Here are a few tips on how to tell if your horse is in pain:
Lameness or an unusual gait.
You should always lunge your horse before you ride and give it a health check. Check to see how they are trotting – is it even? Well paced? Are they limping? These are all symptoms that need to be investigated further. Ask your parent, instructor or local vet to check.
Eating less.
If your horse is not eating and seems to have lost its appetite, there may be several reasons. 1. Your horse may have colic. If your horse does have colic you will notice the horse will sweat more then usual. You must keep them standing up and moving. 2. Your horse may have a stomach ulcer. 3. Your horse may have dental issues. 4. Your horse is just fussy and they may want a different type of food! My suggestion is to always be curious, investigate what’s happening and seek advice.