Back to basics time

[Misshobo]

Hi. I have recently got a new mare, 14.2 hh cob.
We are doing in hand and ground work, lunging and all going well. She will not have her back feet picked up, but I'm making slow progress there.
I have tried to get on a couple of times. She bucks and bolts on mounting, last time landing me a&e as I blacked out and my partner panicked. Just a concussion.
I know I have to get her back checked, saddle fit checked and I have a vet check booked too.
In the meantime, what can I do with her? Just carry on as we are - walking the local bridleways has been good as she loves going out. I need tips to keep her engaged and entertained. She has 24/7 turn out in a small area due to waaaay too much grass, and horses over the hedge for company. Should I get her a field mate?

 

[Ownedby4horses]

Forget everything else, get the vet out straight away for thorough investigations before doing anything else with her.

 

[Widgeon]

Yes, vet first. Based on my own experience, even if nothing obvious comes up, it may be worth x-raying her back to rule out kissing spines. And maybe hocks, if she won't pick her back feet up, just on the off chance that it's related.

This may be a stupid question but presumably she is properly backed? That sort of behaviour on mounting would suggest to me either a) pain, b) previous nasty experiences in the backing process, or c) she has no idea what's going on. Does she have any past owners you could contact to find out anything about her history? And do you know how much work she was in in her last home? If not much, it may be that she has a pre-existing problem that hasn't surfaced before because she wasn't in enough work to aggravate it.

I agree that at this point I wouldn't spend money on a physio or saddle fitter, I'd go straight for vet checks and hopefully that will show up the problem. Its sounds quite bad if it's producing such an extreme reaction. I hope you can get a clear answer soon, it sounds very stressful for all of you.

 

[Misshobo]

Yes, vet first. Based on my own experience, even if nothing obvious comes up, it may be worth x-raying her back to rule out kissing spines. And maybe hocks, if she won't pick her back feet up, just on the off chance that it's related.

This may be a stupid question but presumably she is properly backed? That sort of behaviour on mounting would suggest to me either a) pain, b) previous nasty experiences in the backing process, or c) she has no idea what's going on. Does she have any past owners you could contact to find out anything about her history? And do you know how much work she was in in her last home? If not much, it may be that she has a pre-existing problem that hasn't surfaced before because she wasn't in enough work to aggravate it.

I agree that at this point I wouldn't spend money on a physio or saddle fitter, I'd go straight for vet checks and hopefully that will show up the problem. Its sounds quite bad if it's producing such an extreme reaction. I hope you can get a clear answer soon, it sounds very stressful for all of you.

Thank you. She did light hacking in her last home, but hasn't been in regular work for a couple of years. I have seen videos of her being ridden in her home before that, and she used to show. I think she does know what is going on, but it does all point to pain/discomfort. As she is definitely assertive but calm and balanced on the ground.
Vet is booked - or nearly, just waiting on a call back to confirm date of appointment. I do just want to keep her engaged in the meantime and she appears to really enjoy getting out and even lunging. She wants to work, but something is obviously stopping her.