Wind sucking

[Crazy chestnut]

Hi guys I'm to the forum but I'm after some advice. My mare has started windsucking but only when I put her bridle on ? it started in February of this year and coincided with the a diagnosis of ulcers. She has know been treated for ulcers twice and has had 6 months off due to ligament damage. Anyway I can now start to bring her back into work. I tacked up yesterday for the first time in 6 months and the windsucking started again. Once she's being ridden it stops, but im just curious why she does it????

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

It could be a remembered pain response because I think horses windsuck to relieve anxiety, so because she obviously felt pain from ulcers when ridden she is now anticipating pain so then she feels anxious and the windsucking makes her feel better.

 

[Crazy chestnut]

Thanks yeah that's what I was thinking too. Any ideas on how to stop it? Thanks

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Thanks yeah that's what I was thinking too. Any ideas on how to stop it? Thanks

I really wouldn't worry about it I think as long as you know the ulcers have gone and she has no underlying pain she may just stop on her own, because windsucking is a coping mechanism I personally wouldn't stop a horse from doing it as it could cause more problems in the long run.

 

[Crazy chestnut]

Ok thank you

 

[Equi]

I’d be inclined to bridle her just before you get in the saddle and never let her stand about with the bridle on. Wind sucking must feel good to them or they wouldn’t do it but it can be a nightmare to treat or stop, it’s like a horse taking up cigarettes ?

 

[splashgirl45]

do you give her something to line her stomach before riding. a friend had a mare diagnosed with ulcers and vet said to always give her a small portion of ease and excel before riding, i think its supposed to be good for horses prone to ulcers, might be worth looking it up..

 

[Crazy chestnut]

Yeah she has a big handful of chop before we ride. She's never left with her bridle on in the stable. I literally put it on and go