[swilliams]

I have been grooming and lunging my mare without any real problems. The first couple times she would attempt to change direction herself, but was easily corrected and has not been a problem since. Friday she was lunging beautifully! Well today the mare seemed off. When I was brushing her she was stomping her hind legs and swishing her tail as if there were flies (there are not, and no other horse was doing this). She wasn't trying to get away from me, no ears back or anything aggressive. It didn't seem to improve by stopping the grooming either. I thought perhaps she was impatient and ready to go, but when we started lunging she was like a different horse! She was cutting in on the circle, which she has not done before. Trying to change directions, and much harder to correct. She even broke into a canter on her own, which again was very new behavior. Although I cut the session short, I did work her both directions at a walk before stopping; just in case this is just behavioral I didn't want to end our session with her cantering around like a nutcase. She is not generally a challenging horse, this was very out of the norm. I understand horses can be testy, but I just don't want to overlook a potential problem. I did afterwards I did notice her standing with her front legs crossed; I've never seen that, not sure if maybe its just something horses do?

I'm naturally concerned, but can't really put my finger on what's going on. I'm debating if it's worth calling the BO about to keep am eye on her. I thought colic, but she doesn't have any other symptoms. Also she doesn't appear lame. Please help! Thanks!

And I apologize if I am way over reacting, I just worry

 

[verona1016]

It's about the right time of year for her to start having heat cycles, so that could very well be it.

 

[swilliams]

She may be very well coming into heat. This is my first mare, so I may be missing the other signs. I tend to over worry about everything lol

 

[usandpets]

My first thought while reading was a pain issue. However, I think it probably is more related to her going into heat.

Wait a few days to a week. If she doesn't come out of it or gets worse, call your vet to check her over.
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[usandpets]

As for the legs crossing, it could have been that she took a step over to get her balance or went to move over but stopped after moving one leg. It's not common for horses to stand with their legs crossed.
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[swilliams]

Hopefully it is just her coming into heat. She isn't saddle broken (yet). The legs crossing, she was acting up and stopped suddenly, so it is possible she just stopped that way. I'll give her a few days off and if it doesn't improve a vet check will be in order. Thanks for all the replies. I do tend to over worry about my horses; but they definitely stay well cared for because of it! Lol