Sudden naugtiness

[Nikki mckeever]

Brought a pony in the summer who was amazing however during the winter months he has started to buck and bolt in a canter when schooled. On a hack he also does this. Wondering what this could be? Pretty sure it's not pain. We had him out 24/7 in the summer and autumn months and in a pen and stable in winter. He is fed hay and a feed of fibre, lite and lean balancer and chaff. Is it just the winter or is something else going on?

 

[milliepops]

why don't you think it is pain-related? and also how big is his pen now?

 

[be positive]

If he is not getting any time out, a pen to my mind is not much different to being in a stable, then he is probably bored, fresh and full of pent up energy which he is using when he does get out of his confined area, it could be pain related but in my experience ponies need to get out in a field regularly if they are going to behave when ridden by anyone other than a very experienced rider that can use their energy in a productive way.
Find a way to get some time out for him even if it is only an hour or two each day and you should find he is happier and better behaved.

 

[mini_b]

If he’s not in pain
If he’s got enough turnout
If the work/food ratio is balanced

they can sometimes just be twits when it’s nippy