Horse Problem, need help Long Post

Jack- I think I would seriously consider having a vet and chiro give him a thorough looksie. I've had two horses in training in the past that showed most of the symptoms you've listed above w/ an exception on the urination. One of the horse I had in was a 4 yr old Arabian Gelding that would act up, tail switching, chomping, hopping and we contributed it to bad behavior until we had a chiro in the area and come to find out he had a couple ribs out of wack. After talking in great lenth to the owner, a previous trainer who had broke this guy out as a stallion was purposely flipping this guy over in long lines if he acted up! I guess there was one time where he was flipped and couldn't get up. Unfortunately, the owner didn't take the neccessary precautions and have a vet out to look at him after. They just took everything off and left him be until he was able to get back on his feet after about 10 minutes or so. This guy must have really had a tolerance because I usually check the backs of all my horses prior to and after rides and he never showed any flinching or response until you got on and asked him to move forward. Took only about 2 rides before I finally had someone come out and look. After a little rehab, he went on to win in the ribbons on the Arab circuit but sadly passed away years later due to colic complications. Another Paint I had in also exhibited the same signs above and again I had a chiro out and she couldn't find anything that would contribute so I then had a vet out to draw some blood as the area I was in at the time is known for having low selenium in the grass and hay. Apparently low selenium can contribute to sensitive backs and tying up syndrome but that's all we could fined that was bugging this guy. Once I got his levels back up he was good as gold. Also had an OTTB come in for some deprogramming that was hotter than get out, come to find out his previous owner was feeding him cracked corn but he also had low selenium and I had to be careful until we got his levels up w/ supplements and the right kind of feed, if he got overworked, he'd start tying up in his stall or paddock after words. Not sure what to think w/ the urninating thing but I would definately be picking the brain of my local vet on it. Good luck and keep us posted..

I forgot to ask if he exhibits the same kind of behavior while being lunged or is it only while he's got a rider on. You may also want to contact the previous owner ask or find out who the person was giving the massages and inquire as to why he was having massages every month.. if the owner doesn't give you a reason, I'd check w/ the person who was giving the massage. Now I do know some people who have also done accupuncture on their horses w/ much success but it's not something I've never done w/ my horses. But I think your best bet is to have him evaluated by a vet first to make sure there isn't any health related issues first before you deal w/ what might just be a behavioral problem. If it's nothing but a behavioral problem, he made need someone to work w/ him on a one on one basis and start from scratch. I did have Paint Stallion I rode for a gal that would have a hissy fit when asked to canter on the left lead and would crow hop, buck, etc... just to get out of it and once we ruled out it wasn't anything related to back or soreness issues.. We did some major one on one w/ another local trainer after trying everything I had in the book and all it took was one ride by this guy and he was back to behaving and canter w/out hesitation or fuss. Needless to say I'm not a fan of whips but this stallion's behind looked like a checkerboard by the time this guy was done w/ him. Come to find out his owner would give up when ever he started his little show so we contributed this to a learned behavior that took some harsh but effective methods to break. Again, not something I recommed!! Keep us posted as to what you find out.. Kelli

Jack, I presented your problem on Brent's Yahoo group and the concensus is back pain, more than likely from poor saddle fit. There is a good possibility that he had been given a pain killer (bute) before you saw him in the sale ring. This is very common when someone wants to sell a horse with an obvious problem. I would suggest that you have the vet and/or chiropractor look at him first. If they don't find anything, maybe try riding him bareback and see how he acts. You may need to have a saddle custom fitted for him. Good luck!!! Leslie

Don't forget to check for kidney and bladder infections, as well as diabetes. What "exactly" did she say was wrongh with his shoulder? Do you have a tree less saddle to try on him? Can you ride him bareback- do the issues still present? I would be surprised if the shoulder was the main issue- could EASLIY be a compensatory soreness from another problem.

Just curious to see if it's always the same saddle, you mentioned the Circle Y, or how many others have been tried?? Does he act the same with all of them........ same saddle pad?? ~Karen