Strange Behavior Turn head to right undersaddle

H

hjequestrian

New User
Joined
10 May 2012
Messages
2
Visit site
When I ride my 11 yr Brazilian horse dressage training, when we walk or stop, 2 or 3 times a ride he will turn his head to the right and either nose my stirrup iron, foot/boot or his shoulder. I dont know if this is behavioral that he wants to stop working, or if its physical. He has done it for 2 years now, and had a massage therapist work him that he has mild tendonitis in that shoulder from past jumping, but now is so much better. I check for tack problems, have a sheepskin girth, and adjustable saddle that does fit him. Anyone have any idea?
 
My horse does this, I think he's either been taught one rein stop, or been rewarded with food from the saddle. I don't think there's anything to worry about, I just consistently correct him and dont allow him to do it, he's doing it less. :)
 
How is he when girthing up? Horses are very quick learners and if he has been doing this for 2 years I would suggest it is unlikely to be learned behaviour (assuming you haven't been feeding him from the saddle!). You have already looked in the soft tissue and that is where the problem is still likely to be. Unfortunately there are few good remedies for soft-tissue damage. Massage is great for prevention and will help but as soon as the horse comes under strain again the problem will usually resurface. Keep looking is my advice and don't be put off from what your horse is telling you and what you yourself instinctively feel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top