People acknowledge that bad behavior in their horse is usually caused by pain.

When you have a rib out, a slight dislocation, or a combination of Flinchlocked® bones, it can create a huge discomfort (especially when you throw a rider into  the mix) - its no wonder then they want you off their back!

Learning to recognize pain related responses will help become a better horseman.
  • BEHAVIORAL
  • UNDER SADDLE
  • HOOF 
  • PHYSICAL
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  • “Girthy”/”cinchy”
  • Pole constantly held high
  • Always looks alarmed
  • Inability to work ( “exercise intolerance”)
  • Hypersensitivity to brushing
  • Rolling excessively
  • Rider feels crooked or saddle slips to one side
  • Troubles with saddle fit
  • Difficulty with collection
  • Sense of disconnection
  • Difficulty picking up, maintaining, or changing leads
  • Unable to stand still, especially when being mounted
  • Drops shoulder on turns
  • Goes wide on turns
  • Struggles with hind-end lateral work
  • Crow-hopping or bucking
  • Prefers to trot over other gaits
  • Sore back (see how to test for pain here)
  • Large muscle ridging in front of wither
  • Cold-backed
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stiff, but may often warm up to perform acceptably
  • Difficulty bending in one or both directions
  • Short-striding in front or rear
  • Lack of front-end extension
  • Reluctance to stretch front end
  • Shoulder tightness, poor range of motion, difficult to stretch
  • Any weird or unusual behaviour with the shoulder
  • Constant toe first landings
  • Persistent cracking
  • Unable to grow out flares
  • "Clubby" hoof, or grows excess heel
  • Frequently stands under
  • Tripping
  • Twisted feet

The Face Says It All...

By learning to recognize even a few of these expressions of pain, you can help your horse find comfort and improved quality of life. Keeping you safer while riding, and reducing vet bills (which is always a bonus!)