running away

Question
I purchased Wally 9 months ago.He is an 8 year old paint gelding.Soon after I purchased him he took up with my 5 year old mare and would not let other horses get close to her,he would kick at them while riding.My husband would ride my mare (Dolly) and I would ride Wally.Wally would have to be right by her or we would fight the whole ride.Now he is not so bad if I keep him at the back while my husband rides in the front.The past several months if you kick him he wants to run and start pitching.He has thrown me twice with the last time bruising me up pretty good!The last time I didn't even kick him when he started running and pitching.I was in the back on a trail ride,we had ridden for several hours;the rest of the horses took off in a trot and so here we go off again.I would really like to keep him but don't want to end up hurt in the process.I can't work him in the round pen because he turns his rear to me and tries to kick with both feet.He is great on the ground,I couldn't ask for better ground manners.He won't ride by himself and is very stubborn on top of him if he isn't doing what he wants.He is a prancer when he doesn't get his way.It is as though he gets mad and decides he is done.Wally is easy to catch after he has busted loose.I purchased him from a buffalo ranch here in Texas;as far as anyone knows he has never had an altercation with the buffalo.Both times he has dumped me at the ranch - but no buffalo were around.We have ridden by the buffalo before with no problems.I don't think the buffalo are an issue.Wally is a little over 15 hands and weighs about 1800 lbs.Very beautiful markings of a black/white paint.(but no so beautiful when i am on the ground. Ha!)Also very thick all over as you may imagine.I am just getting tired of getting thrown!I would appreciate any input that you may have! Thank you,Kathy

Answer
Hi Kathy, Try working him in the round pen, at first on the ground and ten under saddle without a rider. Once he is doing everything perfectly, have someone lunge you in the R/P, while you are on him in his saddle and bridle. Your ground work will transfer into saddle quite quickly if you are doing it correctly.  For 15 hands, he does seem to have a grass belly, worms or something which is making him so heavy.  This is not good for his health. Try cutting back on his grain.  You are correct to ride with a partner or a trainer until you have him in complete control. If he is barn sour, trot or canter him away from the barn, but make him walk slowly, taking frequent stops as you head back to the barn.  We are located in Florida, but if you need further help, please keep me posted. Leave me some feedback, a nomination (if you wish), and let me know how he  is progressing for you. Thank you. Regards, Susan