What's up?

[harrihjc]

My boy has been a bit funny lately, ever so often he naps and throws in some bucks and little rears, and when I rode last night he just felt 'funny', he's usually got a low relaxed head carriage but he was really poking his nose out and his paces just weren't as flowing, seemed almost like he was stiff, and this didn't improve as he warmed up. He has had his teeth done and his saddle checked, i'm wondering whether he may have twisted awkwardly when playing in the field and hurt his back, but he doesn't seem in the least bit fussed when I ran my hands along his back. I always assume he's trying to tell me something if he's not himself, but could it be a 4yr old strop?

 

[JessPickle]

Could he have been slightly lame?

 

[Petrie]

He could be going through a 4 yr old growth spurt. Or he might have injured himself in some way. Could also be saddle (I know you said you had it checked, but that sometimes doesn't mean much, sorry to be cynical!!)

Could also be diet related. Have to changed anything about his feed recently? Even really minor changes can have a big effect on a young horse. I have noticed the grass is sprouting already where I am, so might be that.

It's possibly it's a 4 yr old strop, but I tend to think there's usually a reason, it's just finding it!

 

[harrihjc]

I think I'll give him a rest tonight and see how he is tomorrow and see what my instructor says. He doesn't appear to be in any pain, always has his ears pinned forward but i'm so protective of my baby and I'd rather check all avenues before thinking he's being naughty