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Post by solomon on Sept 3, 2009 20:34:05 GMT
Hi everyone Peter is being turned out for 3 or 4 hours daily now- grass is quite rich. He does seem a lot better although still arching his neck in a weird stiff way in the stable. I am gonna ride him tomorrow, we thought a little hack out would be good, shorter than Monday but similar way so some familiarity. Any and all advice welcome on keeping his and my cool. Ta very much.
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Post by duckles on Sept 3, 2009 21:32:50 GMT
I really don't know but I have always found that leading a horse in hand seems to have a very calming effect. I did that for a while before riding when introducing the arena to the horses a few years back. I used to do it regularly with Cori when he was tense - in fields before I cantered around the first time, occasionally on the roads as well. I would try and get them to focus on me first by halting, turning etc and when they got more relaxed I would hop on.
Don't know what to say about the neck arching- is it arching down or up? Is he near his friend in the stables? Can he see what is going on? (sometimes they get really upset if they can hear horses etc and see nothing)
I am sure he will settle soon enough and all I can say is - don't force yourself to do anything if you feel anyway dubious. ANd also - don't go blaming yourself about the move - he will relax and love the place in no time I am sure.
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Post by solomon on Sept 3, 2009 21:36:59 GMT
Thanks for that he arches like an Arab stallion top line looks amazing, he was doing it when i rode him too, chin on his chest! Weird! He is in an american barn style stable so can see pretty well, faces a window too. I led him around Tuesday, will try that again tomorrow, and thanks again for the moral support i appreciate it!
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Post by scattymare on Sept 4, 2009 7:40:28 GMT
Sol he will settle soon I'm sure. For your ride, just keep it steady. If he plays up just keep your cool and try and stay as calm as possible so he doesn't pick up your anxiety. It must be strange for a horse suddenly finding themselves in a new place, new smells, friends etc and some take longer to adjust than others.
Even just pootle round the yard with him if you have 5 mins spare - ride him but let him explore things, sniff things, and adjust to his surroundings.
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Post by racaille on Sept 4, 2009 8:41:30 GMT
I suspect time is the only real cure. He needs to relax in his new surroundings.
But there is one thought that occurs to me: I can't remember if he is on full or DIY livery but have you checked his feed is exactly the same as he was getting before? And obviously the difference in grass will make a difference - even the hay quality come to that.
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Post by solomon on Sept 4, 2009 11:11:52 GMT
He is on better grazing but restricted so he is in a lot more i have cut his feed a little as he is on the better grass and the same hay came with us.
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Post by brigadier on Sept 4, 2009 21:03:02 GMT
Sol- re the neck arching- he isnt windsucking is he- or trying to? Some horses do it in conjunction with crib biting but some learn to do it without and its a reaction to stress.
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Post by solomon on Sept 4, 2009 21:08:15 GMT
I don't know i hope not, rode him tonight and he was much better, only a few dodgy moments. Bless him turning back in to my trusty old Pete.
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Post by brigadier on Sept 4, 2009 21:11:59 GMT
Thats good news!
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for so much hard work we thank ye!!
