Signs of Discomfort
Common problems caused by discomfort-
Equine
Bolting, Bucking and Rearing
Kicking and Biting
Change in personality/behavioural problems
Difficulty in catching
Difficulty tacking up, such as biting when girthed
Difficulty loading/travelling
Difficulty/reluctance in lifting a leg
Difficulty/reluctance standing for farrier
Reluctance to work
Difficulty engaging
Uneven stride or rhythm
Stiffness, particularly on one rein
Crookedness
Problems with canter lead
Rushing
Rushing or refusal of fences
Loss of scope
Loss of performance
Poor/uneven muscle tone
Head tilting/tossing
Windsucking/cribbing/box walking
cold backed
Difficulty getting up after rolling
Canine
Irritability
Reduced mobility
Reluctance for exercise
Crookedness when running
Reluctance/unable to jump into car
General loss of spark
Animals cannot verbalise their pain however, as seen from the list above, there are many ways they can let us know. Before proceeding to try to correct these vices it is imperative to rule out pain as the underlying cause. To prevent pain and discomfort, which often leads to bad/dangerous behaviour, there are a number of checks that should be made regularly:
Back/skeletal mobility- checking muscular and skeletal symmetry and health
Saddle- should be checked by a qualified and recommended saddler at least every 6-12 months to keep up with the changes of the horses body
Teeth- pain in the mouth will have a major impact on the horses health and behaviour, teeth should be checked by a qualified vet or dental technician every 6-12 months (or as recommended by your vet)
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Nutrition- A change in behaviour may be due to a nutritional imbalance, if in doubt seek advice from your vet or qualified nutritionist
Shoeing/Foot health- Many lamenesses originate in the hoof and can have a negative effect on the horses mobility health throughout its body, therefore any lameness should be dealt with by your vet and farrier to prevent chronic mobility problems.