Supplements for grumpy horses

[Vix1978]

Not sure whether this should be in here or Stable Yard.....
Can anyone recommend any supplements for a particular grumpy horse that might just soften his attitude.
Everything has been checked, feed and exercise levels are fine - he has always been a grumpy so and so, and the owner is starting to lose her confidence around him, so wondered if there was anything on the market to give him that might make him slightly more amenable...

 

[AmyMay]

Acceptance???

 

[Vix1978]

Am trying, but there are only so many chunks that can be bitten off you...

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
Am trying, but there are only so many chunks that can be bitten off you...

[/ QUOTE ]
Ah, well that's called a lack of manners - and quick back hand across the chops should sort that one out!!

 

[Blizzard]

what do he do and where does he do it?

many horses are grumpy in the stable as they see it as their space, hard to comment without knowing the extent of the problem, some horses are just grumpy!

 

[Vix1978]

You'd think it would wouldn't you - but alas to no avail....
These bad habits seem to have been seriously ingrained from the previous owner, and are going to take some serious work to iron out. Whilst there is a certain amount you can do, would be nice to have a helping hand to help him improve his outlook whilst we work through them!!!

 

[Vix1978]

He's definitely just grumpy - everywhere! His saving grace is he is a saint to ride for the owner - you could put your granny on him. Seems to be the only thing he enjoys.....

 

[Murphs_Mum]

A Horse on our yard was seriously abused and was a rescue (his mouth has been sliced up with a knife and he cannot have a bit for obvious reasons) He is VERY Aggressive, there are only a few of us who handle him and I can honestly say you always know there is a chance you may be bitten (he never kicks). All I can say is routine routine routine. I would normally go along the slap round the nose for bitting and I'm totally prepared to be shot down for it but with him it would be the wrong thing. I think sometimes when you don't know the history you just have to accept that this is how he is and take precautions and stay in a routine.

 

[Murphs_Mum]

Funnily enough the horse I just described is an angel to ride.

 

[AmyMay]

[ QUOTE ]
I would normally go along the slap round the nose for bitting and I'm totally prepared to be shot down for it but with him it would be the wrong thing

[/ QUOTE ]
Absolutely agree - and my response was a little tongue in cheek. Freddy could be a bit nippy - but could not tollerate being shouted at and I would never raise a hand to him. Just had to be aware of his mood on any given day and accomodate it.

Amy on the other hand will take a right old bashing

 

[Vix1978]

this horse is in a strict routine, and i know there are residual pain memories there around his back, pinching rugs etc, and certain things are accommodated - others not tolerated. Just wondered if there was anything else we could do to lighten his mood. Perhaps I'll start giving him a little something to smoke.....

 

[Murphs_Mum]

Murph would take serious offence to a raised voice let alone hand (not that he would ever do anything wrong!) but some are tougher than others!!!

 

[Murphs_Mum]

LOL! That would be a whole different supplement. I really don't know you have all of the supplements for mares but maybe some with Valerian in it dodson and horrell so lots of calming type herbs maybe they can help?

 

[evsj]

Mine is permanently grouchy....until she hears the polo packet rustling, then it's all 'sweetness and light' expressions.

Have had saddle checked, back checked, teeth done regularly, had a healer assess her, tried every mare supplement going...blah, blah, blah and she is still stroppy. After nearly 6 years I figure she probably won't change cos its just the way she is but to ride she more than makes up for it.
Maybe the owner just needs to get to know the horse even better which will take time and perhaps do a bit of join-up type stuff with him? If he doesn't like being groomed, keep it to a minimum - some horses just don't do the 'affection' thing!

 

[Chills]

I would actually recommend NAF Magic. I have put my boy on it as he was becoming very irritable due to not being turned out all day every day. It has certainly improved his sense of wellbeing. Might be worth a try.

 

[LusoLover]

My boy is just a stroppy teenager with his ears permanantly back - even when he's eating his hay. Everything's been checked and all's fine. I have found that D&H Placid has helped. D&H suggested that if it didn't work, then Stroppy mare can work on some geldings.