I went horse riding a while back and decided not to go again, however since I've not gone, the horse I rode wont move at all, it is not caused by any illnesses, whereas before when the whip was brought out he'd canter off, now he wont move at all, and doesnt respond to anything. What could be wrong with him???
Also the first time I wasnt there, the horse he normally goes out with went out so he was left in the barn with the other horses, when the other horse and rider came back I was told he'd got all worked up and was sweating all over.
What could be wrong?
2007-03-10 01:40:02 · 8 answers · asked by Shontelle 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
If he's sweating profusely over every inch of his body (the sweat will be pouring off of him like someone's running a hose over him) and refusing to move, I can think of only one cause for this: he's tying up. When a horse ties up, it's as though every muscle in his body is cramping and spasming at once. Have you ever had a charlie horse in your leg? Imagine that feeling in your entire body and you have some understanding of what it feels like.
A horse that's tying up is one of the most horrendous sights. It's usually not fatal, but should be treated right away. A mild case may be treated with bute or banamine, but for most severe cases, you need to call a vet who can inject the horse with a muscle relaxant. If a horse ties up regularly, there are several possible causes. Chief among them is diet. I've seen horses being fed hay that's too rich for them (usually alfalfa) tie up.
If the horse doesn't experience the severe sweating described above, and is just sweating out of exertion and heat, then he's probably not tying up. That's just the worst case scenario. Sudden laziness or uncharacteristic behavior CAN be a result of a medical issue, though. Arthritis or just soreness (or worse, laminitis) can be a cause. At any rate, a vet should be called to examine the horse and determine the exact root of the issue.
2007-03-10 06:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by ap1188 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the horse is not ill (which I would hope you had a vet check him out) then there are two problems one you have used a whip on him, which I have trained for years and never needed a whip to get them to move off. He should be listening to your body language and you need to make him move. When he doesn't move, do you stop asking? If so then he has learned that if he doesn't move off and work, then he gets to rest and not have to work. Sounds like you need to learn some groundwork, go to downunderhorsmanship.com and study some of Clinton Andersons methods. Just make sure there is nothing really physically wrong with the horse before you do.
2007-03-10 11:12:49 · answer #2 · answered by bandit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you not go again? Horse back riding is the best thing in the world.
Anyway, the horse seems depressed. You could try spending time with it. Groom the horse, go on short fun trail rides, you could also be feeding it wrong. Try increasing the grain you give her. That should increase her energy.
But remember, any change in a horses behavior could mean medical problems, you may just need to call a vet.
Good luck!
2007-03-10 01:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by moonkissedwarrior 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The horse is dead my friend! Did you talk it to death?
Seriously though, your horse may feel insecure or maybe a little withdrawn. Do you think it may have been abused. Sometimes if they are abused, it takes a while for then to open up again. Spend some quality time with the horse and make it known that you care and it will open up again.
Good luck!
2007-03-10 01:46:05 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a number of problems but I would bet it is this: First of all, I would check to make sure his hocks are okay etc. If he is old, than he might be too tired to go anymore. Another problem could be that he is suffering from anxiety. My horse has it too. If his pasture buddy isn't around he freaks out. I always tell people that he thinks himself into a sweat. There are products out there (feed additives etc) that might help with some of this. Good luck!
2007-03-10 04:09:57 · answer #5 · answered by ainsley0805 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your horse may have SERIOUS buddy issues where he doesn't want to leave his friend. Try to slowly get him used to not being around his friend. I prefferably like John Lyonns method for breaking the buddy bound habits.
2007-03-11 12:32:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This horse is just being lazy, and honestly the poor thing is probably tired and worked too much.
2007-03-10 06:17:18 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah C- Equine Help 101 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i had a horse do the same thing we had to drug him and then pick him up to get him in the trailer for the vet i would check his legs for swelling and see if his chest is in one big knot if it is he needs to get to a vet and be isolated i hope i helped.
2007-03-10 22:38:46 · answer #8 · answered by none 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋