Head shaking success stories

[GGs]

Please could I have some success stories. I recently took on a horse from the RSPCA which had been returned for head shaking, I am trying various things and with a hope we get to the bottom of it....

[PocketRocket]

I too have a pony from the rspca, dont think i could ever return him he's such a cheeky chappy, i love him to peices.
when he came to us he was very scared of people hated sudden movements and being patted and men,he is now so much more confident can patt him now (still a little funny on his neck) he loves being fussed. he is progressing well under saddle (jst been broken) and under harness.
Rehomeing a rescue is the most rewarding thing ive done.

For the head shaking have you tried this bit:
http://www.perrisleather.com/dimg/0a7cfcccc85fb1008eb09082c5151b4e.jpg

stoppd a loan horse from shaking his head when he is ridden.

Edit - hav you had her teeth checked

[shanzee]

I don't know if you saw this the other day? We haven't tried it for Charlie yet, but I think we will have a go :)

Well done for rehoming from the RSPCA - rescues can be really rewarding - I've always had horses from the Sanctuary.


http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204563

[laupip]

Have you tried the equilibrium nose nets? Our horse was really bad last spring and we tried one and it works wonders for her. We find she needs it most in the spring and autumn but she has it on all the time usually. She is so much happier with it. I expect someone has tried this on her already but I thought I'd mention it. She also has the bit in the picture but that is just by coincidence! Hope you sort out the problem. Good luck.

[Joyscarer]

Mine did the head shaking thing when I got her.

I aksed the vet about it and she ruled out allergy.

I went through other known causes too and came out the other side with no problems now.

Did the RSPCA say that this was down to an allergy? If not consider all the other things it migh be.

I've changed saddles and girth and bit and browband. I've also considered the times and situations she did it. It could be evasion due to pain, difficulty in doing what;s asked or boredom. It might be that you can ride differently and this will help :)

[scotnut]

There's a naf product that I can't quite remember the name of, I think it's headshaker! It helped us in so far that I went from having an unrideable headshaker share pony to being able to hack out and school not perfectly, still shook but didn't try to kill your arms!

Hope it works out for you

x

[GGs]

Thanks for the replies we are trying a number of things. I have converted my fly field mask nose cover to attach to my bridle and last time I rode she was slightly better. When I first got her I rode her in a full cheek snaffle and she did it then but may try her again in it. Have made a note of the injection and that's a possibility but don't think i'd like to keep having it done. Am currently waiting for a BaeDT to come out and do her teeth am hoping that may help but its all just a process of elimination and takes time. Had a bad ride with her on Monday in the wind but she was much better on Tuesday with the nose net and in company however we mainly walked!

[laupip]

http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/head_shaking/net_reliefreg_muzzle_net/
This is the one we use. it is about £25 and it comes with 3 nets. We wash them as they can get a bit snotty and then they last longer but I reckon one lot will last about a year. Our horse didn't like the wind or rain on her muzzle either but she is much less bothered with this on. The injection does sound good but it is quite new and I expect it is expensive. I'd try the net first. If you had a good result with your modified net then it would be worth a go.

[Esther.D]

This is going to sound mad, but one of my driving Shetlands used to headshake and an old horseman locally suggested I attach a bell to his bridle, just a small one, and he stopped headshaking immediately. Now he was wearing a bit with a curbchain so this may not apply to yours but this man suggested some of them shake their heads for the noise their tack makes so once they have the bell on they don't need to, it sounds crackers and I have no idea why that should be but in my case it worked and he swore by it for headshakers!

[GGs]

That's interesting - I will add it to my list of things to try! I'm beginning to wonder if one of the things she objects to is sweaty ears but I can't think of a way round that one!

[ameliajane]

Wash your ears more often..?!

...Sorry...very, very, very sorry... *hangs head in shame*

[GGs]

Slaps wrists. Note to self I must remember to wash behind my ears!!!