VERY herd bound horse

Question
Well I have recently bought a 17 year old TB mare i rode her for about a year at a stable where she was kept for 3 years and i could go out on trail rides with another horse fine. Then she was sold and not ridden for 3 years( I don't know what the situation that she was in there) and i found her online and bought her. I keep her at a farm in a pasture with about 8 other horses and now she gets upset leaving the pasture, I've tried walking her back and forth but it seems to show no signs of any progress. This is not the horse I remember! I've tried to trail with other horses and she trys to turn back, plants her feet, or backs up until i can no longer go anywhere else but back to the pasture. She also sweats like crazy and makes snorting noises. A friend of mine tried to take her with one of the other horses from the herd and she reared up on her. I just don't know what else to do...and i definitely don't want to give up because i know what she can do from what i remember. Any sort of tips would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Adrienne!

It appears that many years off from riding and her new living situation in a herd has made your mare regress to a horse's horse and not a people horse.  The symptoms you describe are classic herd separation anxieties.  You will need help to re-train her to being a riding partner again.

I suggest you do not attempt to do this on your own.  She could very easily unintentionally hurt you in a blind rush to get back to her pasture and what she considers her "safe place".  

You need a professional who understands the dynamics of a herd and how to demonstrate to your old girl that YOU are the new Boss Mare in her life.  That she must do as you say because you are dominant and will keep her safe...not her other horse friends.  There does not need to be violence to get your point across to her.  Yes, you will have to be aggressive and firm but, mostly consistent.  That's the key...to do it the same way everyday, slowly building on the base of trust and dominance until she is doing as you please.

How long will this take?  As long as it takes.  The more you work with her though, the faster the progress should be.

Ask your vet or farrier to recommend a local trainer that could help you and have them out to evaluate your situation.

Your mare still has lot of good riding years left in her and she could go back to what she was with a little time, patience and commitment.

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

Solange