What would you do?

[moodiestmare]

Long post (I apologise in advance!) but my friend is in a right old muddle and would really appreciate any opinions on what other people would do.

It is about a really troubled horse. This is a rough outline of him:

-17hh tb ex-racer
-16 years old
-Refuses to be bridled, will occasionaly be in an ok mood about and doesn't kick up to much of a fight
-Refuses to move with a rider, will plant as soon as mounted (I have been there myself) and if you can actually get him to move he will buck
-Has no steering when he does move
-If stabled for more than 20 mins starts to weave/box walk and crib bite
-Has a sarcoid on his hock
-Has had tendons fired

Thats a basic outline of it! He also fights with geldings. BUT he is a sweetie in the field.

I don't think there is really anything you can do with a poor beastie that has obviously had a really rough time. There is too much to overcome and his age is against him. What would you do with him?

 

[gina2201]

Hmm, if its always a struggle to try and tack him up and to ride, then maybe best to let him retire happy than continue to 'fight' with him. Is he telling you he's had enough of ridden life? Whats his history with your friend, new horse to her? Or years together, problem only just occured or....? If you have any further details that will help making a more informed response!

Edited to add: Have his teeth, tack, saddle etc and back been checked for fit and problems?

 

[Cop-Pop]

I would have said retire him but after spending a couple of hours with my friend and her ex-racer this afternoon they changed my opinion! She got Flubber straight off the track from a dealer and he was downright dangerous. She had some sessions with a lady that does TTOUCH (not the one married to Tony Head I don't think...) and since then he's almost transformed. He still has his moments but I sat on him today and didn't feel like my life was in danger

 

[moodiestmare]

She has had him 1 yr/18months. He ha always been difficult, she turned him out over winter in the hope the rest could help him but now he is impossible.

It really is like he just cannot be a*s*d! Can you do anything for a horse that has an attitude like this? Obviously his age is against him.

 

[Cop-Pop]

K had Flubs for nearly a year before she got someone in to help her. The lady who saw him worked on relaxation techniques a lot which seemed to chill him out. I know of someone else who used this lady for her elderly mare but I've don't know them personally - it apparantly worked tho.

 

[Llwyncwn]

I dont think his age is against him at all and with the behaviour he is displaying, I would say he has both health and confidence issues. Has he had a chiro/physio and has the vet checked him out? TBs are sensitive creatures, some much more than others. Does he have a regular routine and what exactly is your friend feeding him?

His attitude can be changed with correct handling, feeding and knowledge. Horses arn't born with a bad attitude, it is learnt behaviour through our handling and management.

Do let us know what she decides to do with him.

 

[Zobaby]

The tacking up/mounting/bucking sounds like he could be in pain. Definately get back/teeth/tack checked if you haven't already.
Maybe your friend could spend some time on the ground with him, lots of grooming etc, gaining his trust? The TTouch with sounds like an option too. Good luck.

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