charging horse

Question
I bought a Tennessee Walking horse about a month ago. The guy I bought her from said he never rode her but the guy he got her from said his young son rode her all the time. The first day I rode her bareback for just a few minutes and she reared up once but I had control. Later, she kicked my husband. The next day I rode her and she reared up a few times but again I had control and no problem. I put her up and went out into the pasture to pet her and she pinned her ears back, head down ready to charge. I tried for a little while and finally left her alone. She is continuing that behavior. If I am giving her an apple or snack she will still act that way but once she knows I have something for her she will get close enough so I can get her halter. If I can get her halter she is a different horse. You can walk her, pick up her feet, lead, she stands still to accept the bridle and saddle, etc.. Once you catch her she is a very good ride. The rearing up has stopped and she bucked a couple of times but I think I can get that out of her.
She is out in the pasture all the time with a Quarter Horse and a little miniature horse. She is supposed to be about six to eight years old. She does fine with the other horses except the little miniature lets her know who is the boss. Is there anyway I might get this behavior out of her? I've tried just giving her snacks and petting her without catching her, catching her and just walking around as well as just being present and letting her know I'm there. I've only had her a month and I know it takes time, I'm just wondering if it might be that she was abused at one time and maybe that's the way she's going to be. Any advice will be greatly appreciated!  

Answer
Hi Anita!

From what I understand about the breeding of Walkers, they throw the weanlings out to 24/7 pasture in groups for a few years.  They are untouched by humans and then at a certain age that they want to break them, they go out, rope'em and force them into human contact.  This is supposed to give them spirit in the show ring.

First, you have no "real" relationship with this mare.  You are just another human to her and I tell everyone it can take up to 18 months to build the beginning of a good relationship with your new horse.

Secondly, if your mare was raised as I said before, she has everything she needs in the pasture and you just aren't important to her.  But, once you halter her, she remembers her training and willingly becomes a riding horse.

Was your horse abused?  I cannot say, I don't know anything about her.  But, it sounds like she was raised in the tradition of the Walkers and that is why she is so comfortable in the pasture and unconcerned with pleasing you.

You said she is a good ride.  Build on that and keep on showing her you want to have a real relationship with her...on or off her back.  She will slowly accept you and show you her real worth!

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

Solange