what to do with a grumpy horse??

S

serena2005

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 April 2006
Messages
1,971
Location
London
Visit site
for over a week now my horse has been a right grumpy sod, hes lazy when ridden, and free schooled, a girl from the stables said to take him over the fields to give him a gallop, usually helps her horse, i thought about giving him a week off....

what do you do when your horse goes a bit sour?
 
check for pain and that feed is appropriate to current exercise routine, if he has been in regular work, give him some time off or a change of routine.

Has anything else changed around the yard to upset him ie. new horse, change of paddock?
 
depends, mine loves a good gallop, but then hes an ex race horse, so it really cheers him up, my warmblood would rather have the holiday
grin.gif
 
2 new horses (causing havoc in the field), new fencing, race horses have moved fields, i usualy do some sort of excerise at least 5 times a week something different everyday, and im trying him on a build up mix been on it for a few weeks now, he use to be on pasture mix and calm and condition.

was thinking of having the physio out for him, just havent got round to it, or had the money.
 
[ QUOTE ]
My horse is always mean.... I worry when he's freindly
smirk.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

thats funny!!!
grin.gif
is there anything i can do to check for any pain anywhere without getting someone out to see him?
 
All that change might just have upset him, or he could be feeling a bit stuffed on the new diet..I am sure it will settle down..I would be temped to cut the feed back slightly and see if that helps
 
hes not on the pasture mix and calm and condition any more. just a scope of build up and a scope of chaff.

i will give him more time to settle on to the new feed, just wondering if there was anythin gi could be doing to make him happier.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
My horse is always mean.... I worry when he's freindly
smirk.gif



[/ QUOTE ]

thats funny!!!
grin.gif
is there anything i can do to check for any pain anywhere without getting someone out to see him?

[/ QUOTE ]

just feel all over with a bare hand quite firmly, as if you are grooming..paying particular attention to legs, pelvis and either side of the spine..if you can get your hand into his mouth (maybe by holding the tongue) you could also check the teeth, but I really don't recommend this unless you know what you are doing as it is dangerous. He would probably enjoy a nice massage and tail pull - I know mine do

You will get a reaction if you touch a sensitive area and that could help you decide what to do next. One of mine got a bit bunged up and colicky now that they are in at night and the only sign really was that she became really miserable which is why I suggested the diet check.
 
[ QUOTE ]
depends, mine loves a good gallop, but then hes an ex race horse, so it really cheers him up, my warmblood would rather have the holiday
grin.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

That's it isn't it - depends on the breeding. Ty would gallop all day everyday but unfortunately is not allowed now (atleast not for a bit)
grin.gif


Some horses do get a bit grumpy in this weather - maybe feeling the cold a bit?
 
definatly, wondered what was up with my Tb last winter, realised was too much schooling and not enough of what he calls fun
grin.gif
now if hes a little down, a fast canter out on a hack soon cheers him up, funnily enough the warmblood is opposite, she gets bored on hacks and would rather be schooling, horses are funny
grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top