Would it be fair?

[Janah]

Would it be fair to keep my boy in 24/7? he is headshaking. The sun seems to make things worse. I fetched him in a 8.15am and he was headshaking badly. The sun was barely over the horizon and not at all bright. It was quite difficult to get his headcollar on, he couldn't help it, not his fault.

I really feel for him as it is obviously painful and distressing.

I have thought of a mask but feel that could be dangerous as he has hedges in his field that he loves to browse. There are other ponies turned out with him and he is very sociable. When he is headshaking he almost puts his own headcollar on, diffuculty being the headshaking. On the days he is feeling OK he is reluctant to come in and plants himself. Easy to convince of the need to come in however.

At present am leaving out at night and in during the day. I do believe polllen etc is lower at night.

Any suggestions welcome.

Jane

 

[Puzzles]

Perhaps you could try a velcro mask (try one with sun protective and a nose and ear mask incorporated as there is evidence that shows it may be more effective at helping to prevent headshaking) that would easily come off if he were to catch it on something. I really feel for you as I used to ride a headshaker and it was really distressing to see him in so much discomfort. There are very mxied views abouty headshaking as it's very difficult to find the trigger(s). It's usually a case of trial and error.
Since he seems to value his turnout rather than turn him out 24/7 (which isn't really an ideal long term solution) could you just stable him when the pollen count is highest? Also, whilst turned out, your horse has better ventilation so even if his headshaking is great when turned out, it might be worse when stabled. Does he headshake less when stabled during the day? Have you spoken to your vet about the problem and had a physio give him a physical exam (I think there is a link between trapped nerves/pain and headshaking)? Would it be possible for your vet to give him some antihistamines?

 

[Janah]

I have involved his vet who has prescribed Danilon and had him checked by a physio.

He is headshaking free when kept in. OK short term, but not good long term, for him, not me.

He headshakes in the field which is why I turn him out at night as pollen is supposed to be at a lower level at night.

 

[Kaylum]

Has he always been like it?

 

[Janah]

Started headshaking for the last two springs for a few weeks only. Now has been headshaking for last month. Really quite severe at times. Difficult to get his headcollar on because of headshaking. Really wants to come in and makes that quite plain by his behaviour, he knows what is good for him.

 

[Honey08]

Could it be that the mild weather we have been having has made him think its Spring? A lot of flowers etc that are normally out in April/March are starting to bloom round here...

Would a big dark field shelter in the field help, that he can go in and out of as he wants?

 

[WandaMare]

If he wants to be in then I would leave him in and let him settle down. It must be so stressful when the pollens are high. As long as he has haynets to keep him occupied and is regularly walked out or exercised he will be fine. A field shelter would be ideal long term but if this isn't available for you at the moment then I would let him be where he is most comfortable.

I have a pony who suffers from sweet itch and at certain times of year we hardly ever see him out, despite wearing a sweet itch rug. He can walk to his stable from the paddock so is free to come and go as he chooses, and it is very often in...........for days!

Good luck, hope you find a way to keep your boy comfortable

 

[Kaylum]

Started headshaking for the last two springs for a few weeks only. Now has been headshaking for last month. Really quite severe at times. Difficult to get his headcollar on because of headshaking. Really wants to come in and makes that quite plain by his behaviour, he knows what is good for him.

Poor lad must be hell for him. Does he headshake when he is inside?