We have a 13 year old barrel mare who has only been running for about 2 years. Her first year of competition was incredible and she and my daughter ended up reserve 1D champions in our NBHA. Then, it all started going down hill. Alley issues started and have just gotten worse. After about 2 months of issues and a clean vet check, someone suggested that we have her adjusted. She had major lower back issues. After a few adjustments and a new saddle that fits better, her back has stayed fine. However, the alley issues have only gotten worse. We originally thought that we had to re-teach her that running did not hurt since we had been running her with a sore back. About 2 months ago, she began rearing in the alley. We tried several soothing supplements that have helped slightly but eventually stop working. I know that part of the problem is that my daughter now anticipates the issues and is more tense than she should be in the saddle. But, several people have tried and cannot get her in an arena without the rearing as well so it is not all my kid. The first vet check did not find the back problem and the second vet check was good too with no problems being found. But, as I read things like your forum, I keep seeing comments on ulcers. Our horse shows none of the physical signs of an ulcer. She eats like a pig...like she has not eaten in weeks...every time we put food in front of her. She is on a good pasture and is kept out all day to graze with hay in the stall to graze on as well. However, could an ulcer been the cause of the alley issues?
