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Post by JulieM on Nov 19, 2008 19:57:27 GMT -5
I've contacted a couple chiropractors, but I'm re-thinking this a tad. Should I contact my vet first and have him looked at? I'm really confused as to where to start. But I do know I'm at my wit's end. I can no longer deal with the nasty attitude. I am starting to hate riding, it's always a fight, a chore and very unpleasant.
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Post by samantha on Nov 19, 2008 21:59:39 GMT -5
As I posted on your other thread in the main forum, I think your horse looks very frustrated, but he is a good boy and I didn't see any attitude in the video that you posted.
If you think something is wrong with him, have a vet go over him and do a full workup- tell your vet the problems you are having and go from there..
Good luck!
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Post by Einstein on Nov 20, 2008 9:05:21 GMT -5
I 100% agree with Sam. I think you should rule out any medical issues first, and you can talk to your vet about who they would refer you and Brig to for Chiro. Chiro may really help him, as you are relearning your balance, seat and leg again.
What about lessons? Can you start with someone you like and see if a person on the ground helps smooth out any of your issues? Riding should be fun, and I know it hasn't been for you lately. I honesty don't think it's from Brig being a jerk, or having a nasty attitude. Horses very (and I mean very!) rarely act out for the fun of it. It was very clear to me in the video you have a very nice horse who is getting as frustrated with you as you are with him. Only difference is he is the horse, he is telling you instantly when you are upsetting him or hurting him, and then he lets it all go again. He doesn't hold a grudge that you lost your temper with him, he doesn't worry all night in his stall abut how frustrated he feels.
Please don't blame your horse because this isn't working out the way you wanted it to, he appears to be a kind soul who is trying very hard. We do something wrong (riding or training wise) and we get the unpleasant action (short strided, head tossing, breaking from the canter...) and it's our fault as the trainer/rider. I would start with the vet, tell them what's up. Maybe there is something tweaking him and it is the best place to start, and if nothing is found, ask for a recommendation on a chiropractor.
I wish you and Brig all the luck in this. Maybe until you feel like riding again, or can take some lessons, just going and grooming him or doing some ground work and having fun with him would be best. Frustrated is NO way to ever get on a horse, you'll only regret it later.
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Post by JulieM on Nov 20, 2008 14:04:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the info and encouragement.
I spoke with my vet this morning, told her of my concerns. I did talk to her about it in September when she was out for vaccinations, too. She recommended a chiropractor who is also a vet and I've been in contact with him via email. He is going to check to see if he needs an adjustment, palpate for ulcers and do a saddle fit. I just have to schedule the appointment, which I'm going to do very shortly.
I am half-leasing Brig and he has the same issues with this rider. Although my riding may not help the situation (whatever that may be), I have a hard time believing that she and I ride the same way and therefore, are getting the same reaction from him. She is a dressage rider with a completely different build and riding style than me.
I do need to take lessons and get help, etc. but affordability is an issue right now. There is just a lot going on in my life, financially and otherwise, and while it is temporary, it is still there. It's a matter of bad timing, really.
Thanks again.
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Post by Einstein on Nov 20, 2008 14:37:51 GMT -5
I am so glad your vet had someone to recommend, they sound great!
Your last post made me wonder, did all this stuff pop up suddenly after he started to be half leased? Just wondering if she is riding very differently and he's frustrated with the two different styles/pressure put on him? I know I read that you half leased him, but I had completely forgotten until you mentioned it again.
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Post by animaldoc on Nov 20, 2008 14:42:45 GMT -5
Glad you have saddle fit on your list...I was going to mention it!
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Post by JulieM on Nov 20, 2008 16:06:27 GMT -5
I am so glad your vet had someone to recommend, they sound great! Your last post made me wonder, did all this stuff pop up suddenly after he started to be half leased? Just wondering if she is riding very differently and he's frustrated with the two different styles/pressure put on him? I know I read that you half leased him, but I had completely forgotten until you mentioned it again. No. It's always been there, to varying degrees. I have been being conservative -- ulcer supplements, turn-out, etc. -- to see what may work or help. Taking him off of alfalfa all together was mentioned to see if it is making him honry. Thoughts? One thing, whatever it is seems to be worse now that it's colder out. He's sensitive to brushing. I can brush him all day long in the summer with the same brushes as I would use on his winter coat and he's so relaxed he'll fall asleep and drop. When I got him in February, he hated being groomed. When it got warmer, he loved it and I just thought it was because he was settled and I had the U-Gard on him. Riding was a lot better in the summer, too. Not half as many issues. So, I'm beginning to wonder if it has something to do with the temperature? |
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Post by lolatwo on Nov 24, 2008 13:59:27 GMT -5
Was he half leasted when you first got him? I was thinking the same as einstein. Or perhaps he is a bit cold backed and grouchy like I am with this weather. Perhaps a light lounge before you get on to get him loosened up. I know I am stiff and achy in the cold when I first get on.
I am not sure how long you work him but it takes a good 10 to 20 min to warm up some horses. Some horses just get stiff and cranky in the winter so you have to take the time to warm them up even better.
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Post by samantha on Nov 24, 2008 16:01:52 GMT -5
Just a thought, was he ever scoped for ulcers or was it assumed? Was he treated with omeprazole? To my knowledge, omeprazole (Gastroguard or Ulcerguard) is the only tx for ulcers once they are formed. I think that Uguard is a good supplement to help prevent ulcers, but if he already has them, omeprazole is the only thing that will get rid of them. It might be worth it to try a course of that...
Just another suggestion! Has your vet looked at him yet?
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