Trouble with my horse!

Question

I own a 5 year old appaloosa gelding who is always very hyper and extremely responsive, the slightest squeeze and he was off. I moved him to a new barn about a month and a half ago, and since then he has become extremely lazy, his steering has almost literally diappearred, and after 10 mintues of squeezing him to get him to trot (forgot cantering, ain't gonna happen!) he either rushes around the arena, tense, head high, or trots for five steps and if I try to steer him anywhere he slows down. If you keep your leg on him he will actutally slow down even more! He loves to jump, but now his jumping ability basically disappeared along with his engery, he knocks rails left and right, which he NEVER does. The only major differences in my new barn is they give him alot less grain (which may be why) and he is on grass turnout now.

Any suggestions to help him actually move, and when he does not be so tense and high-headed? Should I give him more grain? And do not suggest spurs/crops, please.

Just been vet/dental checked, same tack as always, nothing physically wrong with him, he just lost all his energy and willingness.

Answer 1

I work part time at a ranch and I would recommend going on the same diet he had and use a "reward" type of method.  Every time he des good, he can go back to his stall where there is grain and hay and water.  If he does not behave, tie him to a wall or somewhere similar and leave him there overnight, tacked up.  I would say just make sure he has water so he does not dehydrate.  The next day take him out again and see if there is a difference.  If he does better, then put him back in his stall.  I have seen it work many times out at the ranch I work at.  

Answer 2

oddly enough it might be you who changed. but if not, it could be mental. More grain would help also, because that gives them more energy. Try  lactinex. It is an oral paste that provides energy for horses that have the problem you described! good luck

Answer 3

Sudden changes in diet are not the best.  Try finding a place to turn your horse out in that doesn't have a lot of grass (or about as much grass as wherever he was before), and giving him lots of grain like he got before.  Then switch him SLOWLY to more grass and less grain.  Also, since when you keep your leg on him he slows down, try just squeezing once, then releasing, and continue that until you achieve the desired response.  Another thing you could try is taking him for a trail ride, for some fun, relaxing time.  Maybe he's just bored.  Hope this helps!  Good luck!!! :)

Answer 4

WEll i wouldn't say that uping his grain is going to help because your just going to make him hot.. I would suggest thinking about why he is so tired.. Is he on 24 turn out? was he at the old barn? IS he out durring the night now? That made a huge change in my mare she had the same reaction witch I really like from her cause we can do more because she is more controolable but different story. Also did they switch grain? it could be making him feel really full and depending if it was a drastic change sudden he might not be digesting it the same way.. on a different note are you located in PA and if so what is your geldings name and where was he born. I am trying to find my mares son who should be 5yrs old.. it would be an appaloosa he was a chestnut with white spots on his hind end..  

Answer 5

the change in his diet is soooo sudden. i think this may be the problem.

Answer 6

In my experience, if his wait is fine then just give him a few cups of oats and see what happens. I have a horse like that we just give him a little oats and he is fine. because is he getting alfalfa and turnout? or just turnout? if its just turn out defiantly give him his grain back, because that is not enough energy for a performance horse.

Hoep this helps!

Answer 7

I really think it is the change in diet. Talk to whoever feeds him at your new barn and see if they can give him the amount of grain he is used to. He might also be stressed because of Change in barn, diet and there is new horses and people around. Try giving him a few days off then try riding him again and see if he acts any better. Hope I helped. :)