Symptoms to look for
Are you giving and getting the best from your horse or pony?
Your horse is indicating to you that it isn’t 100% when it is:
• Difficult to handle
• Frustratingly nervous, anxious or unsure
• Unwilling/ unable to stand
• Short striding
• Unable to circle/bend comfortably both ways; is “one sided”
• Foot fall is incorrect
• Short steps on one of its legs
• Will not come onto the bit
• Heavy on one rein
• Has difficulty changing leads
• Resists commands given by rider
• Puts ears back when saddle come into contact with its back
• Grumpy when tacked up
• Continually swishes its tail
• Flinches when its tail
• Is a cribber, weaver or kicker
• Tends to kick, pull back or rear while being led
• Is frightened of sound or objects
• Is head-shy
• Won’t hold feet up for cleaning or trimming
• Won’t stand still for the farrier
• Is hard to bridle or saddle
• Is spooky or scared
• Has turned aggressive
• Fearful standing in cross ties
• Loses weight easily
• Listless
• A dull or discoloured coat
• Problems with condition
• Problems with teeth
• Headaches
• Has musculosketeal or joint problems
• Is prone to colic
• Suffers from founder, laminitis or otherwise sore feet
• Has tightness about the head and a suckle in look around the mouth and/ or a small almond shaped (indicative of pain)
• Exhibits other health or behaviour issues
• Is just not her/himself
Some of the above may be due to ill-fitting tack, or an imbalanced rider. The rider should also be checked for imbalance to determine whether an N.I.S. treatment would be appropriate for them. |
