Up in the air

Rearing can be dangerous for both horse and rider, but once a horse has developed the habit can it be reversed? Andrea Oakes finds out

- Andrea Oakes

A REARING habit is considered among the worst of equine behaviours. A horse who “stands up” of his own accord can be difficult to handle and dangerous to ride; if he falls over backwards, the consequences are potentially catastrophic.

The causes of rearing can be complex and may involve both physical and psychological issues that need to be carefully unravelled. Where’s best to start?

“When a client presents me with a rearing horse, it’s important to rule out any pain that might be causing this behaviour,” says Dr Liz Barr MRCVS, of Barr Equine Veterinary. “We’re becoming more aware that horses are rarely ‘born naughty’. Unwanted behaviours, such as rearing, are more often down to failures by the owner or trainer – for example, failure to train correctly, correct badly fitting tack or recognise a physical source of pain.”

Liz’s first step is to obtain a full clinical history to determine the horse’s age, how long he has been with his current owner, whether anyone else rides him and, if so, whether he rears with another rider. She then ascertains whether the horse has had appropriate dental attention and routine saddle-fit checks, before noting any recent tack changes – especially those involving bits or saddles.