New Horse - "not as described on the tin" !

[Orangehorse]

I think with a new horse you have to be a very firm "leader" so they know they can look to you if they are feeling upset.
So can you do some ground work with her, making her put her feet somewhere, and staying there until you ask them to move, going over poles, all sorts of things so she looks to you for confidence.

There are several books like this - Kelly Marks, Linda Tellington-Jones, etc.

I know you say that she is OK on the ground, but I know a IH RA and she said that she often goes to a bolshy horse and all it needs is a short session of taking orders, and this discipline gives the horse confidence in its new owner. Might be worth exploring.

I knew some dealers who were often called in to help with various problem horses, and they often found that with them the horse had no problem at all, because they expected the horse to behave correctly and nine times out of ten it did, simply because the horse recognised them as trustworthy leaders.

 

[Highflinger]

I had exactly the same problem with my new pony. Very very quiet & kick along when I tried him but first time I hacked him out at his new home he jogged & spooked constantly. I had a months trial so I was confident he was as described & the move unsettled him. His owner was amazed when I said he jogged - she didn't think he was capable! It took a good three months for him to settle & lessons helped a lot. He is fine now. Some people say it can take up to a year to really settle particularly if they have not been "out" for day trips much at shows & clinics .
Good luck

 

[Orangehorse]

Another book to read is "Brain, pain or Training" by Sue Palmer who is a physiotherapist and a Kelly Marks RA, Good book.

 

[Mahoganybay]

Another book to read is "Brain, pain or Training" by Sue Palmer who is a physiotherapist and a Kelly Marks RA, Good book.

I was lucky to meet this lady & see her demonstration, would highly recommend.