Horse behavior question

Question
Hi, I currently have a horse, she will be 2 years in June. Over night, I keep her in her stall in the barn, and then in the mornings I take her up to the pasture.  She has always been fine with this.  Recently, she doesn't seem to want to go up to the field.  We have no other horses, but we do have cows that go in and out of the barn where her stall is.  As soon as I try to take her out of the barn and up to the field, she tries to protest (either plants her feet in the ground and doesn't move, or starts to rear a little)  I'm pretty tiny, and it's common sense i'm not stronger than her.  I would like to solve this before it starts to get worse.  Any suggestions or ideas would be really appreciated.  Thanks so much.

Answer
Hi Haley!

When it is such a young horse, I like to rule out any physical problems first.  I noticed you said "she doesn't seem to want to go up to the field" Is there a hill involved that she must walk up?  The reason I ask is she may have a leg issue (stifle or something) and she is telling you "this hurts to walk up the hill".  If no hill is involved, then is the ground uneven?  Again, it may be pain.  If she is not broke, you may not notice any subtle lameness.

Have the vet out to do a exam and watch her move at all gaits to make sure she is going soundly.

If she is proven sound by a vet, it is a training issue.  Write me then and I'll give you a detailed explanation to get her worked through it.  It's not a big deal..you were right about not forcing her.  You cannot. She must be trained to move forward on command.

Good luck and remember to always wear an ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange