LWVTB, Would this be unreasonable?

[TheQueenOfDiamonds]

Horse on loan, at loanees yard with view to buy. Previously had sarcoids in the ear, Lazered off, No sarcoids present currently.

Lovely horse, No other issues, Moves beautifully, Accepts the bit, Leads perfectly, Sensible, Accepts the bit, Has been sat on no problems.

However, He is incredibly ear shy when it comes to the bridle. No other time, Just the bridle. It's not the teeth as he does it with or without the bit.

Seller says it is just trust he needs as he is head shy because of the treatment for sarcoids. Others think it is something more - Possibly pain (Although no sign of pain any other time, No problems putting a headcollar on/off).

Managed to get bridle on by putting it on in pieces, took it off the same way. Seems fine with bridle once it is on. Lunged with it on, No extreme behaviour - ffaffed around a little bit the mouth but thats forgiveable in a youngster who's not really done any work with any tack on.

Would it be unreasonable to ask that a vet comes out to confirm that it is purely shyness? [Also at whos cost?] Or alternatively, 3 month loan, will buy if the bridle situation improves - 3 months is plenty of time for some improvement if it is a simple case of horse being a little nervous of the bridle around the ears.

[Callisto]

I think a longish trial is a good idea. Properly head shy horses are a pain in the butt, but can usually be cured by consistant and gentle handling. It might be an idea to rule out any pain, I would imagine that you would have to foot the bill for the vet though.

[AlpinePony]

Is it possible you can try riding in a bitless or hackamore for a few days to see if there's any improvement?

[Treblesallround]

If he's happy with the headcollar and his ears being handled then it's probably not pain, so a lengthy loan to hopefully get some improvement might be a good way forward, but if you're in any doubt I'd get the vet out to rule it out, and have you checked for mites in the ear? (maybe split the cost of a vet visit?).

I'm sure you've checked this, but when we bought DH's mare one of the issues the very honest sellers pointed out was that she didn't like the bridle going over her ears. We got her a wider browband (she has an enormous head) and the problem went away.

One of the youngsters on our yard who is just being started has a similar issue with having the bridle over her ears so her owner has had the bridle adapted so she can put it on like a headcollar then easily buckle the bit on.

Good luck with it all, hope it works out

[horseylady]

Depends how much they need to sell. I personally wouldn't loan for three months (termination in sept just before winter tricky time to sell) for that issue. Id consider a month it's long enough without being too long. To be honest if I didn't know someone I don't think I'd lwvtb whatever. Vet the horse, take your chances. That's just me!! I've heard too many horror stories about horses going back in dreadful states. That's just from a sellers point of view!! Buying yes ask, see what happens!! They can only say no. I can't say it would worry me too much, but my pony hates her ears being touched (unless tacking her up!!) and there's no reason for it other than she doesn't like it. Think it's like clipping, it tickles so she objects!!

[horseylady]

Sorry just re read your post! I would ask for three months ESP at the same yard! Good luck hope it's all ok!

[TheQueenOfDiamonds]

He is at my yard. Seller has had a baby and i fetched him from the previous loaners yard to save seller having to fetch him home, organize new yard, only to have to move him again upon sale.

She said originally that she wasn't desperate for the money, take as long as i need.. Since i fetched him though she is more keen for the sale to be done.

Alpine pony - I will try and get hold of one, One he does it without a bit in the normal bridle. It's going over the ears he doesn't like. Will have another go when the yard is quiet though. He does act up a bit in front of other people for some reason.

For example bathing - If anyone is watching he acts like the hose is going to kill him, Empty yard though and i can put the hose anywhere, drape it over his body, rinse his mane for a good 20 minutes.. the second someone appears though he backs off! Same with lunging. Everyone on my yard has seen him lunge, all amazed by him. However, YO watched earlier. He planted his feet and refused to move. As soon as she turned the corner out of sight he went beautifully. Didn't put a foot wrong. Had a right fun session!

Trebles - I will try a wider browband, And will try and check properly for mites as i didnt think of that. [I need to remember my glasses ]

He did let me touch all over his ears today and gave his head a good scartch all over, inbetween ears etc. He flinched at first a bit but stood nicely.

[Eve]

Have teeth been checked, a bit banging against a sharp tooth can make them head shy, also too tight a browband.

Maybe get a vet to sedate so you can have a good look in ears and make sure no problems.

Mine hates ears being touched & bridle over his ears as we think he's been ear twitched .. New forest pony of the forest...

[SoSad007]

Hi Queen, as the horse market is really down at the moment, I don't think that it would be unreasonable to ask the seller to let you LWVTB for the next 3 months. Just be prepared that if she gets a buyer in who is really keen on him, that he may be sold from under your nose. However the seller must bear in mind that most horses are not selling quickly at the moment, and its better that her horse is on loan with you.

If you haven't had him all that long, I am assuming that you are only just getting to know him, and don't know yet whether he is a suitable longterm partner for you. Does that sound right? Hence the three months loan will also help you decide whether you want him for the long term, or if your happier just riding him for the short term.

And since he did let you touch and scratch his head all over, including his ears, I think with some good, consistent, positive handling, he will learn to accept you faffing about with his ears. The more he learns to trust you, the more you will be able to do.

Hope this helps.

[AlpinePony]

I think the big browband is a great idea, because they can really cause pain across the temples. My mare has one a 6 year old Hello Kitty fan would have palpitations over because it was the biggest in the shop! ;)

[rogersmellyonthetelly]

Mine is like this, hates the bridle coming over his ears. If its just a snaffle you can put the headpiece over his ears and then put the bit in and buckle up the sides. We have a double which is much trickier and have had to settle for dropping both bits as low as they will go so we have plenty of space to get it over his ears, then tighten the cheeks to their normal holes.