Behaviour Change

Question: 

Hi Rhiannon,

I bought a new horse for my daughter in May, aged 6.  He was going very well for several months and jumped everything you put him at, never putting in any stops.

Unfortunately something has happened and he very often sticks his nose up in the air, to the extent that he can not see the jump, and then knocks it or crashes through it.

Sometimes he is ok but we can’t work out where the problem is.  We now presume its a pain issue and may need your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer from Rhiannon Bradford:

Thank you for your query. Yes it sounds like a ‘new’ problem and a relatively new situation for the horse. As there was no problem before something obviously has ‘changed’ for this behaviour to start.

There a number of things really that would make me think that it is a physical cause. The fact that this has progressively developed over time and that its when he is jumping.

It is very difficult without seeing the horse but I would suggest an appointment with one of our team to establish the root cause. So often the symptoms are tackled but the original aggravating factor may not be addressed. This needs to happen so a plan of action and treatment can be made.

The saddle may or may not also be a contributing factor but that is something we can establish at the time of the appointment. The initial session takes 1 1/2 hours and is a very in depth evaluation of the whole horse so will get to the bottom of the problems you’re having at the moment.

Thank you again for your enquiry, feel free to call Judi in our office on tel: 01432 890490 should you wish to book an appointment.

Best Wishes
Rhiannon Bradford