Sudden Napping

[sjdress]

My young horse has suddenly started napping. I’ve had her over a year and she has never done it before. Has been a bit behind the leg and perhaps thinking back tried the odd time in the school but never out hacking. I can’t even get her out the gate now.
I’m thinking pain, but can’t pinpoint anywhere. Others saying she’s possibly feeling a bit too well and testing me (has got a bit fat on the spring grass!) but I’m at a loss of what to do.
I’m slightly nervous now so know I am now not riding her as forward as I need to. Catch 22.

 

[Zoeypxo]

If she has got a bit fat is your saddle possibly now a bit narrow and pinching?
teeth back/bodywork all up to date?

 

[sjdress]

If she has got a bit fat is your saddle possibly now a bit narrow and pinching?
teeth back/bodywork all up to date?

Teeth done recently, I’ve booked the saddler just in case and looking to get physio apt also

 

[Timelyattraction]

My young horse did exactly this, started going backwards off the leg in the school and started napping out hacking and in the school,gradually getting worse to the point i couldnt get her off the yard. Went to the vet for a work up after the obvious checks (saddle, teeth , etc) and found to have psd.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

My vote is for the saddle, young horses often change shape but obviously if the saddle is found to fit, you need the vet to heck for physical problems

 

[millitiger]

It could be pain or could be lack of confidence or could be her testing the boundaries.
Unfortunately no-one here will know which it is.

I'd get the usual checks done anyway as young horses are forever changing shape, teeth etc.

Personally I'd then try a more experienced rider - not to beat her through it or anything but they'll likely feel if it is pain or attitude and if the later she should ride through it fairly quickly with someone with food timing.

Then a vet check last resort, assuming she is sound and happy in all other ways.
I know lots of people would vet check before the rider but that's just the way I would go.
If you have any niggles or other signs it is pain, obviously vet before rider!

 

[sjdress]

It could be pain or could be lack of confidence or could be her testing the boundaries.
Unfortunately no-one here will know which it is.

I'd get the usual checks done anyway as young horses are forever changing shape, teeth etc.

Personally I'd then try a more experienced rider - not to beat her through it or anything but they'll likely feel if it is pain or attitude and if the later she should ride through it fairly quickly with someone with food timing.

Then a vet check last resort, assuming she is sound and happy in all other ways.
I know lots of people would vet check before the rider but that's just the way I would go.
If you have any niggles or other signs it is pain, obviously vet before rider!

I’ve got my trainer coming tomorrow to ride her so will see what she thinks and if she tries to do the same with her or not

 

[ycbm]

My young horse has suddenly started napping. I’ve had her over a year and she has never done it before. Has been a bit behind the leg and perhaps thinking back tried the odd time in the school but never out hacking. I can’t even get her out the gate now.
I’m thinking pain, but can’t pinpoint anywhere. Others saying she’s possibly feeling a bit too well and testing me (has got a bit fat on the spring grass!) but I’m at a loss of what to do.
I’m slightly nervous now so know I am now not riding her as forward as I need to. Catch 22.

If she's fat my first guess would be sore with early laminitis. I world take her off grass as a precaution and see how she feels in a few days time. Have you checked for pulses?
.

 

[sjdress]

If she's fat my first guess would be sore with early laminitis. I world take her off grass as a precaution and see how she feels in a few days time. Have you checked for pulses?
.

No pulses. No heat in feet etc. I’ve reduced her grass intake and started soaking her hay. She’s a bit fat but not overly fat. No cresty next etc

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I would say saddle or possibly sore hooves from grass if she is over weight.

 

[sjdress]

If we can’t find the reason and we need vet intervention I presume this would be a full lameness work up, would you scope for ulcers too?

 

[Hormonal Filly]

If we can’t find the reason and we need vet intervention I presume this would be a full lameness work up, would you scope for ulcers too?

How did your friend get on? If no improvement or reason found, well worth a vet visit and a lameness work up. I wouldn't rush into scoping for ulcers yet, see what the vet advises.