Saddle problem or just chancing his luck?

[BabyBear]

I'm having some problems with Casper when I'm tacking him up:(

He's fine with the bridle and always has been but the saddle is another matter. Once the saddle is on he's fine - it's putting it on him that seems to be the problem.

It started with him walking away everytime I tried to put it on. Then, he started lunging round at me when I was putting it on but never actually biting me.

He's now bitten me twice on the leg and is getting more aggressive towards the saddle itself - I stood with him this morning and really took my time with him and he was actually biting the saddled and stamping his front foot.


I met up with his previous owner today and she was mortified when I told her - apparently he tried it once with her and she was really strong with him i.e. making him step back and a smack on the neck for trying to bite her.

She had both his back and saddle checked a couple of weeks before I bought him and he's had regular checks every six months - the saddle was also made to measure as he's quite hard to fit.

Her advice was to take no nonsense off of him as he's chancing his luck and because I've been letting him away with it he's getting worse.

I just don't want to punish him for trying to tell me he's in pain but at the same time she owned him for 3 years and I know she would also never do anything to hurt him (hence the regular back/saddle checks)

I'm now not sure what to do - do I get another check for peace of mind or do I try to be stronger with him to see if it stops?

[Yann]

If he's going to the length of actually attacking the saddle, then I'd personally be thinking there's a big problem with it, or with his back. Sadly something being made to measure doesn't guarantee its future fit or suitability. If he was reacting strongly to being tacked up before and was persuaded to keep quiet about it, which is perfectly feasible then this isn't a new issue :(

ETA It could equally be remembered pain, but I'd certainly get everything checked out asap

[BabyBear]

If he's going to the length of actually attacking the saddle, then I'd personally be thinking there's a big problem with it, or with his back.

The thing is thought he's had both saddle and back checked every 6 months for the last 3 years and nothing has shown up.

The previous owner actually did this because of they way he reacted so if saddler and back person did not pick up any problems who else should I go to??:confused::(

[wildponies]

When was the last time the saddle fit was checked? You'd be surprised how quickly a horse can change shape from season to season!

Definately sounds like a back/saddle fit issue to me.

[eml]

I have a horse in my RS that behaves like this, again no problem with back or saddle. He will allow me to tack up without any fuss but will be evil with people he does not know/trust.

The only thing we can put it down to is that he used to belong to a fairly impatient person who I suspect threw on the tack and smacked him if he bit. I take the slowly, slowly approach with lots of pats on the neck in between girth straps being done a hole at a time.

On the other hand I did have one horse (briefly) that was just dangerous to tack up, it sounds bizzarre but I think we frightened each other and the situation escalated to the point I had to sell him, he was as good as gold with his new owner .:o

Can you get someone else (perhaps his old owner) to try tacking him up and see if he is just reacting badly to you (no shame ... I have over 50 years experience with horses and still had to admit that I couldn't handle mine)

[PatchyPony]

when i had all that capering with tally mounting my RI first wondered if she was cold backed. Then she saw that she was just trying it on and now we're al sorted! Could you get your RI to include your tacking up time in your lesson and get their opinion? Didnt you have mounting probs as well to start with? could it be linked? Am sure youll sort it out quickly hun:)

[BabyBear]

When was the last time the saddle fit was checked? You'd be surprised how quickly a horse can change shape from season to season!

Definately sounds like a back/saddle fit issue to me.

Both back and saddled were checked in September!

He's lost a bit of weight since I got him but nothing dramatic.

[BabyBear]

when i had all that capering with tally mounting my RI first wondered if she was cold backed. Then she saw that she was just trying it on and now we're al sorted! Could you get your RI to include your tacking up time in your lesson and get their opinion? Didnt you have mounting probs as well to start with? could it be linked? Am sure youll sort it out quickly hun:)

That's a good idea - she's coming on Thursday so will ask her what she thinks. Am also planning on asking about his bit. I have a 1 hour lesson booked but Casper can't managed that yet so will have plenty of time!

We did have problems at the mounting block but he's good as gold now.:confused:

His previous owner has offered to come up and see how he is with her if I want but not sure I want her around so soon after I bought him as it will break my heart if he gets all excited when he sees her:(

[Pickles]

How long have you had this horse?

It could just be a 'dominance' issue, i.e. if you haven't had him long then he is questioning your dominance and the x owners advice to be strong with him would help you to assert yourself.

Is he quiet to handle in other ways, leading, when you feed him etc?

[wildponies]

Run your fingers either side of his spine and put slight pressure on. See what his reaction is. If no reaction it may not be back/saddle related.. and hopefully he is just taking the p*ss! Good luck chick!

[PatchyPony]

His previous owner has offered to come up and see how he is with her if I want but not sure I want her around so soon after I bought him as it will break my heart if he gets all excited when he sees her:(

awww im sure he wouldnt , bet he only has eyes for his new mammy now:) Wonder if its just an evasion tactic to try and et out of work?:D

[BabyBear]

Wonder if its just an evasion tactic to try and et out of work?:D

Think it might be - as I mentioned he tried it with Liz and she got everything checked to rule out a pain issues!

Pickles - I've only had him for 9 weeks and he is an angel in all other respects (most of the time but he still tries chance his luck and can be a wee bit nippy sometimes:))

Wildponies - I will try your suggestion of putting pressure on his back especially the areas when the saddle sits.

Thanks everyone!

Kirstin