Can I have some advice

[fee26]

Hey everyone im a newbie and still getting used to how everything works ;-).

looking for some advice before I phone the vet. I recently brought a 8hh mini shetland mare to keep my gelding company. I brought brook in November 2014 and I know shes still settling in but just wanted to ask a few things.
Ive found out that she has manly been used as a lawn mower and has always been with ponies her size. She loves my gelding and they get on great so thats one hurdle we have crossed.
When ever shes in the field ive noticed then when she is working she always looks behind her constantly. Its almost like she has something on her back. She never does this when being led out just when she's in the field. Shes happy and healthy and has gained weight since being with me.
Ive had he teeth done so know its not that. Does anyone know why shes doing this?

many thanks

 

[Equi]

Not exactly sure what you mean. Is she just in the field grazing and then she looks back like this, or is she being worked like ridden/long lined?

Welcome to the forum

 

[fee26]

Hi thank you ;-)

its when she is grazing in the field. When she walks away its almost like she is constantly checking that there is nothing on her back :-(. She does have separation anxiety which we are working on slowly with her and she is getting better everyday, but with this said when she first arrived she seemed very nervous but then we realised she wants to know whats going on all the time.
I know she needs time to settle as we haven't had her long and finding out she's had 4 homes last year hasnt helped. Shes only 5 aswell and with it being winter we havent really done loads with her but she is being handled everyday and think she hasnt had this at all.

 

[Equi]

Are you able to search on her back under the fur for any scald? That shetty coat is the perfect breeding ground for it and the coat also hides it very well.

If not i would just think she is looking around for her herd, i wouldn't worry too much.

 

[fee26]

Hi equi

yes have searched under and checked her all over

my mate who does backs came this evening and checked her and said she is fine

feel so sorry for her as shes had nothing done and think I just need to allow her to settle in and start basics with her

thank you xx