I'm having some saddle trouble with my horse...?

Question

I have a 20 yr old arab mix, and she's in great shape! But I haven't been able to ride her for a while and when i try to cinch he saddle, she tries to bite me! I don't know if the saddle is too small or if she just needs to be broke again, and if i need a professional to do so. I just don;t know what to do?!?!?!....I thought horses had very good memories haha

Answer 1

Sorry if this is a repeat of what anyone said, too tired to finish reading them all.. my horse used to do that, try to bite me, so what i would do is tighten the cinch just enough to keep the saddle on, walk him around in a circle or two, tighten it up again, and so on, until it was tight enough to start riding.. he liked the idea better of a little tightness at a time, horses have very sensitive bodies, and tightening the cinch quickly might frighten him and hurt at the same time... try doing this and give him a swift, but not tooo hard tap on the nose and say no. if this doesnt work i would talk to a professional trainer, but make sure they dont use mean ways to get your horse to stand still. she's not biting you for the fun of it, she is trying to tell you something, you just have to be patient and figure out what shes tryin to let you know. hope this helps, happy trails!

Answer 2

Your horse doesn't need to be "broke again" she already knows how to be ridden. She's trying to tell you something - it's up to you to figure it out!

Take some time grooming her, and feeling all around her back for tender areas. This may find some sore spots, possibly from an injury, or ill-fitting saddle. A chiropractor will rule out any alignment issues with the spine. Also, make an appointment with a TRAINED saddle fitter in your area, who can evaluate & fix the fit of your current saddle, or recommend a saddle that will fit better.

Also, have them check the girth-- shape of the girth will affect pressure points behind the elbow, on the sternum, etc. Material of the girth may also be an issue.

Also, try an equine massage therapist - they'll help the back muscles relax, as your horse has a bad habit started, and even if things are fixed, she may still worry about the pain, and react from that.

With all of that, you may also want your vet to take a look -- "girthiness" with horses sometimes points to ulcers. There is a supplement called SUCCEED -- "Succeed Digestive Conditioning Program" to be exact. Google it, and take a look. It works really well for all sorts of horses.

As for exercise, try a round-pen, lunging, or free-lunging, to get her reacclimated to everyday work. Make it fun and interesting, so she looks forward to the work.

Use your resources and listen to you horse !!

Answer 3

Do you feed her treats? Maybe she's just looking for treats... Is she playing, or is she really trying to bite you hard? Some horses reach around like that in play... How's the fit of the saddle? If there are pressure points or if it pinches her, it might hurt. I doubt after 15+ (I'm guessing) years of riding she needs to be re-trained (sorry, I hate the term 'broke' or 'breaking'). If I were in your place, I would rule anything physical out... have a vet or a professional trainer or horseperson of some sort out to make sure the saddle doesn't hurt her in any way, make sure the tree isn't broken and everything fits her correctly. If that's not the problem, then, don't tolerate her biting at you. Doesn't matter if she wants treats or not.. if she reaches around to bite you, smack her on the neck, or shoulder area (hard enough to get her attention) and yell "NO!" loud enough for her to hear it and get her attention. Do this EVERY time she tries, let her know she can't get away with it. And if you're afraid to do it, have a professional trainer do it for you.

Answer 4

Definitely rule out physical/pain issues first. Since your horse is getting older there is a good possibility that her body is changing shape and she is not as spry as she used to be. Biting at you is her way of telling you that something is not right...listen to her rather than punish her for speaking out or bribing her to take the pain quietly.
Have a professional saddle fitter or a reputable alternative equine therapist (chiropractor, massage therapist, or sports therapist) take a look at her and assess whether or not she has soreness issues. You can also have the vet out to check her, although they normally do not specialize in or even know much about saddle fitting, massage therapy, or chiropractic adjustments.
Once all of the physical issues are ruled out then see how she reacts. If she continues it has become a behavioural problem that you should correct immediately and stubbornly. You can always seek the help of a professional to do this...they are the best people to show you how to deal with the problem.
Hope that helps!

Answer 5

Sounds like she either doesn't like the saddle or the saddle pad. Try switching to a different pad or saddle and see what happens. The cinch may not be working either. Rope cinches tend to be a pain and by experience, arab mixes can be picky about what you put on them.

Answer 6

probably just a bad habit... sometimes when you tighten the cinch it pulls the skin with it and pinches, try giving a carrot as soon you start to tighten the girth.also i always after tightening go to the front of the horse and face her, pick up each leg at the knee and raise it up as high as you can, this will pull the skin back to where it goes and will be more comfortable for the horse, hope this helps and good luck

Answer 7

It sounds like she might need to see a chiropractor. If she is standing square you can look over her but to her withers, if you can tell one side is different than the other she probably needs some attention from the vet or a horse chiropractor. That could explain it but if it looks normal than it might just be plain ol attitude when she turns to bite smack her in the mouth, just make sure that it is every time or she won't learn

Answer 8

Make sure it isn't pinching!!! Is your horse lazy?? I have one lazy horse, who always try to get out of having the saddle put on. I always have someone hold him while i am cinching him up. Good Luck!

Answer 9

Your horse might be girthy. We have a horse at our barn who throws her head up when we try to cinch the girth. We had a pony who would try to nip us and im tryin this horse out that i mite buy and he freaks if u tighten his girth.

Answer 10

she just doesnt want to be saddled...tell her NO! then continue to saddle her, make sure the saddle pad isnt folded or wrinkled, tie her head so she cannot turn to you, walk her out of the saddle before you mount.