Massive behavioural changes...(Exceptionally long)

[Tinypony]

Just to mention, I doubt this is kissing spine. If it is then it can only be diagnosed for sure with Xray. So many horses get labelled with this, and fortunately, if they are investigated they don't have it. So crossing fingers for you there, but I think if it's physical you'll find it isn't as bad as that.

 

[TarrSteps]

Deep breaths, you haven't turned your dream horse into an evil freak.

You're just going through a bad patch and having trouble understanding what your horse is telling you. (And she is trying to tell you something - what can only be determined by careful analysis.) You have a highly bred horse who has had a lot of changes in the past half year or so, any of which, especially in combination could be causing her to react as she is. Your job as her owner (essentially her "parent" or employer if you prefer) is to figure the situation out and solve it. I know that sounds a big responsibility but use the resources of the more experienced people around you, employ your common sense and be patient - you'll find an answer.

Horses are "organic" - they are living things and always changing. I know that sounds obvious but sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle. Just because she was "okay" with something before (which could mean anything from truly not caring to hanging in by her fingertips) does not mean, at a new time, she would still be fine with it. Stress is cumulative - it's almost never "one thing" it's almost always a situation which is then tipped over by one step, in the horse's mind, too far. That's also why horses can seem okay one day and not so much the next.

By the way, I would include discomfort under "stress" - horse do have different tolerances, different situations can make discomfort worse or better. Just because a horse isn't always reacting strongly doesn't mean it isn't hurting. By the same token a different ride/saddle/approach can make even a very uncomfortable horse *seem* okay.

Think of yourself - somedays you're on edge and snap at nothing, other days nothing bothers you at all, I'd bet.

Obviously I'm not saying just be understanding - her behaviour is undesirable, even dangerous - but don't panic, either. Do you have an instructor? Is there anyone experienced around who knows the horse? What does that person think? (I'm sure I'll get shouted down but I'd advise, if you don't have someone regular, trying to find someone. It never hurts to have a support system.) If nothing obvious shows up physically get in touch with a "behaviourist" - someone who specialises in "problem" horses - to at least have a look at the horse. Try to check off all the boxes.

You'll also find good help will make you feel better about the situation. Everyone has bad patches, getting through them successfully is what makes a good horseman.