Pacing In Circles

[Tisbouncy]

As many of you know, I have the most amazing blind horse (Braille), who is fat, healthy and just the best.  We do however, have one hopefully minor problem...Braille constantly paces in circles in an anti-clockwise direction only.  Does anyone have any input as to what would cause him to do this? 

[grandprix84]

Not to scare you but I knew a dog once that had a stroke and would walk in circles... I cant remember if it was clockwise or counter clockwise.

[deb be]

I am assuming you mean while hes in his stall that he does this.   Since you mention it,  if my horse is pacing its always clock wise only.  I assume hes right handed or "hooved" if you will.  Does your horse display some attitude with this pacing?  Every so often its like my horse will keep looking to the west ( I see & hear nothing.....) and he'll get heated up and drop alot of manure.  I once googled horse temper tantrum and someone had videos of this behaviour in their horse.  He doesn't do it enough for me to think of it as a vice like weaving.  It doesn't look like a colic when he does it but thats always a MAJOR concern.  My horse has been getting in alot of out time and yesterday he didn't get any.  I've been transitioning from O/A to timothy also.  The winds kicked up yesterday too.  Sometimes I think he smells the horses way over to the west beyond me or hears them;  or the coyote might be around or his scent in the air.  Or he hears some idiot shooting off fireworks in the distance.  On the 4th of July and New Years I am sure to see the behaviour.

Horses sure are interesting animals at times.  Its nice to share quirks,  I'm glad that mine isn't the only one who sometimes paces.  When mine paces he is gorgeous and animated -  its also a time to be very careful as he can get more than alittle rude.  The weather is hot then cold,  dry then wet.  It kind of makes me feel like pacing too.

[Tisbouncy]

Actually, he is not stall kept.  I guess mine are concidered 'pasture' horses or 'back-yard' horses to some..LOL.  Anyways, he has their area totally mapped out in his head...knows his side of their paddock for feeding, knows where the water trough is and the shelter with their hay roll. And when he paces, it's without attitued...just strolls along...but in a circle.  Depending on his mood, sometimes the circles are large and others small.  I just would love to know why he does this. 

[Delia]

This may sound weird, but  have you ever thought about getting in touch with an animal communicator?  Like almost everything else when dealing with humans, some are true quacks; therefore, go with your gut.
However, you will find that there are authentic communicators and there is so much insight we can learn about our animals, their likes and dislikes, past history, etc.   

[Tisbouncy]

Delia, doesn't sound weird at all.  I am open to all/most options when it comes to the well being of my animals. Is there anyone in particular that you'd recommend?

[8Belles]

Beth, I've used a lady on Mickey and Starburst. The things she said were right on, and there was no way of guessing the things she said.
She's pretty reasonable price- I believe 50 for 30 minutes?- compared to other people you can find.

joann-escott.com

[miss m]

if he is BLIND he is probably walking in circles out of boredom...a small circle would seem safer than trying to walk straight..it sounds like a nervous reaction to loss of sight...that must be one very sad horse...I sure wish you well with him.

[polomare]

Expanding on what miss m said, sounds like this horse would appreciate time on a hotwalker or treadmill.
Once he learned what it was, and knew the path was safe . . . would be a great energy outlet for him.

If it is not in the budget, maybe a local farm would be nice enough to rent/let you use theirs . . .

[Tisbouncy]

Braille shows no signs what so ever to being nervous and I have met some very nervous blind horses, as well as extremely nervous (owner induced) seeing horses.  He is a very calm, loving, trusting horse who loves to be ridden and go for trail rides... And no Miss m, I do not think in any way shape or form that he is 'one very sad horse' and thank you for wishing me well with him.

[Delia]

If you haven't already done so, go on Google and type in "Valiant Quest."  It is the story of Jeanette Sassoon and her blind horse Valiant, it is remarkable and inspiring.  She had faith in herself and extreme faith in her horse, and nothing could stop her.  Valiant trusts her completely.  She even took him on their annual trips to Wyoming where she trail rode him. 
I feel privileged to have known and spent time with both Jeanette and Valiant.

[Tisbouncy]

I actually chatted with her when I first got Braille.  Her story was/is very inspiring...thanks!

[parkerfarrier service]

Well, I think this is neurological or perhaps just a learned behavior.  If it's going on often and for long durations, I would consult a vet. I would discuss the possibility of a stroke, learn of any preventative options, etc. In any case, I think it's really great that you care for a horse with special needs. Keep us updated!

[Jeny]

I dont find this odd with a blind horse. He can get a grasp of what is going on around him by walking circles. It makes more sense then him walking straight to "hear". In the wild, no horse path is straight as they move their heads side to side to see and hear for danger. Lumberin along moving their head side to side the body follows.

[FINO]

Is it only at certain times that the horse paces? We have a rescue that was severly underweight he used to pace all the time for the first couple of weeks, now he figured out feeding times and he only starts pacing about an hour before that.  I am guessing with a blind/ prior abused horse she might just want to make sure she isn't forgotten when it's feeding time.

[Tisbouncy]

I have always thought his pacing was a "security blanket" thing for him as he has done this every since I've had him.  He did stop for a couple of days when I had a Cranial Therapist work on him.  His pacing just seems to be a comfort thing for him...though he does seem to pace more after he has had his grain and just before planting himself firmly at the hay roll.

Anyways, I do have a call in to the Equine Ophthalmology Dept at the vet clinic in Gainesville to get their input.

Seth - Thank you for your lovely comment. With a horse like Braille, I'd do it over again in a heart beat!  He is without a doubt the most special, trusting horse that I have ever come across.  According to my farrier, he's a dream to work on as I've taught him that a tap on his leg near the hoof means to lift and he'll stand there as good as gold till he's done.  Now with my other boy, it's a case of catch my hoof if you can...LOL

[ladybug]

I know Jo-Ann Escott personally and she is excellent!  She has been a enormous help to me when I have issues with all of my animals and need the extra information the her gift of animal communication can provide.  I second the suggestion to use an animal communicator and would highly recommend Jo-Ann!  She is very reasonable in price and her main objective is to help our beloved animal partners! 

[Classic2010]

Since the horse is blind, pacing in circles is just a safe thing for her to do......it doesn't sound like any kind of stress....just something safe for her to do.

[Classic2010]

Sorry about the gender...safe for "him" to pace in circles...

[Tisbouncy]

I'm not worried as I know (at least pretty sure) it's not a stress thing as he just plods along, sometimes head down and at other times, there's a pep in his step, but never that 'worried' look or dance.  I try to lunge him in the opposite direction as much as possible to 'even' him out and also take him for shot trail rides, which he loves.