Any ideas?

[Breezesbenefactor]

Since moving my horse a couple of weeks ago everything has gone better than I could have dreamt. However, she's started to develop some bad habits, the first was walking away from the mounting block though we've got over that one however, the other is dropping her shoulder when going into canter and cutting off corners, the other is refusing to trot or canter a circle (we get 3/4 the way round and she plays up). I've put this down to a reduced level of exercise combined with a feed change over grass & hay only?

So my question is, is this just a passing phase and are there any magic tricks to try and overcome these problems before they take a permanent footing?

 

[Peanot]

All horses, when they go to a new owner try it on. Because you have moved her, and it is a different atmosphere etc, she is probably doing the same! trying it on.
If there is nothing wrong physically, then perhaps just give her time but don`t let her get away with anything that you wouldn`t usually.

 

[flyingfeet]

Keep making her repeat the exercises until the novelty wears off!

 

[Breezesbenefactor]

You're right she is trying it on, she has improved in other areas but perserverance is the key I guess - thank you

 

[Breezesbenefactor]

Thats just it at the moment I can get the circle trotted after 1/2 hour or so but that involves cantering like a madman and bolting over jumps - but I guess its just time, thanks

 

[filly190]

Has she run round her new field and put her back out? I dont think this is down to a new yard and trying it on, new rider yes, but she knows you. The reluctance to let you on, when usually she is ok may be the start of her trying to tell you something. Then when you do get on, she is not going very well.

 

[Breezesbenefactor]

It did cross my mind however, she goes like the clappers at the moment but when in the field she rarely does more than graze. I'm back on her this Thursday so if the problem persists I'll have the back man out

 

[galaxy]

I would definitly get her back checked. If she used to stand when you get on and now she's reluctant and now your having problems with circles then it does sound quite typical of a sore back. I think you should always give horses benefit of the doubt first before getting after them.

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Can you get a more experienced person to ride her? I know that there is a girl called Jenny who works part time at your yard, she was always a fab rider and often used to ride naughty ponies at my old riding school, if you are having doubts it may be rubbing off on breeze. If she, or anyone else has problems then yes I would suggest having her back checked.

Remember also that doing circles and going into the corners is harder work - this could emphasise a pain, or could mean that she is avoiding it because she is being lazy.