Monty Roberts Equus Online University | Monty's Horse Training Post: what are his ears saying

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What I say to my friends who don’t understand why I’m doing this

what are his ears saying

By:

unicorn

Date:

2012-Jul-12 at 01:15PM

hi guys back online oscar has been a bit moody im wondering what you think when a horse ears are to the side not flat but to the side his eating and drinking but is abit grumpy im wondering if his unwell maybe teething i know wolf teeth come around his age but if it was his mouth would there be sighns thanks jules

Kicki -- Sweden 2012-Jul-12 at 02:29PM

Without seeing the horse "in action" and close up, it is almost impossible to say, but ears in "donkey-position" can very well be a sign of the horse not feeling well. Or at least being irritated over something.
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Could be anything, really, from a minor discomfort (weather/flies/other horses/tired from a growth spurt) to an infection. (ticks/hooves/teeth...)
Could be teething. Some horses show more grumpiness than others over that. Check for lumps under his chin/jaw as a new root (for a molar) forming could give cause to smaller infections.
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First of all check his body temp. If he has a fever, you should call the vet.

unicorn 2012-Jul-13 at 10:41AM

thanks kicki i had alook online for teething sighns so that said what you said about the lumps and along the jaw area is a little line of swelling and i would say he is holding his mouth a little differently so i think teething will keep an eye on his feeding and swelling and get the dentist in if neeeded and maybe some bordom we have had some bad weather here and i have been sick and havent been able to spend as much time together but i have a new trainer im checking out monday who hopfully is going to help me gove osacr lots to think about and do and i have just bought a big pink pilates ball for his paddock . so hopfully that will cheer him up a bit thanks jules
ps no fevers

Kicki -- Sweden 2012-Jul-13 at 03:03PM

Good to hear there's no fever. :) 'Sure sounds like his teeth are giving him some trouble, then. Hopefully, it will pass without further complications, but good move to keep an eye on it.