Star Gazing unridden

[Wagtail]

We have a horse at the yard that trots or canters around when at liberty, lunging or loose schooling with his nose right in the air. He seems to do it when he's stressed or peed off, but also when he's just galloping about with the other horses. His nose is higher than his poll when he does this. Anyone any idea why? I have never seen another horse do this. It is not just head tossing, as he holds this position when he trots, canters or gallops. He can also trot, canter and gallop without doing this. He is not ridden as he retired unraced and then was found to have kissing spines. These have been treated with injections and shock wave therapy and the vets say he has no more issues. He is a very bossy horse with people and tries to overpower them. Needs very firm handling but not nasty in any way. He is bottom in the pecking order with horses.

 

[SusieT]

I woudl suspect he has residual issues from the kissing spine that make this the most comfortable position to be in. If he seems content, let him be.

 

[Wagtail]

I woudl suspect he has residual issues from the kissing spine that make this the most comfortable position to be in. If he seems content, let him be.

Yes I had thought about whether it was the kissing spine pain, or in fact, whether this behaviour is what caused the KS in the first place (as it is the ultimate in hollow outlines!).

I am really just curious as to what causes this behaviour, as it is something I have not come across before.

 

[Littlelegs]

I don't have any first hand experience of kissing spines but my best guess would be its in connection with that.
Years ago knew a 10yr old tb who almost permanently stargazed, she'd been badly ridden in every gadget going & for her it was just because her muscles had developed in a way that meant she felt most comfortable like this. For her, extremely slow training reversed it.

 

[Nari]

My welsh cob will do this when he's excited or showing off. Typically he'll run round with his nose pointing at the sky, then so low it's nearly on the floor & then often goes back to a more normal carriage. I do wince if he's running downhill with his nose pointing at the sky, I have visions of him tripping & ending up on the floor because there's no way he can possibly see where he's going! Since it's usually when he's excited I'd just put it down to his own personal quirk, a bit like my other lad will buck.

 

[Archangel]

One of my Arabs did this in moments of extreme excitement - usually when showing off for my benefit. I never associated it with pain, more a combinatiion of silliness, excitement, joy and general showing off/statement making.

 

[Wagtail]

Thanks. It tends to be when he's being naughty and refusing to behave for his owner. Maybe it is a showing off thing. That would fit.