Dental problems, such as a hook, sharp point, or a broken tooth, can affect your horse's chewing ability. | Photo: The Horse Staff

Q. I’m not usually at the barn during feeding time, but this weekend I happened to be and was shocked to find my horse is dropping a lot of grain. It also seemed like he struggled with some of the hay. He’d take a few bites and chew, stop and open his mouth like he was trying to move it around, and then go back to chewing. He’s also dropped a little weight during last month or so. I’m not sure what is going on because he had his teeth floated only seven months ago. Do you have any suggestions?

A. It is always good to spend time in the barn at different times of day so you can observe your horse under different conditions. This is particularly true if you have been dealing with issues of unknown origin.

Based on what you describe, it sounds like your horse might have an issue somewhere in his mouth. Depending on his anatomy or the thoroughness of his last dental, he might need dental work again. A hook or sharp point might be causing your horse’s problem, or perhaps a tooth is broken. Maybe something, such as a small stick or a foxtail seed, is lodged somewhere in the mouth that’s uncomfortable