Strange Behaviour

[Black_Topaz]

There is a horse at my barn who I have ridden three times, so right now I will tell you that I am not completely sure that he is like this all the time, but he acts very strange. To ride, he is beautiful such a lovely jump, great canter, calm, willing. His problems are on the ground. I am hoping that all of you here will be able to help me try to connect his promblems, or help identify the roots, because I am looking into buying him.

So, I will tell you what I have wittnessed, and perhaps you will make connections or have ideas where I have none.

OK, so twice, he has ran away from me when I have him on a lead and a halter. The first time I was letting him dry off after a bath and he was grazing, the second time I had just got the stall door open and was about to lead him out when he ran for the large open door - and his paddock.

While he has been in the crossties, he will sometimes shy away from, well, nothing. He moves sideways and lifts his head.

Once, about six months ago I saw him with a different rider, and he reared something awful at a jump they were coming to.

Out on hacks he becomes very antsy, I feel myself getting tense, like I can sense that he is ready to go at any time.

I am not in any way saying that these are terrible problems, and I don't mean to be a whiner, but I just find it all very strange, and it seems that somehow they should be connected but do not appear to be to me.

Any suggestions would be a great help!

Thanks Kya

[Sezza]

Sounds like a nervous horse to me. I say ground work, and lots of it, so he is respectful coming out of his stall and doesnt run away when haltered. Get him thinking, more trusting and confident, and he would be fine on hacks too. Make sure you try working with him, before considering buying him, to ensure you can handle these issues (these small issues can escalate into bigger problems if not fixed).

[Rips]

Just a feeling, blind in one eye? Or partially blind? Never know! Seems like that sort of behaviour.

[Styric]

I was thinking that too actually. Just a feeling about what you described... you may want to get him checked to make sure it's nothing medical.

[Loopslou]

I wouldn't read too much into him getting away from you after a bath - you'd have to nail Amber to the floor once she has been bathed (she stands perfectly for the bath). She runs circles around me once she starts to dry off.

Not sure about the sight thing but perhaps he's has been (god forbid), beaten or badly managed in the stall which in turn has made him a little claustrophobic. Flash would have barged out the stable door as quick as look at you but Amber won't until I've asked her to walk on but that's because I've had Amber from a baby and trained her that way!

As for rearing with the other rider, if he hasn't done that with you then I would assume it was something at the time that was annoying him teeth/back/the rider!

Alot of horses get nervous hacking out and if you feel yourself tensing you've just got into a vicious circle! Try and relax your breathing and even sing (I know, its easier said than done) and see how he goes then. You could try not hacking and walking him out in hand instead.

[Jessey]

A sight issue could be but I would also get his teeth checked, an absess or broken tooth can be very unpredictable pain and biting down can be enough to make it hurt somethimes.

I would definatly get a full vet exam before buying.

J x

[Black_Topaz]

Sorry I have taken so long in responding :rolleyes:

I knew you all would think of things I never would! I think I will take all of your advice; he will definately be vet checked before we buy him, I wasn't thinking of it before, but now it seems very shortsighted not too. The person who is selling him had had him vetted thouroughly six months earlier, so we were confident that he was fine, but checking couldn't hurt anything (except perhaps the chequebook :rolleyes: )

Also the groundwork, I think I get you there Sezza, lots of walking around on the ground, halting, going slower, perhaps voice commands? Is that what you were thinking?

One more thing, technically doesn't fit here but since I've already got the thread I figured I'd mention it. The horse in question has been on part loan to someone with the understanding that if a buyer could be found, the lease would be over. Her lease ends in early September, and we would never buy him before then but, I worry that the leaser will resent me for taking away the horse she has been riding for so long. How could I handle this tactfully, the person will be leaving for University but in the summer and on holidays she might come back and... well... I'm sure you can understand the awkwardness that might ensue. Any ideas?

Thanks for all your help already!

Kya