Project mare?

Question
Hi, I've brought around three very different horses to successfully show in the hunters/jumpers and eventing, and I understand the level of work required to bring a horse back.  This mare is 13 years old, and she hasn't been worked for at least a year.  She evades contact of the bit, breaks into faster gaits when you take a feel of her mouth, and seems uncomfortable under tack.  I watched her go today, told the owners I wasn't interested, and now wonder if the quality of her build and previous training might come out with time and energy? She was raised, trained, and competed at a dressage barn for the first 8 years of her life, and then sold to a jumper/eventer; clearing five foot courses easily.  She seems to be happy to jump, but what kind of work are we talking about here?  Will lounging exercises help her become more comfortable with accepting contact and rounding up under tack?  I know its there in her memory...I'm just looking for educated opinions!

Answer
There may be several reasons the horse is acting the way she is.  The first thing that comes to my mind is possibly her teeth.  If they have not been well maintained or even done properly (I feel a horse's mouth has not been done properly unless sedated, a mouth speculum is used, and power tools to achieve a proper bit seat-more expensive, but well worth the money) they may have sharp edges in which they are scraping their mouth or tongue, the bit may not sit properly, or it may not fit properly and pinch in their mouth.  Also, if the mare is touchy (as many mares are, especially when in season), she may not like people really getting in her face.  I have a horse like that, sensitive to the slightest movements of your hand and body.  The owners may not be sitting properly (most likely cause) and hanging on to her mouth which is irritating her causing her to hollow her back and rush forward.  You will see this especially when jumping.  It sounds as though, this could be the problem from what you are describing.  The person riding her (or her owners) rode her heavily as she may be a big mover and a very active jumper which may have scared them.  Also soreness in her back from physical or saddle related problems can cause a similar reaction.  

From this you have a few options.  The first thing I would have her examined by a good vet.  Have her mouth looked at, back checked, and really watch how she goes to look for stiffness in a certain area of her body.  If something shows up, then see if it is worth fixing it.  I would expect minor changes and stiffness given her age and competitive history, but you should see nothing major.  Next, I would get on her and ride her personally, not just watch her being ridden by other people.  I have seen several wonderful horses ridden very poorly, and sales turned down simply due to poor riding.  Also, getting on her will tell you more than simply seeing her ridden.

Provided she passes the vet test and you decide she is worth the time, I would bring her home and start her in the most gentle snaffle you have preferably with a flash or figure 8 noseband so she cannot open her mouth to evade the bit.  Then put her in side reins at a length which will maintain contact if she puts her head up or down.  This will encourage her to relax and go long and low which is where you will want to start.  This is how I start every young horse, and it is easier for them to learn to accept steady contact via the side reins than by your hand which can move around a good bit.  Also, it is better for them to have arguements with the side reins than you.  As she learns to accept the contact, gradually shorten the side reins which will encourage her to come more round as time goes on.  Then I would begin a few rides by longing her first, then riding to encourage the contact with you.  Also, you can do exercises yourself on longe with her to improve your seat and hand to keep the contact when she gives it to you.  Also, when she comes round, do not give the contact away, simply maintain a light contact with her supporting her then keep her going.  I think you will be pleased with the progress.

One thing to keep in mind, is her age and the time off will require a little more work.  I will approximate a six month time before she would be ready to begin showing lightly and to have her going really quietly and properly.  She will not be a quick turnaround horse for you most likely.  Also, at the age of 13, you must consider the length of her future show career.  One can reasonably expect up until age 18 or so, but much past that is unusual, especially at the higher levels.  This is not to deter you, simply to inform you of reasonable expectations.  

Good luck and have fun !