Frequently Asked Questions

• I need you to come to visit my horse, but I don't have a roundpen.  Is this OK?
• My horse won't load, so we need your help.  But how do I get him to you?
• What would you recommend if my horse bucks or rears?
• My horse is bucking/uncomfortable in his back but I think it is being caused by his saddle fitting badly.  How can I be sure?
• Why is my horse always excitable/fizzy?

• I need you to come to visit my horse, but I don't have a round pen.  Is this OK?

This is fine, in fact it can be beneficial to work with a horse in familiar surroundings.  A round pen is ideal, but if you have a securely fenced arena (indoor or outdoor), this can also be used.   [Top]

• My horse won't load, so we need your help.  But how do I get him to you?

If you have suitable facilities where you are, Jo will be able to come to you to work on loading the horse.  See the Prices page for Travel costs.   [Top]

• What would you recommend if my horse bucks or rears?

The problem could be being caused by pain so your horse should be checked by an appropriate professional: 

Bucking:  Your horse's back must be checked by a Vet or Osteopath
Rearing:  Your horse's back must be checked by a  Vet or Osteopath.  Teeth must be checked by a Vet or Dentist.   [Top]

• My horse is bucking/uncomfortable in his back but I think it is being caused by his saddle fitting badly.  How can I be sure?

We use a Port Lewis Impression Pad.  This is a gel pad that is placed under the saddle before you ride, as normal, for 20-30 mins.  After removing the pad from the horse's back then any pressure points are shown in the gel.  Any such points will be hurting your horses back.  Jo uses this pad in her sessions with horses that buck, are difficult to mount, difficult to saddle etc .   [Top]

• Why is my horse always excitable/fizzy?

Feeding:  This could be connected with your horse's feed.  If possible try to move away from feeding cereals or reduce the amount of cereals as these can cause behavioural problems if they are not being processed correctly in the foregut.  Instead try and replace the cereals with slow release energy feeds (for example alfalfa) and oil (eg Baileys Outshine) and in particular ensure that your horse is getting enough forage (hay/grass).  

If your horse is only in light work (gentle hacks 1-3 times per week, competitions now and again, light schooling) then he should only need forage plus a good vitamin and mineral supplement.

Be careful if you are feeding carrots as there is evidence that these can cause a horse to become excitable.  However organic carrots seem to have less effect.

Be careful about feeding molasses as this can also excite your horse.

Ensure that you are not overfeeding for the amount of work your horse is doing.

If he is only like this in spring it may be being caused by him eating the spring grass that is often deficient in magnesium.  Look at feeding him a magnesium supplement in springtime.

There are many excellent books on Feeding.  I would recommend 'The BHS Manual of Horsemanship' and 'The Horse Nutrition Bible' by Ruth Bishop.

Talk to your Feed Supplier.

Exercise:  Ensure that your horse is getting as much turnout time as possible.

Loose school your horse before riding until he has settled.

Alternative Remedies:   Such as Hilton Herbs or Bach Flower Remedies.  I have seen amazing results with Bach Flower Remedies.

If after changing his diet (which must be done gradually) and increasing turnout/exercise you continue to have problems with your horse, then please contact us and we'll be happy to help with the problem. [Top]