hunterseat
Posted : 2/25/2013 12:48:10 AM
He sounds like a lucky horse to have such a concerned owner. Good catch on the new behavior. Some people might not have paid attention.
If it was me, the first thing I'd do is really give him a good once over. I'd groom him within an inch of his life including his feet. You know when they limp their heads will go up, too, so don't overlook the feet. Feel them for heat. Might just have something stuck in there or he might be getting an abcess. If you've brushed/curried him all over and there's no indication of anything sore anywhere, then go over him again with your hands. This time check places like his lips, under his tail (and all underneath there) and make sure nothing's sticking him. Then you might apply a little pressure on his joints to see if that comes up with anything.
One thing my hoof care practitioner taught me, if you turn them on the forehand (both ways) then turn them on the hind end you can often come up with something that's not apparent when they walk straight. For example, hold the lead and, with his front end pivoting in place, get him to yield his back end and continue turning him. If his hips are out that's probably going to show you right there. THEN you can get him to move his front end away from you while his back end stays in place, sort of a crossover on his front feet. If his shoulders are having problems, this is where you'll see it.
Get a couple of pieces of carrots and have him do some stretches - hold the carrot down between his knees. Hold a piece up by his hip on each side.
You can pick up his front foot, gently pull it forward a little bit until he lets his leg lock straight. Gently release it. That's like horse yoga. [
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Try to do the same thing on both sides, whatever you do.
I hope you figure it out. He's telling you something's wrong. Have you switched ferriers recently? You might get your ferrier to check him out.
Good luck! When you do figure it out I hope you'll let us know what you discover!