problem pony

Question
QUESTION: I am just wondering if you could give me a few tips, I have had my pony for about 2 years now she is a gypsy cob she is 9 years old, when I got her she had been quite mistreated, and would not even let you near her let alone touch her nose, now she has turned out brill, very friendly... the problem being when being ridden out, she nearly always naps and walks backwards, if I try to stop her she rears up.... which I find very distressing especially when cars are around which is very dangerous.  She also refuses to ride in front or out alone doing all of the above, she is very dangerous out on roads, not because she is scared of traffic but of all the above. I do hope you could give me some advice to help her get better, as I enjoy riding out very much, and am considering selling her to get a horse which will ride out in front or alone. thanks

ANSWER: Hi Lynne, Tell me about the tack you are using on her. Have you had a proper saddle and bit fitting? What was her education before you got her and what was she trained to do?  What level of rider are you?  Rearing and refusals usually lead me to believe there is either a tack issue or a fear issue.  Gypsy's are a docile breed, so this is unusual. Your bit may be too harsh or your saddle may not fit her well, causing her pain. You could take her back to the round pen, ground work basics with a rope halter and put the time into properly reschooling her. Or yes, you could sell her for a very quiet trail horse that you can be sure would not hurt you.  Send me some feedback and let me know more details. Thanks. Regards, Susan

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QUESTION: She has a snaffle bit, and with her being a flat back gypsy cob I have a wintec treeless saddle wide fitting. I do not know much of her background only she was ill treated, she has been used for a cart and we have tried but she is terrified... normally when I first start riding her her breathing is very bad, and tacking up is getting easier, before she would be very head shy, and when putting saddle on her back she would clench her whole body in as though she had been hit while doing this.. she is getting better as though she is now trusting me more. We have been doing a bit of lunging with her, to start with she hates it rearing up etc, then calms down, she gets very sweaty as though she has galloped for miles,  personally I think it is all fear..
Thanks Lynne

Answer
Hi Lynne, It sounds like you are doing everything right for her. Poor thing, I hate to hear of these docile horses being abused. If you think you can get her past her fear issues using natural horsemanship techniques, she may turn out to be quite nice for you.  But if you are in a hurry to ride out and don't want to reschool her, you will want to interview prospective buyers well to be sure she goes to the very best of homes when you sell her. This is really a difficult decision that you alone can make.  Alot depends on your training skills and the time you have to put into her. Hope this helps.  I am glad you are using mild tack on her.  Regards, Susan