I have always had QH's. I just purchased a TB and I have no idea why he does some of the things he does. He was raced for the first five years of his life, then fox hunted and steeple chased. He is a very sweet boy and actually quite calm, however, he throws his head at a canter and constantly chews on a bit. I ride him western and with a hackamore, he seems to really like both of these changes. I can even get him to do a very slow trot. But the head thing has me thrown for a loop. Also, he turns his bucket over. I have seen lots of breeds do this, but he can turn any bucket and throw feed a LONG way. I guess what I am really asking is for some character trais of the TB that anyone can help me with. I am not new to horses, just TB's.
CC
PLEASE HELP! Why does he do that?
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CountryCuzzin
- Suckling
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Thu May 25, 2006 6:05 pm
Hi, Cuz. Each one is an individual, just like your quarter horses. You might want to get his teeth checked to see if there's something bothering his mouth; maybe that's why he throws his head or chomps the bit. If that's okay, I'd guess he's just developed some bad habits over the years. He may need a fixed feed bucket that he can't throw.
Rocking H
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KamiBrooks
- Starters Handicap
- Posts: 575
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 12:00 am
I have an ex-racer STB that has a significant head tossing issue. For him, it is an unconcious tick that gets worse if he's stressing. Things that were checked with him included:
- Chiro for poll and neck
- Detailed ear exam
- Light sensitivity / Light alergy (it would be worse in sun and not there in dark stall)
- Teeth/mouth confirmation
- Different bit
He's in his mid-twenties, so even if a physical problem were found and corrected, I'd think he'd still keep doing it as a habit. So for him, its just one of his many 'features'
- Chiro for poll and neck
- Detailed ear exam
- Light sensitivity / Light alergy (it would be worse in sun and not there in dark stall)
- Teeth/mouth confirmation
- Different bit
He's in his mid-twenties, so even if a physical problem were found and corrected, I'd think he'd still keep doing it as a habit. So for him, its just one of his many 'features'
CC,
Could be a lot of different reasons the horse has picked up his head throwing at the Canter. I would probably have his teeth floated as thats one of those things not everyone does unless there is a problem.
But, I would be more inclined for you start suppling exercises from the ground first once you have him tacked up and not worry too much about why he does or how he learned it.
JonR
Could be a lot of different reasons the horse has picked up his head throwing at the Canter. I would probably have his teeth floated as thats one of those things not everyone does unless there is a problem.
But, I would be more inclined for you start suppling exercises from the ground first once you have him tacked up and not worry too much about why he does or how he learned it.
JonR
Head throwing can be a pretty common trait - have seen it a lot in Arabians and thoroughbreds. My 4 year old still throws his head a lot when on turnout, but has gotten much better about it under saddle. I have a 3 year old fillly that has totally trashed 3 "fixed" feeders and now has a rubber tub on the ground. When she finishes her food she picks it up and throws it. She also picks it up and throws it when it's empty and she thinks it should have had something in it. Guess I should check into getting one of those play balls for her. 