Ear Pinning

Question
Hi. I am a long in the tooth rider, been around horses for 50 plus years. Recently bought a dressage horse and when I got him home to our farm, he pinned his ears at feeding, at touching his sides,at turnout( turned out in six acres by himself though next to other horses)  at raising a leg to mount, at saddling. I am too old to take the calculated risks I did as a youth. So, I started from the very beginning - ground work, reinforcing the saddling, response substitution for ear pinning at feeding - all of this after a thorough med evaluation - nothing physical showed up. One year later I have him so he is better at feeding, better at saddling and bridling but the minute I put foot in stirrup, he pinns and my gut tells me he means it, At my age, could be over my head, even though I have ridden upper level horses. Help!!!! Thanks - Susan

Answer
Hi Susan,

Sorry to hear about your issues with your horse, to me it sounds like he's being bothered by ulcers. Especially since you mention he's showing these signs when in a pasture. You will need to have him scoped  by a vet to confirm them. There are many treatment options, including gasto guard, u-guard, etc., also it has been proven in studies that horses fed Straight Alfalfa hay, in several small meals a day (3-4 is ideal) with minor ulcers, can improve on their own without medication. I would suggest a scope by your local vet or equine hospital.

jen