Plötzliche Wesensveränderung beim Pferd – Ursachen, Symptome und Lösungen

Sudden change in horse's character - causes, symptoms and solutions

Patricia Rathgeb

Something is different.

You don't know what happened, but you know for sure that something is wrong.  

Horses are sensitive animals whose behavior is influenced by many factors. If a horse's personality suddenly changes, it can be very worrying.  

The reasons for such a change in character can be varied - from health problems to stress or environmental changes. In this article, you will learn what causes sudden changes in horse's character, how you can recognize them and what solutions there are to help your horse.  

Ready? Let's get started .

What does a sudden change in a horse’s behavior mean?

A sudden change in character in horses describes a significant change in their behavior and temperament. The horse can suddenly be aggressive, nervous or fearful, although it was previously calm and relaxed. It can also appear lethargic or apathetic, although it was previously active and motivated. Changes in character are an important warning signal and can indicate physical or psychological problems.  

In many cases, such changes are the expression of an imbalance in the body or the state of mind. There are various ways to find out and resolve the causes - be it through veterinary examinations or the targeted use of the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX or the BIOS horse blanket .  

Do you understand where these behavioral changes can come from?  

I'll explain it to you:  

Possible causes for sudden changes in horse behavior

1st Medical causes

Physical discomfort is one of the most common causes of behavioral changes in horses. Pain and discomfort can cause horses to react unpredictably.  

  • Pain : Dental problems, back pain, lameness or muscle tension can have a strong impact on a horse's behavior. They often lead to aggression or withdrawal.  
  • Metabolic disorders : Conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) can lead to behavioral changes. Symptoms such as unexplained aggression or lethargy can be signs of a metabolic disorder.  
  • Hormonal changes : Heat can lead to behavioral changes, especially in mares. Hormonal imbalances can also manifest themselves in geldings and stallions as sudden nervousness or aggression.  
  • Illnesses : Stomach ulcers, colic or inflammation in the body can cause pain and stress. Chronic pain in particular often leads to personality changes.  
  • Tendon and muscle problems : Acute tendon injuries or muscle tension lead to discomfort and altered movement behavior.  

2nd Psychological causes  

In addition to physical problems, psychological stress can also lead to sudden personality changes.  

  • Stress : Stress caused by a change in the environment - such as a change of stable or new horses in the herd - can lead to nervousness and fear. Incorrect training or excessive demands also have a negative effect on behavior.  
  • Trauma : Horses that have had bad experiences (e.g. accidents, abuse or improper handling) can react traumatized and show sudden changes in behavior.  
  • Boredom and under-stimulation : Horses that are not sufficiently stimulated or occupied often develop stereotypical behavior or appear apathetic. Sudden discomfort and frustration can also occur.

3. Environmental causes

The environment plays a central role in a horse's life. Inappropriate care can lead to behavioral problems.  

  • Inadequate care : Too little exercise, incorrect feed or an environment that is not appropriate for the species can lead to stress and discomfort. A horse that does not get enough exercise often becomes nervous or aggressive.  
  • Incorrect training methods : Horses that are under too much pressure or trained incorrectly often react with behavioral changes. This is shown by rebelliousness or a sudden unwillingness to perform.  
  • Social problems : Changes in the herd, such as new horses or the loss of a herd member, can affect behavior. An isolated horse often becomes restless or depressed.  

What am I getting at?

There are many different reasons why a horse may experience sudden changes in behavior. It is therefore important to determine the cause in order to solve the problem. 

But what comes next?

In addition to finding the cause, it is crucial that you observe your horse closely again in order to get a complete picture of the change in behavior. 

Do you need an example?

A horse that appears to suddenly become aggressive may only show aggression during a particular movement or in a particular movement pattern. 

A horse that suddenly experiences a significant drop in performance during training may not only be unmotivated, but may also eat poorly or distance itself from its herd in the pasture. 

My question to you: What changes in your horse’s character do you notice?  

Below you will find different types and their effects.

Types of personality changes – How do they manifest themselves?

There are several behavioral changes that may indicate a deeper problem:  

  • Aggression and restlessness : Sudden aggression can indicate pain or frustration. Horses that were previously gentle suddenly become irritable and restless.  
  • Apathy and withdrawal : A horse that suddenly distances itself from the herd or no longer shows any interest in its surroundings may be suffering from physical or psychological stress.  
  • Nervousness and fear : Horses that suddenly react fearfully to everyday situations may be suffering from stress or trauma. This behavior is often observed in horses that have had traumatic experiences.  
  • Changes in eating behavior : Loss of appetite or excessive eating are often signs of health problems or stress.  
  • Refusal to perform or tiredness : A horse that suddenly shows no motivation or seems constantly tired could be suffering from energy blockages or metabolic problems.  

In other words: The causes and effects can be incredibly varied and in some cases very difficult to understand. Horses cannot talk to us and you probably don't have the opportunity to keep your horse under constant observation 24/7. 

But you can always help best when you have found the cause. 

What does this mean for you?

The first thing to do is to find the cause – and I’ll tell you how! 

Analysis options – How do I find out what’s going on?

In order to find the cause of the change in personality, thorough investigation is essential.  

1st veterinary examination

Depending on the extent and type of personality change, it may be advisable to consult a veterinarian. Blood tests, dental checks or X-rays can provide information about possible health problems.  

2nd EQUUSIR BEST-BOX

Another option for simple and comprehensive causal research is the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX . This carries out a 360° analysis at the cellular level. Within just 2 minutes, the energy flow in the horse's body is examined and a comprehensive report is created that reveals physical and mental weak points.  

In other words: The BEST-BOX analyses the body in depth and shows in which areas of the body the flow of energy is disturbed and where it functions optimally.  

But the BEST-BOX goes one step further: Not only is a comprehensive analysis carried out, but targeted applications are also carried out using photobiomodulation and infrared-B .  

These technologies offer enormous benefits on a mental and physical level . While photobiomodulation activates the body's self-healing powers and supports cell regeneration, infrared-B penetrates deep into the tissue and promotes blood circulation and the reduction of inflammation. This holistic treatment brings the body into its natural homeostasis - a state in which physical and mental processes are optimally balanced.  

This not only accelerates regeneration, but also allows stress and trauma to be sustainably reduced in order to improve the horse's well-being and performance in the long term.  

The result: You have now found the cause and can now effectively deal with the solution so that your horse becomes fit and healthy again.  

Solutions – What can I do?

Once the cause of the change in character has been found, there are various approaches to help your horse. The report from the BEST-BOX helps to find an individual solution - this ranges from changes in the herd/housing to changing the feed or bringing in other experts (veterinarians, therapists...).  

1st Optimize husbandry and feeding

Species-appropriate housing with sufficient exercise and a balanced diet is the basis for your horse's well-being. Make sure your horse has enough exercise and activity and is not given any incorrect feed additives.  

2nd Adjust training

Review your training concept and make sure that your horse is not over- or under-challenged. A balanced training can help reduce stress and strengthen the trust between horse and rider.  

3. EQUUSIR BEST-BOX applications

Following the analysis, applications of colored light (photobiomodulation) and infrared-B are carried out, which restore the flow of energy in the body. The BEST-BOX promotes the horse's regeneration and performance - physically and mentally. In the BEST-BOX we make use of the principle of the body's reaction to frequencies: energy deficits are balanced out and disruptions in cell communication are eliminated. This principle makes the BEST-BOX so effective!  

If you would like to find out the cause of the sudden change in your horse's personality or would like to help resolve the imbalances, then contact us for a visit to our BEST-BOX.
We will put you in touch with a BEST therapist near you!  

4th EQUUSIR BIOS horse blanket

The BIOS blanket is ideal for daily use and can be used specifically for mental problems such as stress and trauma, or for physical problems such as muscle tension or acute injuries . It is an excellent solution for regulating the flow of energy in the horse's body and controlling vital functions. It works on the principle of neurostimulation and provides gentle but effective support. The blanket can be used daily without the horse getting used to it.  

Thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try out the horse blanket risk-free.  

Wait until you try it! The results speak for themselves. Many horse owners have already had positive experiences with the BEST-BOX and the BIOS horse blanket. Below you will find excerpts from our Happy Athletes brochure.

Roxette , a talented showjumping mare with outstanding ability and many successes, suffered from hormonal fluctuations, anxiety and a tendon injury. This combination made training and everyday life difficult, especially when loading. In the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX she received individualized applications of color light therapy and infrared B to relieve both the anxiety and the tendon injury. The therapy was very successful: the tendon healed completely and Roxette now appears calmer, more balanced and free of panic reactions.

Eskada , a seven-year-old mare, showed ambitious and courageous behavior, but was quickly stressed due to her sensitivity and sensitivity to noise, which led to unnecessary errors in the course and digestive problems such as diarrhea. The aim of the treatment in the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX was to reduce stress and stabilize digestion. After several applications from February to April 2014, Eskada was already noticeably more relaxed and the digestive problems were completely resolved.

L'Emporio , an eleven-year-old gelding, suffered from poor concentration, allergies, digestive problems and several bouts of colic. After two falls and the long periods of standing during rehabilitation, his muscles were weakened. He was then treated in the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX with individual color light therapy. The result was impressive: L'Emporio recovered completely, was high-spirited and showed great performance when jumping. Since the treatment, he has had no more colic and his vitality and jumping power have fully recovered.

Are you interested in the details of these case studies (color sequence, current status before and after the applications, ...) or other case studies? Then contact us - we will be happy to send you further documents with exciting insights!

What does all this mean for you?

Personality changes must be taken seriously – act now!  

Sudden changes in a horse's behavior should always be taken seriously. They can indicate serious physical or psychological problems. With a thorough analysis and targeted measures, such as using the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX and the BIOS horse blanket , you can help your horse effectively and promote its health in the long term.  

Book an appointment now in the EQUUSIR BEST-BOX and find out what is behind the change in your horse’s personality! 

Or order the BIOS horse blanket  with a 30-day money-back guarantee and support the restoration of your horse's natural balance!  

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.