QuestionHI Don,
Three weeks ago I purchased a horse off the track who had spent the past 10 months in his stall (more or less). He was not making the money so they decided to sell him. His last race was May 2003. I purchased him as a potential hunter/jumper. Upon purchasing him, I have tried to keep it simple; I take him for walks, groom him, graze him etc. I decided to sit on him over the weekend and he was VERY quiet. He is a wonderful horse willing to learn, but has a BAD HABIT! As soon as I shorten my reins he has that bit. From there he elongates his neck and cocks his head. That, as well as getting totally under the bit, are his "moves." I feel like I have no say in what is going on.
I have trained many Warmblood babies, but this is a totally new experience. He has all of these weird mannerisms and I am not sure how to take them. or how to correct them.
He also does a very bazaar skip-up or hop with his hind end while I trot. I have not idea why he is doing this either. I tried a canter just to test the waters and he did it even more at the canter, (I decided he is not ready to canter...not for some time-it was a test). I had him completely vetted upon purchase and he passed all facets of the testing with flying colors, so I am assuming that it is not a medical issue, I am just wondering if he is OK, or if this is common.
I have him in a rubber D and I am not sure if that is the bit for him.
I really want him to reach his potential, but need some guidance with his head issues. I would also love any other advice that you would like to give as far as owning an OTT TB.
Please advise me. I look forward to your response!
Best Regards,
Abbie
AnswerHi Abby,
This is probably the most interesting question/s I have been asked in the past few years since offering my services to allexperts.
Sadly, it is beyond my knowlegde and I can't be of much help. Its a real leveler when you think you have a good general knowledge and some expertise and then along comes a curly question and you are stumped.
Perhaps I know just enough to know when I should shut up!
I would be inclined to talk to some local trainers and also a couple of the jockey who have ridden him previously.
As for the 'hopping' It sounds like he is uncomfortable. I would try leading him off another horse up to a canter and watch his action. It may be the weight of a rider on his back that causes the irritation.
I would also check to see if he has been pin fired (a barbaric practice all too common in your country), that can upset the normal gate especially under pressure.
No doubt you have done all the usual checks, hooves, shoes, nails, splinters in fetlocks, back out of alignment, (walk him in a circle both ways and see if he is equally comfortable)
Other than these simple suggestions you have stumped me.
Please let me know how you get on as I am intrigued by your dilema.
Best regards and good luck,
Don Boddie
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