BY SARAH E. COLEMAN / PHOTOS BY DUSTY PERIN
If your normally cooperative horse has become resistant to something he’s done willingly for ages, it’s important you investigate what’s causing his change in attitude. Often what we call “bad behavior” in horses is simply a lack of training, but sometimes it’s a response to pain. When a horse begins to do something out of character— like making a face as you tighten the girth, not picking up a specific lead, or stopping at jumps—something is off. It’s important to consider the question: Is my horse in pain?
These types of changes are worth a call to your veterinarian, who will most likely conduct a physical and lameness exam to determine if and where the horse is experiencing pain. Unfortunately, once the source of the pain is located and treated, your horse may still act differently. Why is this?