OTTB

Question
I have an ottb mare. I have had her for 3 yrs. She is 14 now, and seems a little more mellow now but still has her moments.  Whenever I ride her she does well but when I post she freaks out and bucks. She does not want to canter. It scares her so we don't. I won't get back on her until i have built a relationship with her. Sometimes i think she is just really scared of riding but she rides like a dream when she is good. Please help!

Answer
Did this behavior just start?
Could it be the saddle?
How is your riding?
If her saddle is not fitting, when you post it might be moving more on her.
Are you lungeing her?   (Correctly...there are many ways to lunge which are incorrect.

She may have back pain. I think you should have a chiropractor look her over.

Get a book or a DVD written by Linda Tellington Jones ...she has wonderful ways to "connect" with horses.....more so than many other marketing techniques which are currently touted.

She may well be in pain. What do you have in her mouth? You may want to try a Bitless Bridle.


Bucking can well be a balance or fear issue. She should be walking, trotting and cantering easily on the lunge and then have a GOOD groundsperson lunge you on her.

You can contact me Summersdressage@aol.com, www.MitziSummers.com