get like this. Roll on spring.

 

[Lynds]

Glad its not just my silly pony then! He is definitely a lot quieter in the autumn - late september/early october shows a marked improvement in dressage scores!

Thanks for sharing - nice to not be alone!