Is my horse being a bum? Or is it a season change issue?

[ShortyRider9303]

alrighty! Ive got this 19 year thoroughbred gelding. :) His name is Shorty. I took him out for a ride today and he was a complete moron as you could say. My mom wont let me trott him through the snow because I tried cantering last time and he was slipping all over the place. He raises his head really high and does a really quick walk\slow trott . Everytime we turn a corner he throws his head up and dances around?? he wants to run and I know that. should I let him get some energy out? even though its slippery? Or should I just deal with him being hyper until spring???:confused:

[titch_]

its the season, is he clipped?

[jesshorsesoul3]

Its probably just the season, have you got somewhere without slip hazards you can free school or lunge him every so often to take that edge off him. Dont trot or canter while its slippy, very very dangerous.
If its getting bad pop a martingale on until spring for your own safety! ;)

[joosie]

Noooo, listen to your mum, don't risk going fast on ground you know is slippery!!
Is he always like that when he's not being worked enough, or do you think maybe it was just the snow, I know many horses go off their heads at the sight of the stuff! Also take a look at his feed... is he getting too much energy and not burning enough off? Yes, lunging is good for taking the edge off, but if the snow is too slippery to ride on, it's definitely too slippery to lunge on! I personally don't think it's the winter itself (weather, atmosphere etc) which causes bad behaviour, so much as the things than come with it... less daylight hours equals less riding... lower temperatures equals needing to feed more, but not enough exercise and too much energy equals a dangerous horse!

[vimto92]

No way! :eek: Do you both want to be broken! :eek:

[horseygal90]

Don't let him run if you can help it, all it takes is for him to forget his feet and then you could both be down with broken legs. :eek:

Nice horse :) How much turnout is he getting? Has anything changed in your routine from summer (more food, less turnout, less riding)? When did you last have his saddle/back/teeth done?

[Halo]

I agree with the others :)

If your horse isn't getting much turnout, plus due to lack of daylight hours isn't getting much exercise, then he's bound to be on his toes. Also, if you canter him frequently, especially in the same places, then he will expect that and play up.

We took two to the beach today and both of them knew exactly where they were and what was coming and both acted up accordingly :D Luckily the sand was perfect so we were able to give them their heads.

I would say you need to just exercise your horse as much as you can (not always easy at this time of the year - I know mine needs more than she's getting) and make sure she's not getting too much hard feed.

[*Solo's Mum*]

maybe he's cold?
thought of putting an exercise sheet on him to keep him warm?

x

[mrs pdales]

Does he go out in the field for some relaxation. He is likely to play up if the ground is slippery because he feels unsafe,or if he is a bit chilly or bored, if he has to stay in keep his hard feed down and if poss give him some stable toys(a swede on a rope is a cheap option) and give him as much of your company as poss. Have you a friend with a quiet horse who can come out with you?

[flintybaby]

Aww its difficult when they want to go but you cant let them! Is there anywhere you could lunge beforehand? I wouldnt let him run off because he'll get it into his head that everytime you ride him he can run off.

[heartofrainbow]

Think you should take your mum's advice, otherwise it could end up with either of you being injured!

I think you should have a look at his management!

What and how much are you feeding him? Is it high energy? Cos this would make him excitable, especially if you are not working him that much! This is a very common mistake!

How much turnout is he getting??? Give him a chance to be a horse and run around!

Especially as he is a TB they tend to be highly strung!

[ShortyRider9303]

ya hes outside all year long.. plus its a big field soo he has loads of room to goo crazy if he wants to. He has always had energy but usually in the snow he is hard to get going.. not hard to keep slow:confused: