Suddenly Started spooking, please help

[Madhope]

I have a friend with a 16.1 TBx, he is 13 years old and 3 months ago he started spooking violently when out hacking, he has never been spooky before and has enjoyed hunting regularly. He will spook at lines on the road, patches of light and dark and objects he wouldn't usually spook at. He has become increasingly spooky to catch and almost like he is jumping when you touch him, like he hasn't seen you. She has had the obvious done, his eyes have been tested and bloods are normal, she is getting another vet to check his eyes again on Monday. She is a littel desperate now as this really isn't him, has anyone else experienced this change in behaviour??

Thanks in advance.

 

[vicky_sut]

I have know a few eventer that as they get fitter they get 'dafter' when they first come in from break they are fat and unfit a month or two and your sat on a completely different horse. Could be eyesight or possibly he has lost his confidence there could be a reason if your friend thinks back.

 

[Izzwizz]

My first thoughts are his eyes. Maybe get a second opinion as it does sound as if he cant see things until they are close. My dog has a cataract on her eye and she has the same reaction.

 

[Booboos]

Sounds like it's his eyes, doesn't it? Some eye problems can be really difficult to diagnose so it might be worth going to a specialist vet. I remember reading an article about Isabell Worth and Satchmo (hope I remember the right rider/horse!), saying how he used to be randomnly, violently spooky and they had done all the tests in the world. It was only by chance that they finally discovered that he had a weird eye condition making his eyes cloudy, but randomnly, so you couldn't see the problem all the time.

Might also be worth doing a general back, lameness, etc work-up, as pain makes a lot of horses spooky.

 

[brucea]

About "that" age - yes - get the vet to check out his eyes.

My TBxID around the same age has been bumping into trees on the left side, and is spooky about things coming from that side, and changes of surface/texture/shadows.

 

[Tnavas]

Sounds a bit like a reaction to increased grass growth,
Try this mix
1 level Tablespoon each of
Epsom Salts
Baking Soda
Dried Thyme
Yeast

Initially feed this twice daily, one of the doses about an hour before working. Then once daily try to feed about an hour before work - the magnesium (Epsom Salts) is metabolised fast.