Thinking about selling my horse

[The unicorn]

This is another I cannot believe I writing this thread. I only thinking about it there is nothing set in stone . So I have problems with my TB mare but it has really has gotten bad in last 4 months. She has gotten extremely nippy . when I am trotting in parts of the arena she will randomly stop and refuse to move . When I make her go forward she will walk backwards. I got a riding instructor out she gave me some tips it worked but I completely back to square one now. She will hack out fine but is very backwards thinking in a arena. It’s a pity because she is a lovely horse.


My mother thinks I should sell her she doesn’t think she worth keeping her because it takes the enjoyment of riding . My mother thinks I should get something more suitable . I agree with her I will struggle to sale a horse like that. Part of me doesn’t want to give up on a horse , I would be worried about where she would be past to pillar post . But another part of me says it the right thing to do. Do you have any suggestions. Tks in advance .

 

[cauda equina]

Have you thought about ulcers?

 

[Polos Mum]

Getting back to regular lessons might be a lot cheaper than buying another horse - if they worked last time. Certainly worth her opinion as to whether it's fixable or whether moving on is better.

I would also think of why - does her saddle fit, is her back sore, is she sound? how is she on the lunge etc etc.. working in circles will exacerbate those things compared to straight lines on a hack

If you sell any horse in any situation you risk them being passed around, even beautifully going horses can be sold to the wrong home.

I would also have a look at the price of a replacement that is doing what you want - you might find in the current market you'd need a lot of cash to replace her

 

[scats]

Has she been checked over? Refusing to move and exhibiting nappy behaviour like your have described can be a sign back, hock and hind legs issues such as PSD.

 

[ForeverBroke_]

I too would be having a vet check. Could be a number of things causing this behaviour.

 

[milliepops]

any change in behaviour like this would make me look for a physical cause. saddle, teeth, ulcers, back or hock pain etc etc there are many possibilities but horses generally don't just start being difficult for no reason.

 

[Ample Prosecco]

I'd agree re physical issue. Don't assume because she is ok hacking that it's not pain. Deep surfaces can show up joint/ soft tissue problems which are not seen on harder ground. And if a horse is more motivated on a hack then that can override pain. I took a pony hunter trialling and she jumped clear XC while in considerable pain which came to light no long after. I was told by numerous RI's that she was lazy in the school because she was enthusiastic out XC

 

[Baywonder]

First and foremost, there must be a reason for this behaviour, so I would have your vet check her over. It could also be teeth or saddle fit issues.

Once you have had everything checked, I would try and have regular lessons with your Riding Instructor.

 

[tallyho!]

That's where my PSSM mare started...

 

[The unicorn]

Thanks I will get her look at by a vet to see if there is a problem.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I am guessing that your other isn't 'horsey', she seems to think that they are like bikes.

As other posters have said, it sounds as if your horse is in pain somewhere, so you need to have checks done. Start by looking at her management, has anything changed recently? If so, change it back and see if the behaviour disappears again. If not the easiest check to have done is the saddle, you can check it yourself to start with, check that the stuffing isn't lumpy, that all the rivets are secure etc. Then ask a saddle fitter/saddler to check for you. If all is well, ask a vet to check her teeth and general health, explain the problems that you are having and the vet may decide that further investigations are needed. She may need referral to a horsepital for a work-up.

It would not be surprising if she has problems in her hocks and is struggling with the deeper going in the school but it could be just about anything which you will find out by doing the checks.