Expert: Jennifer Bulger - 9/17/2009

Question
Hi there, My horses name is Max he is an ex-eventer 16.1 and is 13 years old, he is semi retired as he was diagnosed with degenerative joint disease in his fetlock at the age of 9.  I do not do a great deal with him but I occasionally ride but only walking and for short amounts of time which is apparently good for him.  I have had him for 3 years and he has always had stroppy tendancies (you have to watch both ends for teeth and legs) I adore him and he is lovely and not my first horse I have been around and working for over 20 years.  A few weeks ago he seemed to get even more aggressive and angry, when I brought him in from the field at night he sometimes spins round and kicks out (not at me) but he nearly had one of my friends the other night.  He seems to be very bitey when I just touch him but even worse when I brush him (I do tell him off and carry on).  I use to be able to kiss him goodnight in the stable but now he even seems not to want me to touch him in there he tends to run back and kick the side of the stable or the other week he actually went for my leg and actually caught me (most of the time he actually doesnt make contact).  

I wonder if you could help me and give me some idea of why you think he could be doing this, i originally thought it was maybe because he was in pain with his leg but he runs around the field.  He does tend to come in with me rather sore but I know that when he sees me it looks worse then when I am not around.

Thank you for your help and time

Answer
Hi Rosemarie,

Sorry to hear about the issues you are having with your horse. It really sounds like he is in pain and I'd suggest having a vet do a complete exam on him, to include not only soundness but teeth, back, etc. Horses don't have the ability to fabricate a physical lameness for their owners benefit, so the soreness you see that is worse after his turnout is real and legit. He may need to go on supplements or perhaps needs a joing injection to be comfortable on that leg.

Best Wishes,

Jen