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.
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.
- “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!)