Is Your Horse Acting Up? Or is She Sore? How to Know the Difference!

Sometimes what we think is an attitude problem is really your horse saying "Hey! It hurts when you do that!"

Here's how I evaluate Bella to find the source of her "cinchi-ness," her ears laying back, and her shaking her head.

Bella was brought to me recently for training. As I got to know her, I realized she's a pretty laid-back horse until I go to cinch the saddle, ask her to turn a certain direction, and put weight on her withers. When I do these things, she tosses her head, lays her ears back, and backs away from me.

After some checking, I determine her behavior is because she's dealing with some pain. I'll be calling in an equine chiropractor to give Bella an adjustment and some therapy to ease her soreness so she can feel better and we can have a successful training session.

Do you have a horse needing evaluation or training? Let me know at bill@rqhorsemanship.com or visit my website at rqhorsemanship.com.