The possibility of pain

In “Reluctant to Jump” (Consultants, EQUUS 442), the author asked for help with her 2-year-old who suddenly started refusing to jump. While trainer Phyllis Dawson offered good advice, I was surprised she didn’t suggest starting with a physical workup by a veterinarian. My first thought was that maybe the colt had started refusing because something hurt. Either his joints are not yet developed enough to take the pounding of landing a jump, or maybe he pulled something while playing in the pasture with his brother. When our horses change their behavior suddenly, it is always good to first rule out any physical problems, and then to work on training issues. Stephanie Cantrell Louisburg, Kansas