I think I have officially ruined my horse.

[DITZ]

Put a thread on last night about whether a balancing aid might help me. Think I definitely need one - well after a rather eventful hack I'm thinking more of a three point harness now - and parachute.

Incident 1 - Trotting down this road running alongside a freshly planted field. The road had just been tarmacked and he slipped, went into the field, spooked at a plastic bag, span round and shot of uncontrollably in the opposite direction - had to turn him into some trees to stop.

Incident 2 - Trotting down a grass track when I think he spooked at something again, shot off for 3-4 strides then full on handstand twice. Was able to turn him so didnt go far.

Incident 3 - Trotting down road, turned right onto narrow canter track with hedges either side, he shot off (not sure if the bikes to his left spooked him), flashback to old incident on this particular track so immediately turned him to the hedge and dumped he me in it.

Live to ride another day, just not sure I ever want to

Nothing to do with lack of work either - he was light hacked Friday morning, schooled Friday night and medium hack yesterday.

So, alot of this could be general misery at lack of turnout. I'm going to speak to YO and get him out. If there is no improvement once he's out I think it will be time to call the vet.

[chickflick1066]

Oh Ditz Sorry to hear such a nasty day you'd experienced. Hugs to you and Fly, chin up

[BeachRiding]

That's too bad. Maybe a problem with his back? or lack of turn out time?

[Afellpony]

Sorry to hear of your problems. Cant you arrange for the horse to be turned out more, if at all possible? P'haps you could look into the feeding regime. May be he needs to be worked more. Anyway have a chat with the YO and see what he/she can suggest. Good luck anyway.

[DITZ]

Originally Posted by Afellpony

Cant you arrange for the horse to be turned out more, if at all possible? P'haps you could look into the feeding regime. May be he needs to be worked more. Anyway have a chat with the YO and see what he/she can suggest. Good luck anyway.

Yes will speak to YO and see if he cant go out more now. Problem is it is so exposed where he is that he's just as miserable out.

Yes he *could* still need more work but I dont have any more time. All back teeth checks are fine, we've already investigated all this. Seemed it was all in his head.

He had a foot balance problem before I bought him, if increased turnout doesnt sort him out I think I'll have him x-rayed. I may have him x-rayed anyway as vet did suggest this as a yearly precaution when I bought him. Anyone know what the going rate for xrays is?

Well if its true that his bucking is a learned behaviour in order to either get me to ride lighter or let him off working then I hate to think what todays episode has taught him.