Our expert
There are many different ways in which horses can manifest discomfort without necessarily showing overt lameness. It just takes a bit of time and patience - and, frankly, honesty - to recognise them. Just remember that horses are naturally trainable, and any behaviours that suggest otherwise may be an indication that something’s gone awry. While on some occasions, a deterioration in work quality means a call to your instructor, it’s important that you acknowledge there could be something else standing in the way of your progress.
A normal horse may spook at an unexpected object or if he’s startled, however, repeated spooking or persistent tension in this way aren’t normal.