Girthy... But not girthy?

[little_critter]

My mare was VERY grumpy when being groomed in the girth area last night (big threats to bite/ kick but it too polite to actually carry them out)
But when I put the saddle on and girth up she is totally fine, not a flicker.
Would I be right in thinking that if it was a physical issue she would object to grooming AND hit thing that area?
I can't help but think that she's linked grooming to being ridden and is therefore saying I don't like being groomed because I don't like being ridden (she's just been diagnosed with hock spavins so would have found work uncomfortable)
Any thoughts?

 

[little_critter]

Can't edit; that's meant to say grooming and girthing that area.
Tried again today, she is fine being groomed tied up in the yard; doesn't show any signs when I groom that area. However back in her stable if I touch her girth area gently but firmly ( so not tickling) with the flat of my hand its ears back and teeth bared.

 

[Tammytoo]

I had similar "girthy" problems before my mare was diagnosed with hock spavins. After injections in both hocks she does seem to be getting a bit better each time I tack up, but I was warned that just one set of injections might not be enough. I do think "remembered" pain can take a while to get over, though.

Has she been seen by a chiro? She will have been loading her weight onto her front end to avoid the hock discomfort and this may also be causing tension in her muscles. My chiro found a lot of muscle tension in my mare.

 

[little_critter]

Yes she saw a chiro just before the spavins were diagnosed (chiro suggested I go back to my vet)